The World As We Know It

Chapter Eighteen

He was everywhere. Those crimson eyes were hard to mistake. Yet, as I fumbled through the strange forest with luminous mushrooms, I knew he wasn't real. It was a hallucination. If I touched him, he would disappear into thin air. It was maddening at first, constantly making me jump every time I saw him standing on the path. Now, it was comforting. He would be with me at the end.

I stumbled over a root, falling with a cry. Sniffling, I got back on my feet and continued walking. Every inch of my body screamed in pain, but I kept going. My feet left bloody footprints on the path, torn from rocks and thorns. The leafy dress did nothing to warm my shivering body. God, I was hungry! Well, none of that would matter soon. I would be dead, and Kane could shove it. Sebastian waited for me around the corner again, his eyes accusing. I smiled, relieved not to be alone again.

"Hi, again. I was wondering if you would show up again. I really don't like being alone."

I step through him, breaking the illusion. I could see the end of the forest. I was close. Another Sebastian popped up, and I greeted him.

"I must look horrible, huh?" I laughed. "Well, I'm almost there."

I knew I was going insane, but talking to my little illusions made me feel better. I could say anything I wanted to them, and it didn't matter. I was hoping there would be one at the cliff so I could get everything off the chest. I wanted to die with a clear conscious. To my delight, a Sebastian was sitting on a stump near the cliff. Arms and legs crossed, he looked angrier than I had ever seen him. It didn't matter, though. He wasn't real, and it would be over soon.

"Oh! I was hoping one of you would be here! I wasn't sure if my hallucinations were from those mushroom spores." I giggled. "I guess not."

The illusion twitched, as if to speak, but I put a hand up.

"Oh, no! None of that! I get to talk before you disappear. It's only fair."

I staggered up the slanted ground, dropping heavily at the illusion's feet. Grinning, I looked up at him.

"I was afraid I wouldn't remember your face right," I confessed, "My memory isn't very good."

I started chuckling at my joke.

"Sorry, sorry! I haven't told you yet, but I will."

The illusion leaned forward, a hand reaching out to grab me.

"Oh, knock that off," I scolded, "I won't have you disappearing until I'm finished. Just sit there and listen."

The illusion stopped, slowly assuming its earlier position. This one was much more realistic than the ones in the forest. That made me happy. It might be able to simulate a hug before it vanished. Tears started to prick at my eyes, but I brushed them away. Stupid, stupid. You did this to yourself.

"Forgive me," I said lightly, "I'm just a little emotional."

I took a deep breath and plastered a smile on my face.

"Okay! I'm good!"

The illusion didn't respond.

"I guess I should start with the obvious. I love you. I love you more than anything in the world! My life was so much brighter with you in in, and there aren't enough words to describe how much that means to me! I wish it didn't have to end, but I can't stay here anymore."