Feels like a Dream...

.'~*THREE*~'.

(most likely chapter everyday)

|\First Person/|

The hallway is as loud as ever, filled with the usual rush of students hurrying to their next class, but today, the noise feels overwhelming. I pull my hood up a little higher, hoping it’ll help me block out some of the chaos. My feet drag as I approach our usual spot by the lockers. My friends are already there, their conversation lively and animated, just like every other day.

I watch them for a moment, trying to muster the energy to join in. Usually, I’d be right in the middle of it all, guiding the conversation, making sure everyone’s on the same page. But today, I feel out of sync, like there’s an invisible wall between me and them.

|\Third Person/|

Avery arrives at the group, but her usual confidence is absent. She nods in greeting, slipping into her place in the circle without a word. The others are too caught up in their conversation to notice the lack of her usual input. Kasey is busy showing off a new sketch for her costume, while Kali is making a joke that has Alice and Akrian laughing.

Daily glances at Avery, catching her eye for a brief second, but she doesn’t notice anything amiss. “Avery, what do you think?” she asks, referring to whatever idea they’re discussing.

Avery nods, giving a noncommittal response. “Sounds good.” It’s enough to satisfy Daily, who quickly turns back to the conversation, her usual enthusiasm taking over.

Avery listens, but the words wash over her without really sinking in. She feels like a ghost, present but not really there.

|\First Person/|

It’s strange how you can be surrounded by people, yet feel so alone. I know they’re my friends, that they care about me, but right now, I can’t help but feel distant. It’s like I’m floating above everything, watching from the outside. I want to say something, to let them know that I’m not okay, but the words just won’t come out. Instead, I keep quiet, hoping no one notices how off I am today.

But maybe that’s the problem—no one does.

|\Third Person/|

Throughout the day, Avery’s silence goes unnoticed. In class, she keeps her head down, scribbling in her notebook without paying much attention to the lesson. At lunch, she picks at her food, nodding occasionally at the right moments but not really engaging with the conversation.

Her friends are too wrapped up in their own excitement and plans to notice the slight downturn in her mood. Kali is bragging about a new accessory she found for her costume, and Alice is eagerly describing the latest episode of her favorite show. Even Akrian, usually more observant, is absorbed in a book, barely looking up.

Avery doesn’t mind that they’re focused on other things. It’s easier this way. She doesn’t have to explain why she’s feeling like this, doesn’t have to drag down the mood. But the longer she sits there, the more isolated she feels.

|\First Person/|

By the time the final bell rings, I’m more than ready to leave. The day has felt endless, every minute dragging by. I walk out of school, keeping my head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone. I just want to get home, to my room, where I can finally let my guard down.