Mind Games

Chapter 1: It's the end, but a new beginning

I've often been asked, "Do you ever contemplate your own mortality?" My usual response has been, "Not really, since it feels so distant. My parents have always assured me that I will likely pass away from old age or some form of cancer, given our family history."

However, a particular incident changed my perspective on mortality. I vividly remember the day I drowned in the ocean at the age of 14. It was a sunny day, and I was swimming with my friends. They dared me to swim underwater for as long as I could, and I, never one to back down from a challenge, eagerly accepted. I dove in and swam as deep as I could. After about a minute, I struggled to find my way back to the surface. Panic set in as I realized a boat was above me, blocking out the light. I was running out of air and couldn't make it to the surface in time. As I desperately gasped for air, a bright light blinded me, and I lost consciousness.

When I regained consciousness, I found myself in a pure white room with a small toy chest in front of me. I cautiously touched the toy chest, and suddenly, a tunnel of flashing colors surrounded me. The next thing I knew, I landed on a soft, wooden floor without feeling any pain. I was astonished and bewildered. "Huh, interesting," I murmured to myself.

As I took in my surroundings, I realized that I was in a room that appeared to belong to a young girl. There were unicorn figurines displayed on the shelves, a colorful blanket adorning the bed, and the same toy chest from the previous room. I was utterly perplexed. Where was the eternal darkness or the void that I had imagined?

Suddenly, a young girl with brownish hair, bright blue eyes, and a radiant smile burst into the room. She excitedly ran over to me and hugged me tightly, exclaiming, "Mama!!!" Startled, I instinctively hid behind the bed. "There's no one there, Alice; now stop yelling before Dad starts yelling at you," someone that I assumed was that little girl's mother's voice echoed from the hallway. "Okay," Alice replied with a hint of disappointment.

Once her mother left, I cautiously approached Alice, and she waved at me. I attempted to touch her hand, but to my surprise, neither of us could feel anything. It was at that moment I realized the gravity of my situation.

I pulled my hand away, I looked into her curious eyes, "My name is Zee" I said softly.
I looked around her room and saw a mirror, I went on front of it, I saw nothing. "Do you see me?"