214 [Am I real]

Chapter 8: The Beginning of the End 🖤

A Sunset Dream Turns Sour

Graduation day was finally here, and I was bursting with excitement. I'd been looking forward to this day for months, especially because I was going to celebrate with my best friend, Alfred. We had a plan: a picnic in the park, followed by a trip to the ice cream shop. I was even wearing my favorite new dress, the one with the bright blue color.

"Joyce, you look amazing!" Alfred exclaimed, his eyes widening as I walked into the park. "I can't believe we're finally done with school."

"I know, right?" I replied, grinning. "It feels surreal."

As we set up the picnic blanket, Alfred pulled out a surprise: his piano keyboard. "I wanted to play something special for you," he said, his eyes twinkling. "To celebrate our graduation."

"You play the piano?" I asked, surprised. "I never knew!"

Alfred chuckled. "It's a secret talent," he said, winking. "I've been practicing for a while now."

He played a beautiful melody, his fingers dancing across the keys. I couldn't help but smile, his music always had a way of making me feel happy.

"You're so talented, Alfred," I said, my heart swelling with admiration. "I'm so lucky to have you as my friend."

We spent the afternoon laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying our favorite snacks. Alfred even sang along to his own music, his voice rich and warm. It was the perfect graduation celebration, until...

"Hey, Joyce, remember that old photo album I found in my bedroom?" Alfred asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "The one with all the crazy pictures from our senior year?"

"Of course! The one with you tripping on stage during the school play," I laughed, remembering the photo. "You looked so silly."

Alfred chuckled. "I know, I know. But I thought it would be fun to look back at some of our memories."

He pulled out a photo album, its pages filled with pictures from our senior year. We flipped through the pages, laughing at our younger selves. There were photos of us performing in the school play, a picture of us at the school dance, and even a random photo of us eating ice cream together at the local park. But then, something strange happened.

"Wait, what is this?" I asked, my voice trembling as I pointed to a picture. "This isn't us."

The photo showed a young girl, her face pale and drawn. She was sitting on a park bench, looking lost and scared. It was a picture I had never seen before.