ECHOS OF THE PAST

2. The Discovery

As the cab pulled away from the apartment, I couldn't shake the image of that twisted reflection from my mind. The shadows had seemed alive, creeping along the walls as if they were reaching for me. The unease clung to me like a second skin, refusing to let go even after I arrived at my friend's place. 

Memories of the days when I first moved into the apartment came flashing back. I had been so excited, looking forward to a fresh start in a new city. The apartment, was perfect at first glance, with its vintage charm and spacious rooms. It was in a quiet neighborhood. Just the way I liked it. All of the furniture was recently done. The rent was way less than any others in the area. The owner lived far away and would only come in once to collect the rent.

It was too good to be true and I leapt at the first opportunity. And now here I was, running away from it and questioning my choices. Maybe I was overthinking. It was nothing. 

I decided to douse myself in wine to help me sleep. It worked. 

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I had been struggling with a particularly heavy box, my arms aching from the effort, when I heard a soft voice behind me.

"Need some help?"

I turned around to see a girl standing in the doorway, her brown hair cascading over her shoulders. She had a striking appearance—sharp features softened by an easy smile and dark eyes that seemed to take in everything at once.

"Thanks," I managed, grateful for the assistance.

She stepped forward and effortlessly lifted the box I had been wrestling with. "I'm Mona," she introduced herself, setting the box down in the living room. "Your new flatmate."

"Priya," I replied, wiping the sweat from my brow.

"Welcome," Mona said, her smile widening. "It's a great place, really. The building is a little old but we've got new furniture. It has character."

I glanced around at the new wallpaper and newly worked on floorboards. "Yeah, it definitely has something."

We spent the next few hours chatting as I unpacked. Mona was easy to talk to, her conversation flowing effortlessly from one topic to the next. She told me about the neighborhood, the best places to grab coffee, and the quirks of the old building. There was something about her—an air of confidence mixed with a hint of mystery—that made me feel at ease.

As the sun set, casting long shadows across the room, Mona stood up to leave. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to knock on my door," she said, her tone warm. "We have to stick together."

"Thanks, Mona," I said, genuinely touched by her kindness. "I appreciate it."

"Ofcourse, we are gonna be soul sisters! Just you watch" She squealed with a sudden excitement in her voice. 

Woah! Soul sisters? Wasn't that too early to say. We just met. I thought and just gave out a surprised smile. 

"I just know it in my bones", said Mona and stared at me with a weird smile. 

I felt a shiver through my spine and before I could comprehend any further I saw it. A shadow started to loom in from one of the corners of the hall. The apartment suddenly became darker and cold. As I watched, the shadow took the form of a dark figure, wrapped in a shroud. It started to inch towards me. But I coudn't move. I tried to shout but instead started gasping for air.

I woke up abruptly. Sweating and my hands flinging around. I realised it was a horrible dream. I sat there covering my face, and then came the tears. I didn't know what was happening and why. I didn't know whom I could speak with. Nothing made any sense. It was 12:30 PM.