𝘼 𝙂𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙊𝙛 𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙚

Chapter 5

Whispers filled the air, worried voices, murmuring words I couldn't quite make out. Mom? Dad? My eyes fluttered open, struggling to adjust to the blurry scene before me. As my vision cleared, I felt a warm, comforting hand placed on mine. I turned my head, catching sight of a figure beside me—a man with familiar black hair and dark eyes. Strange… When did my dad start looking like this? Suddenly, the hand pulled away as if burned.

"She's conscious," the voice beside me exclaimed. It was familiar, but before I could process it, a crowd of people flooded into the room. The air grew stuffy as my vision sharpened, just in time to see Tiffany tackle me with a tight hug. Two teachers stumbled in behind her, panting and exhausted. Confusion clouded my mind as I looked at Tiffany, my voice cautious, "What happened? Where am I?"

Tiffany gave me a weary look, about to answer, when a cold, annoyed voice cut in. "You passed out in the middle of history," Joseph remarked, his words dripping with sarcasm rather than concern. He stood at the foot of the bed, arms crossed, his expression bored and detached. I was tempted to roll my eyes and fire back a sassy comment about his dishevelled hair when it hit me—I passed out during history?

"Holy shit…" I blurted out, louder than intended. Joseph winced, shaking his head in disapproval. "What's wrong? I know this is a lot to process, but—" Tiffany began, but I was already panicking.

"I missed an entire period of history! What did we cover? Oh god, I must have missed so much," I groaned, pushing Tiffany off me as I tried to sit up. Tiffany scoffed while Joseph sighed, "Seriously? That's what you're worried about?" Tiffany shot me a look of disbelief, her eyes narrowing in judgment.

They wouldn't understand. Each class, each lesson, feels like the world to me. How can I feel secure knowing someone else is ahead of me? I know it’s a narrow way to think, but I can’t help it. As my thoughts raced, the memory of what had happened earlier came rushing back—a strange, supernatural event. My head started spinning again, but I reassured myself that it was just a dream, not a glimpse into the future.

More teachers crowded into the already stuffy room, adding to the six people already watching me like hawks. The principal was the first face I recognized—she looked like she might faint at any moment. "Are you okay, Miss Li? Should I call… your parents?" she asked, her brow furrowed with worry. She was probably terrified of how they’d react to what happened. After all, my parents did donate a building to the school, along with a hefty check to fund better equipment.

I shook my head, trying to appear fine. I didn’t need my parents worrying over something so minor. Once the principal was convinced I was okay, she and the other staff left, leaving me alone with Tiffany and Joseph. Still feeling dazed, I turned to Tiffany. "Who… Who was behind the email?"

"They don't know the actual person behind it," Tiffany said hesitantly, "only that the sender was named 'Beijing Ghost'…." She looked unsure, clearly struggling with the absurdity of the situation.

Before I could respond, Joseph interrupted, "That's ridiculous. 'Beijing Ghost' was just a stupid horror story made up by some students to scare others." I nodded, recalling the rumours. "Wasn't Beijing Ghost supposed to be an old student who knew everyone's secrets? Even the teachers were afraid of them?"

Tiffany didn't let it go so easily. "Yes, but apparently, old students who graduated confirmed that 'Beijing Ghost' was a thing during their time."

Joseph, clearly tired of the conversation, walked out without a second glance. How rude! It's a wonder anyone likes him at all—it must be for his looks because I can’t see how anyone would like him as a person. Just as his footsteps faded, Tiffany let out a squeal that nearly made me fall off the bed.