𝓐𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝔁 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 (but you're Ashlyn) 𝕊𝔹𝔾

Episode 57

>>>>><Gathering Before Chaos><<<<<

We all gathered around my phone as I was getting ready to video call with Tyler, who was still in the hospital. As the phone started to ring, I slowly began to look around the group. Everyone was tired.

Logan seemed a bit more nervous than usual, while Taylor seemed determined. With the instability this plan came with, it was no surprise, of course.

After discussing the plan with Tyler, we went over it again to make sure everyone was on the same page.

"And you're sure the power will work?" "In theory. I mean, the generator for the graveyard works, so this should too." "What do you think?" "Well... I guess it's the only real plan we have right now, so it's worth a shot. I still think you guys should just leave me behind first. I've already died once; what worse can happen?"

I could feel my body tense up at the thought of Tyler risking his life once again.
My internal complex leadership issues arose to the surface as I aggressively spat out, "And I said we aren't going to do that! We don't know what the phantoms are trying to do, and I don't think it's as simple as them trying to kill us. ​We aren't going to risk anything until we know more information.​ Not to mention, the stroke from the shock could have killed you!"

"Fine, fine, whatever. Stop yelling. Anyway, none of you have slept yet, so stop talking to me and try to get some rest before midnight."
"Alright."

As the call ended, we all sat there in silence for a moment, mentally trying to prepare ourselves for what this night would bring. Soon enough, my dad came over with melatonin.

Suddenly, I feel a hand on my head and hear my dad's voice telling us we needed to get some sleep, further encouraging us by offering to stay up in case anything happened. I thanked him before he went to walk away.

Soon enough, time passed, and it was already near time to enter this hell. I turn to my side, desperately trying to shake off the horrid feeling churning in my gut. The exhaustion weighs heavily on me, not just from the day's events but from the ongoing struggle of interactions that drain my energy.

I'm so tired of this-tired of pretending that I can navigate social norms with ease and tired of forcing myself to smile as if it means something when it often feels like an insincere mask I wear to blend in.

Suddenly, a gentle hand brushes against my waist, pulling me closer.

I hop up on my elbow, instinctively defensive, only to find Aiden's face angled toward me.

He offers a small smile, but his sagging eye bags tell the story of fatigue I know all too well-he's as worn out as I am. It's almost comforting to see that he, too, is fighting some unseen battle against the exhaustion that pervades our lives, as if sharing this struggle somehow bridges the lonely gap between us.

I lay back down, my fingers instinctively wrapping around Aiden's wrist. Instead of tugging it away, I just hold on, almost as if anchoring myself in this moment of genuine connection.

Aiden is many things, often disheveled and chaotic, but in those rare moments, he has a way of bringing a sense of calm amid the storm swirling around us.

It's perplexing-how someone so flustered could bring me moments of clarity. So even when everything feels unsettled, his presence can wrap around me like a protective shield, making the chaos bearable.

word count 600