Echoes of a Virtual Life

Chapter 1

I floated in a sea of mist, the world around me blurred and shimmering like a half-forgotten memory. Shadows danced at the edges of my vision, their shapes elusive, like figures in a distant fog. The air was thick with the scent of something familiar yet just out of reach, like the smell of rain on pavement.

I could feel someone nearby—strong, warm, and comforting. A black silloulete of a boy reached out for me. My heart quickened as I strained to see through the haze. A hand extended toward me, fingers just a breath away from mine. I reached out, desperate to grasp it, to know who it was—

BEEP BEEP BEEP

The shrill sound of my alarm cut through the dream like a knife, yanking me back into the cold reality of my bedroom. My eyes snapped open, my hand still outstretched toward the ceiling, clutching at nothing but air. The familiar walls of my room, pale in the early morning light, greeted me instead of the comforting figure from my dream.

I sighed, my heart still pounding, the dream slipping away like sand through my fingers. Another day, another morning, another race to get ready for school. But this morning was different. It wasnt my old school, like back at the orphangers. At this school, no one was adopted.

I sighed again, and as my alarm started to beep again, I turned around to face it and slammed my hand over it. I groaned loudly, and slowly sat up. Meanwhile, the doors to my room were already open, in which stood a woman called Elara. She took me from the orphanage, and gave me a chance in life. I never really met my mother, so it will be hard to call her my 'mom'. As she was standing in the door, she leaned on the edge and greeted me with a smile on her face.

"Morning sweetheart~"

She played with her mid-long, blonde, strip of hair. She was still in her pajamas, that was blue with small colourfull flowers all over it. I smiled back at her, and even if I felt quite uncomfortable being called 'sweetheart', I played it off very good.

"Morning..."

I yawned back at her. I was very sleepy. But my dream made me think.

*...who even was that? The boy felt odly familiar...*

~~~~~~

As I got out of bed, I opened my closet. I took out a very light brown shirt, with the title 'Sex Pistols'. I dont even listen to the band, the shirt just looked aesthetic when we were in the store, so I took it. I closed the closet and opened the drawer to take my black cargo pants. I quickly changed, and made my way to the kitchen, where Elara was preparing breakfast for herself. As I entered the kitchen, I opened the fridge to see whats inside...

*...hmm, what could I do for myself? theres-*

"do you want some?"

I turned my head to the right to see Elara offering me one of the toasts she made. No one ever prepared food for me, this feels so... weird...

"...yeah, sure. thank you"

I said in a grateful voice, as I was slowly taking the toast from her hand. She smiled at me, and I didnt know what to do except to smile back at her. She looked so content after I took the toast... Maybe this is what makes her happy.

*maybe I should make breakfast for her sometimes...*

I thought and closer the fridge. I stepped forward to the sink to pour water in my bottle. As I was slowly took my bottle and my toast, I went to my room and put it on my desk. Then I quickly headed to the bathroom. I took my toothbrush, and opened my toothpaste to put it on the toothbrush.

*why am I saying this all aloud? I mean its not aloud, its just in my head, but like, its weird... ugh quit thinking, you will be late for school!*

With a bit of anger I opened my mouth to brush my teeth. I mean, its my ADHD after all, even though I might not look like I have it...

~~~~~~

As I akwardly waved my last goodbyes to Elara, I step into the bus. I look around and see few people sitting down. I look for a free double spot, because I hate sharing seats with someone. As I sit comfortably down in the very back of the bus, I take out my aipods and put them in my ears. I take my phone out, and play my favorite songs, to take down the stress that I had in myself.

As the bus arrives in front of the school, and I get off. I stand at the entrance, watching students passing by.

will this be a new start, or a continuation of a nightmare?