The Girl Who Dreams

Chapter 5: Little Lila

"Its not real...its just a game..."

But it was more than real. It was a nightmare.

It all started last week when my friend bought an antique gaming console. It didn't looked like any of the ones I was familiar with, rather it looked like it was modified of some sort. It came with a cartridge too, though it was blank and it had no name. I asked my friend why on earth compelled her to purchase said console, his only response was that it was discounted. I had my doubts of course but decided to keep it to myself.

Fast forward a few days later and we're about to put this antique console to the test.

"I've got the snacks ready."

"Great. Thanks Kay. Just finishing setting up the tv." Replied Rina, aka my friend who bought the console.

"Oh wow that thing looks so ancient."

"More like impressive you mean. Whoever created this was a genius."

"Pch whatever. Lets just start playing."

Upon pressing the start button, the console suddenly came to life. At first I thought it sounded broken, but then it started to lit up. It was a small black cube with bright lights emanating from it. It was actually mesmerizing to look at. Rina grabbed the cartridge from the table and started to insert it in the console.

Soon the words "Press Start" appeared on the screen.

"Huh. I thought something exciting was gonna pop out."

"Shhh." Rina shushed me. "I need to concentrate."

"Whatever miss gamer of the year."

Ignoring me, Rina pressed the start button on the controller. An 8-bit character appeared on the screen. It was a cute little girl with a basket. She waved hello, as if speaking to us directly. Then the objectives appeared on the screen: help little Lila collect flowers!

"Oh wow. Its a cutesy game. Totally your style Rina."

She just rolled her eyes.

It was side scrolling game like Super Mario. The background was filled with blue skies, lush green trees, plus it was sunny too. When I first saw it I was actually expecting a horror game.

Turns out I was right.

It was all a cover up. The game showed its true colors after Lila finished collecting all of the flowers.

Upon exiting the level the screen went blank. A few seconds later Lila appeared on the screen. She wasn't the sweet girl we saw previously. She was covered in blood and to make things even worse, she had a knife in her hand. Her expression sent chills down my spine as her lips were curved into a creepy smile. She began walking towards us.

At this point Rina and were both terrified. Without thinking she quickly unplugged the console and turned the tv off.

"Well that was unexpected. I think the game's probably faulty."

I simply nodded in agreement.

Rina placed the console in the box and hid it in the cupboard. We both got ready for bed as it was getting pretty late.

A few hours later I awoke from my slumber. I thought I heard someone scream, yet I simply dismissed it. I had to check on Rina just in case. The scene before me made my eyes go wide in horror. There was blood everywhere. Rina's body was slumped on the floor. There were slashes all over her body. I checked her pulse but it was too late. She was gone. Who could've done this? And then it hit me.

Little Lila.

It may sound silly, but I'm pretty sure she was the only one who was wielding a knife. I was in a fight or flight mode. I had nothing to protect myself with. On the other hand, if I tried running she might end up catching me.

I chose the latter.

I didn't want to fight. I just wanted to get away as far as possible. I made my way through the main door as quietly as I can. As soon as I turned the knob, I caught a glimpse of her running towards me. I managed to escape just before she was about to stab me. I was in a mess. What else is there to do? Calling the cops was out of the question. I reeled myself. I had to fight back. I went back inside.

There she was. Little Lina in the flesh. Just casually minding her own business.

I quitely sneaked up on her. I had an advantage as I was completely taller. I made sure that she didn't see my reflection. And then I attacked. But it clearly wasn't effective, as no matter how hard I hit her she just won't die. Suddenly I had an idea. What if I burned the entire console? Surely it must work.

I lit the entire console on fire. Little Lila screamed as her body began to burn. It was a horrific sight to say the least.

"Good riddance."

Or so I thought. I woke up again, and this time my breathing felt heavy. I felt a sharp pain too, and to my horror I saw Little Lila standing next to me with a bloodied knife.

I was confused.

With a creepy smile on her face, she whispered "Good riddance."

Everything went black.