Artificial Tears

Chapter 15

The way back to my apartment is rather awkward, I don't feel like speaking to someone who distrust me. A lot of people seem to right now, but then again I also don't trust anyone back at the moment.

After what feels like ages, detective North tries to start up the conversation again: "So, do you have any other strange dreams? Related or not, I would like to hear them."

I sigh: "There is a reoccurring one... it always starts in the same room and there is almost always this other person with a mask on. At first they seemed nice, but recently they weren't."

"What did they do?"

"They pushed me."

"Just pushed you?"

"Into an underground ocean filled with blood."

"Well that seems more like an ordinary nightmare. Do you talk to someone about these?"

"No." I answer as I look outside the window, watching the skyscrapers and holograms pass by.

He places his hand into one of his jacket's pockets and takes out a small card: "Here, take this."

He hands me the piece of thick paper and I read what's on it.

Angry, I look at him: "Why? Do you think I'm crazy?!"

Detective North shakes his head gently: "No, I honestly even have started to believe you a little. This case is a very strange and gruesome one. She's a good psychologist and you might be able to vent about the things that you're afraid of or even talk about the things that happened at work."

I shake my head annoyed.

"Please give it a try, she is a very good listener and everyone can use one of those today."

I take another quick look at the card and then place it in my own pocket with a feeling of defeat: "I'll think about it." I mumble.

The rest of the journey back continues in silence.

"We're here, let me help you." Detective North lets me know as we stop.

"No thanks, I'm fine." Without looking him in the eye I leave the car: "Bye."

"Have a good night."

I walk back into the apartment complex, it's already getting dark again, so I make sure to hurry and don't take the elevator.

As I enter the apartment I greet my 'friends' and leave to go to bed.

I'm just too tired.

Misty comes with me and I fall asleep with her purring softly next to my ear.

Warming my painful head, she seems to be my one and only ally in this world full of strange happenings and secrets.

When I open my eyes, I'm standing in the black and white tiled room again.

I see another open door, but don't feel like going in this time.

"Hey System!" I call out to the unknown entity haunting half of my nightmares.

There is no answer so I start pacing around, looking at every tile and calling for System once in a while.

After a while it seems to be useless, I need to get through that door or the nightmare won't end.

But does it matter?