SOUL DORM

62

You don't own me

I'm not just one of your many toys

***

CHAPTER 62:

UNLUCKY PLAYER

I had no chance of going back to the concert. I could barely stand. The realization I had experienced was more shocking than all the troubles that devastated me for days. Fortunately, Lark was by my side. She was the one who took me back to the Dorm, put me in my room, and ended my crying fit with splashes of water on my face.

"Sleep, Olive," she finally said as she laid me on the bed.

A gentle warmth flowed from her hand into my body as she caressed my hair. Perhaps it was this touch that, for the first time in days, allowed me to sleep without thrashing. Or maybe Lark, indeed, was a witch. I could think no longer. My eyes closed, my weary body surrendered, and I plunged into darkness.

I had never dreaded waking up until that morning when opening my eyes felt like a major disappointment. I longed to return to the oblivion that had erased all memories, but even my dreams seemed to have expelled me. I had no choice but to face the day, recall yesterday's events, and confront the consequences. Yet, I couldn't immediately rise; the ceiling loomed overhead like a vast curtain, and the events of my time in this realm replayed there like scenes from a movie.

There were many questions, but only one truly mattered: How had I ended up in this mess? I had always prided myself on being a smart girl; my logic had never let me down before. I knew how to set a goal and pursue it confidently. But now, my mind was like a boiling cauldron. Having seized the helm, my heart dragged me into a storm in pursuit of the impossible. I was drowning in that storm, unsure of how to save myself.

It was excruciating—I had become one of the girls I used to mock and pity, losing myself without realizing when or how. Had I misread the situation, gotten carried away, or surrendered my will? It might seem foolish to blame Mars, but I did. Like many others who had wept over him, I despised him for reducing me to this state of helplessness—and I despised myself even more.

No, I couldn't go on like this. I didn't want this torment or the boy who caused it in my life anymore. My logic would undoubtedly prevail, tearing this storm out of my heart. But how? That was the puzzle to solve. Seeing Mars only intensified the turmoil. If only I could keep him out of my classes, I wouldn't have to face him or these overwhelming emotions. It shouldn't be a problem for him; after all, I had been the one insisting he attend classes with me. Going solo might be challenging, but shedding this pain was worth any struggle.

Yes, this should be my salvation!

Just moments ago, I thought I couldn't leave my bed, but suddenly, I was up like a rocket. I finally had a plan, and planning had always saved me. I'd tackle this issue with effective process management: break down the problem, map out the steps, and correct errors systematically until I reach my goal. The first step was already evident. I took a quick shower, washed away the oppressive feelings, threw on the first clothes I found, and left the room.

It was a quiet day for the Dorm residents: no classes and the lingering calm after lake day left most still lounging in bed. I, however, marched down to the art rooms with the resolve of a soldier. I strode past the silent music studios, bracing myself for the encounter, but the boy I sought wasn't there. It made sense—he wouldn't usually start early after a late performance. Still, I wasn't going to give up.

I headed straight for the stairs, ready to search the cafeteria, the library, or even his room if necessary. Luckily, that wasn't needed. Mars was at the poolside, just out of the water, drying his hair. The sight of him sent a stab of pain through my heart, a stark reminder of why I was there. Approaching confidently, he only noticed me when I got close. Initially, his face softened, but the fire in my eyes quickly dimmed his smile.