In Another's Skin

Embers Of Bewilderment

Chapter 11: (Aaira's pov)
17 July, 2025.

As I finished eating, I noticed the old man had already left the room, leaving just the old woman and me. She was busy at the sink, placing dishes into that strange contraption that seemed to clean them with some sort of magic. I couldn't help but marvel at it, despite my predicament. What kind of world have I ended up in?

I stood up slowly, my chair scraping against the floor, and hesitated before speaking.

Aaira: I'll be upstairs.

I said quietly, trying to sound nonchalant. The old woman barely glanced at me, too absorbed in her task.

Old woman: Alright, Y/N. Remember, you have college classes today.

She replied, her tone absent. It was like she was talking to someone who didn't exist.

I looked at her, confused.

Aaira: What is college?

I asked, my voice tinged with bewilderment. She barely glanced at me, her focus still on the dishes.

Old woman: Go, Y/n, you'll be late otherwise.

She said sharply, pushing me towards the door. I stumbled outside and she threw a handbag towards me, still in shock i quickly picked it up. The world around me was a whirlwind of strange sights and sounds.

Tall, sleek buildings towered over me, their surfaces gleaming in the sunlight. The streets were filled with strange, horseless carriages that zoomed by at astonishing speeds. People walked by with curious devices in their hands, some talking into them, others staring intently at their glowing screens.

Aaira: What kind of world is this?

I whispered to myself, feeling a mix of awe and terror. Everything was so different, so alien. I took a few hesitant steps down the street, trying to make sense of it all.

The clothes people wore were unlike anything I had ever seen-brightly colored fabrics, strange patterns, and materials that shimmered in the light. The sounds were overwhelming: a constant hum of activity, the roar of the carriages, and the chatter of people all around me.

I passed by a shop window and caught my reflection in the glass. The modern clothes I wore felt strange and uncomfortable, a stark contrast to the dresses I was used to. My hair, usually pinned up neatly, was loose and wild in the wind.

I walked aimlessly, my mind racing with questions. How had I ended up here? What kind of sorcery had brought me to this place? And how was I supposed to navigate this bewildering world?

As I continued down the street, I noticed a group of young people walking together, laughing and chatting. They seemed so at ease, so familiar with this strange place.

I wondered if they were heading to this "college" the old woman had mentioned. Maybe I should follow them, try to blend in and figure out what was going on.

With a deep breath, I decided to do just that. I quickened my pace, trying to keep a reasonable distance while still keeping them in sight.

As I followed them, I marveled at the sights around me-tall buildings with enormous glass windows, shops filled with strange and wondrous items, and people dressed in ways I couldn't even begin to understand.

Eventually, the group reached a large building with a sign that read "City College." They walked inside, and I hesitated for a moment before following them. The interior was just as strange as the outside-bright lights, polished floors, and an overwhelming number of people.

I wandered through the halls, trying to avoid drawing attention to myself. I passed by classrooms filled with students sitting at desks, listening intently to teachers who wrote on strange boards that lit up with colorful displays. I couldn't understand a word they were saying, but I tried to observe as much as I could.