Feels like a Dream...

*~.FOUR-Fractures.~*

|\First Person/|

The morning air feels heavy, like something’s brewing beneath the surface, and I can’t shake the feeling that today is going to be different. I drag my feet as I walk to school, trying to mentally prepare myself for another day of pretending everything is fine. But deep down, I know something’s about to crack.

When I reach the lockers, Daily is already there, chatting animatedly with Kasey. Akrian is off to the side, absorbed in a book, as usual. It looks like any other day, but there’s a tension in the air that wasn’t there before. I don’t have the energy to place it, so I just slip into the circle quietly, hoping to stay under the radar.

|\Third Person/|

Kali and Alice arrive together, their laughter ringing through the hall. At first glance, everything seems normal—just the usual banter and excitement about the upcoming Halloween party. But there’s an undercurrent of something darker, something that’s been building for a while now.

Daily is the first to notice. Her usual bright smile fades slightly as she watches Kali and Alice exchange a glance, something unspoken passing between them. It’s subtle, but it’s enough to put her on edge.

“What’s going on?” Daily asks, trying to keep her tone light.

Kali shrugs, but there’s a tightness to her expression. “Nothing much. Just talking about how we’re going to crush the costume contest. I found the perfect accessories to match my outfit.”

Alice nods, backing her up. “Yeah, we’re going all out. It’s going to be amazing.”

Daily forces a smile, but something in their tone rubs her the wrong way. “That’s great, but remember, it’s supposed to be a group thing, right? We all agreed to work together.”

Kali’s eyes narrow slightly. “Yeah, but some of us are putting in more effort than others. Just saying.”

|\First Person/|

My stomach tightens as I listen to their exchange, the tension growing with every word. I glance at Daily, who’s clearly trying to keep the peace, but I can see the hurt in her eyes. Kali’s words sting, and I can tell they’ve hit a nerve.

I want to say something, to step in before it gets worse, but my voice feels stuck in my throat. It’s like I’m watching a train wreck in slow motion, unable to do anything to stop it.

|\Third Person/|

Daily takes a deep breath, trying to keep her cool. “We’re all putting in effort, Kali. Just because someone’s approach is different doesn’t mean it’s less valuable.”

Alice rolls her eyes. “Come on, Daily, you know what she means. Some of us have a vision for this, and others are just along for the ride.”

Daily’s expression hardens. “That’s not fair, Alice. We’re supposed to be a team. This isn’t about who’s better or who has the best ideas—it’s about working together.”

Kali crosses her arms, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Right, because your ‘team spirit’ is really making a difference. Maybe if everyone actually cared as much as we do, this wouldn’t be such a mess.”