The known stranger

Prologue

Winds changed the course of their sail that day, bringing back the harsh monsoon that enveloped everything in its sight for the next few months, it probably never rained anywhere in the world as much as it did in my city. Trees danced with each other swaying with the winds, the sky was turning into wanton shades of grey and as I looked on, more and more sinister looking clouds marched towards me, it was going to start pouring momentarily and in the pit of my stomach I had a really uncanny feeling about everything that day.

My sister Emily sat beside me; Britney and her were planning about an upcoming date Emily was going to, they complained about my efforts, or lack there of to indulge in their happening conversations, I couldn't help but zone out.

Our usual table at the cafeteria was next to a big window facing the dense forest which appeared extra dark and gloomy today, The clouds thundered above us and a few seconds later it started to rain so heavily that the trees only appeared as patches of green behind a thick curtain of grey fog. A green-greyish light was diffused outside and I could hear a distant howling of wolves.
The raindrops one or two at first, now tapped loudly on the window panes making a pitter patter sound. Puddles started emerging on the uneven surface of the road below us and as the rainfall became more intense it sounded like buzzing of bees in unison.
"Woah! Well isn't it raining cats and dogs, ughh I just straightened my hair today" Brittney said "damm this frizz" she cursed, while running fingers through her ginger hair in attempts to smoothen it.
The wind that was blowing outside made whistling sounds as if trying to conceal a dark secret the rain drops falling on the  window beside me were willing to unveil. Window panes vibrated due to loud hammering of southward winds against them and there was this lovely petrichor smell mixed with the earthy aroma of pines laced in the atmosphere all around me, I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, to let the musical chime soothe my nerves.

I had started to calm down when my stupor was broken by a high pitch shriek that was commanded towards me,
"Ellaaaa" it came from behind; startling me, the very next moment their were shards of glass piercing through my right arm starting from the very top of my shoulder, cascading down to my elbow, also I hit my head hard on the pointed marble table as something heavy fell upon me, volumes of blood oozing out from my torn skin dripped on my clothes. My vision went hazy at once.

Was it Happening for real ?

It was then that I felt a fire raging through my chest and the air rushing out of my lungs, I couldn't breathe, with one sharp intake of air I looked at my sister only to find her eyes filled with terror, she stood still on her feet as if she was frozen in time while her eyes stared at me in horror; in the next moment I looked skywards to find the source of fallen glass but as soon as I turned my head, it churned. I had an extremely disoriented vision and a strong sense of nausea. There were distant voices that came from all directions that sounded unclear like when you're submerged under water.

Someone was trying to shake me really badly and I wanted to punch them in their face.

I vaguely remember anything after that, but I think I completely passed out.
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When I opened my eyes I couldn't remember anything, once my vision somewhat adjusted with the sudden flow of fluorescent light into my eyes all that I saw infront of my orbs were a pair of gorgeous amber eyes, in the hues of green, golden and brown looking down upon me, there were strands of hair falling into them, mesmerised and almost enchanted I tried to speak up but no coherent sound came out, my head spinned, after shutting my eyes I tried to gather my thoughts.
The accident in cafeteria.
My arm.
Oh my god.
I tried to open my eyes again but couldn't, probably due to anaesthesia; it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life, I wanted to get up, speak and be able to move my body, but I was caged in my own flesh, mentally freaking out I tried to move my toe fingers, my hand, taking a large breathe I finally tried to turn around. Nothing. I wanted to shout at the top of my lungs.

Was this how dying felt like? Was I slipping into coma ? Or maybe paralysis ? Most importantly who the hell was there ? I can't exactly recall when or how but I fell into nothingness again.

"She's waking up" I heard ringing in my years, I opened my eyes slowly and tried to get up frantically, instantly a comforting hand came behind my back, I looked up to see an old nurse standing beside me "lay down child" she said, the very first thing that I noticed about her were her eyes which weren't golden-brown at all, but kind nevertheless. Maybe I saw a dream or maybe I was just a lunatic, I was comfortable with the possibility of either of them though.

Initially I was confused for a few moments regarding what was happening around me but then this numbing searing pain hit me like a train and I was unable to breathe again, hot tears escaped from my orbs.
Everyone came rushing into my room, there were tears in Emiley's eyes and Brittney, my best friend was frantic, there were few other curious eyes from the school that were present there too. Everybody asked how I felt and I paid no heed to their questions.
"I'm fine" I vaguely replied to my sister, looking away from all of them. Why did people pretended to care when they actually did not ?
"I think she needs some rest" the nurse said and I mentally thanked her. Normally someone else in my place right now would want all of their friends and family around them but I often felt at peace in absence of extra people.

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