SOUL DORM

6

Don't you know each cloud contains

Pennies from heaven

***

CHAPTER 6:

THE GIRL CHASING THE SUN

I was racing at full speed, like an ice skater on a marble rink, twirling with triple axels over doorframes. The monster's footsteps had faded, but I refused to slow down. Why was I running, anyway? Everyone in the Dorm had library access, didn't they? But then... that scene I accidentally witnessed... the awkward intimacy of the moment... And that eerie, yellow-eyed creature...

Yes, I had to bolt! Run, Olive! Run, girl! Run, run, run!

Maybe I should've chosen track and field over swimming as a kid. But hey, my dead body's stamina wasn't too bad. I zoomed through those maze-like rooms like a champ, drawing circles until I found my way out. If I weren't sneaking, I'd have strolled into the corridor, cheering for my epic escape. Instead, I hugged the wall, holding my breath like a stealthy ninja, scanning for lurking surprises.

Alone. No one was chasing me. Perhaps that cat was some library guard and decided to tail the duo instead of me. I wasn't going to stick around and play detective. Safety meant locking myself in my room. So, from shadow to shadow, I crept to the main hall. I took my first deep breath in the elevator, the next one only coming when I stepped inside my room.

I made it through alive—well, as alive as a dead person can be. But fate wasn't done with its mischief just yet. As I shook off the shock and processed the craziness of it all, I noticed something odd in my room. I distinctly recall leaving my backpack sprawled on the floor, but now, it is perched on my desk, its contents meticulously arranged.

I froze. Someone had been in my room. Ursa said the door would only open to the owner of the room. But somehow, someone managed to get in. They might still be here. After weighing the corridor's safety versus my room for a few seconds, I tiptoed to the bookshelf, grabbing one of the thickest books. At least it'd serve some purpose now.

Slowly, I combed through every nook and cranny - the balcony, the curtain-shrouded corners, even the bathroom. Empty, empty, empty. No one else lurked in the room. Yet, I circled it three more times until I was a hundred percent sure. Perhaps a diligent staff member had popped in for a quick tidy while I was gallivanting. Yes, that must be it.

With that comforting thought, I relaxed and plopped the book onto the bed. The excitement and hustle had worn me out more than I realized. Whether or not I wanted to admit it, I needed to rest, just as Ursa suggested. The faster I slept, the sooner tomorrow would come.

I returned to the bathroom, thinking a warm shower would wash away the interdimensional dust. I hadn't noticed the luxurious details earlier, but this might be the fanciest bathroom I'd ever seen. A grand tub, an array of soaps, scented oils, creams, candles, plush towels, dangling flowers from the ceiling...

It felt like someone was trying to tempt me, distract me from my mission, and tether me here. But I wasn't biting. Pushing aside these alluring treats, I quickly showered and dashed back to my room. Okay, maybe I indulged in a hint of lavender oil, but it was all about relaxation.

I opened the wardrobe to find something to wear to bed. Oddly, only one pajama was set inside, and it fit me perfectly. I'd already slipped into the pink silk shirt when I spotted the glass on the nightstand. I was positive it hadn't been there before. My back tensed like a startled cat. Again. My eyes darted around the room. Again.