Havenfell

Chapter 26: Fraying Reality

(Content Warning: Derealisation)

Felicity sat in the dimly lit hotel room, the weight of the past days pressing down on them like an anchor. The conversation with Bree and Juno had taken its toll, and now, as the room's shadows lengthened with the setting sun, Felicity felt reality begin to slip away. The room around them seemed to warp and distort, as if the walls were breathing, closing in with each shallow breath they took. The world outside the window seemed distant, a surreal painting rather than a living, breathing world.

Their thoughts began to spiral, each one tangling with the next until they couldn't tell where one ended and another began. Felicity's heart pounded in their chest, their breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. They gripped the edge of the bed, their knuckles white, trying to anchor themselves to something, anything, that felt real.

The door creaked open, and Rin stepped in, their eyes immediately falling on Felicity. "Hey, Fliss, are you okay?" Rin's voice was gentle but filled with concern, pulling Felicity's attention.

Felicity tried to respond, but the words caught in their throat, their vision blurring with unshed tears. The room felt like it was spinning, and Felicity clung to the bed, desperately trying to ground themselves.

Rin moved closer, their movements slow and deliberate, as if approaching a frightened animal. They sat down beside Felicity, not touching them, but close enough to offer a sense of presence. "It's okay," Rin said softly. "Just breathe. I'm here."

Felicity nodded shakily, focusing on Rin's voice, a lifeline in the chaos. They took a deep breath, then another, trying to follow Rin's calm, steady breathing.

"I... I don't know what's real anymore," Felicity whispered, their voice trembling. "Everything feels so... distant."

Rin nodded, their expression empathetic. "I know. It's been a lot. More than anyone should have to deal with. But you're not alone. We're all in this together."

Felicity closed their eyes, trying to focus on Rin's words. The warmth of Rin's presence slowly began to seep into their awareness, a small but vital connection to reality. They felt the panic begin to subside, the room gradually settling back into its familiar shape.

"I'm scared, Rin," Felicity admitted, their voice barely audible. "I feel like I'm falling apart."

Rin hesitated for a moment, then gently placed a hand on Felicity's shoulder. "It's okay to be scared. I'm scared too. We've lost so much, and there's still so much we don't understand. But we're stronger together."

Felicity took another deep breath, the tension in their chest easing slightly. "Thank you," they said, their voice steadier. "I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

Rin offered a small smile, their eyes soft with understanding. "We're all we've got right now. And that's enough. We'll get through this, one step at a time."

The room fell into a companionable silence, the bond between them strengthening in the shared vulnerability. Felicity felt a flicker of hope, a reminder that they weren't alone in this nightmare. They had friends who cared, friends who would stand by them no matter what.

As the night deepened, Felicity and Rin talked quietly, sharing their fears and their hopes. They spoke of Poppy, of the memories that still brought a smile despite the pain. They talked about the future, about finding a way to make it through each day.

Felicity felt a sense of calm settle over them, a fragile peace that seemed almost surreal in the face of everything they had endured. But it was enough, for now. They weren't alone, and that made all the difference.