Colors of Therapy

Awake

        The room was delicate. A masterpiece. Expensive silverware, white tablecloth and napkins, white curtains, and windows revealing a gorgeous rose garden. Golden sunlight poured into the room. I glanced up. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling. A table with teacups, plates, and teapots. Plates with small sandwiches, scones, and macaroons. The scent of earl gray filled the air. In the center was a rose lying on the table. The lighting, the shadows, the colors... It was like a picture. 

        Seated in a cushioned chair was a boy who appeared to be nineteen. He wore a fine suit. His hair was white and curly. His eyes were brown. He was very pale and had a slim figure. He was a little short, but around average height. He sat with complete stillness, unblinking. He slowly turned his head to me. "Greetings. You must be Eke. It is a delight to me you," he said, a slow smile spread across his face. He spoke with a well-mannered tone and had a soothing voice. "Please, take a seat while we discuss what all of this is about." He gestured towards the chair across from him. 

        I sat down in a chair. His brown eyes stared right into me. He kept his polite smile. Something was unsettling with his behavior. "Hello, sir," I replied.

        "Now, let's discuss who you are. You are Eke. This place, you'll find that it is chaotic. You may lose your identity... It wouldn't be surprising were that to happen, just disappointing," he said. "But, let's not waste our time in chit chat. No need to pour yourself a cup. There's a high chance you'll die here. You see, this place is called the Infinite. I've been here for a good while. I did some searching and studying, and learned that this place is actually a game. Or a puzzle. I believe that there is a way out of here, but... It is not very pleasant, like the way this room is. I am your guide. My name is Dante. I know how to get you to your goal, which is an escape. To escape, you must learn my truth. My hidden secrets. My desires. You'll want to know me better than you know yourself. And I must fall in love with you... But I am not so easy. I know that these are simply part of the rules. I highly doubt that you could ever. Then there's the other one... I do my best to avoid trash like him. He's not right. But like me, you must know him, too. But, likely, he might just kill you," Dante explained. His smile remained. "Do not worry. There are other ways to escape. You need to survive everything the Infinite throws at you. You'll be stuck in situations where death will certainly occur. For every situation you solve, you earn coins. They may not seem important, but you'll certainly want them. They will enhance your abilities, and provide other things. Important items. And finally, I will teach you how to access your abilities among other things. Please, double-tap the air."

        I furrowed my brows, confused. What would tapping the air do? Everything he was saying... It didn't make sense. What was this place? Where am I? Where was I before? I woke up here, but I didn't have a clue where I was before. Or even who I was. I accepted this as a simple reality. But where did I come from? Nothing made sense. 

        I double tapped the air. The whole world paused. A square appeared in my vision. There was the text: Check mirror? Yes. No. I tapped yes. A mirror appeared in front of me. I was surprised by my own appearance. I had forgotten what I looked like. Brown skin, dark hair, and white eyes. I was short and thin. I also looked around nineteen. On the side of the mirror read a list called notes: 

        A physical error. Strength stat cannot be improved. Strength: 9 Intelligence error. Intelligence stat can be improved continuously to no end. Intelligence: 36. Charisma:26. Life error. Life stat cannot be improved. Life: 9. Creativity: 36. Special skills: photographer: helps collect information. Chef: food is easier to find. Baker: food is more filling. Chess master: can think ahead and make mostly accurate predictions. Gamer: all skills are enhanced. Learns easily. 

        Unique special skill: Therapist: ..... how unfortunate.

        I tapped out of the mirror. "Woah..." I said. 

        "Interesting, right? I'm curious what your stats are. After being here for a long period of time, my stats are fairly high," Dante said. 

        "I am a photographer, chef, baker, chess master, and a gamer," I explained.

        "Seems that you have some luck. You gain more of those the more you explore."

        "I also have this thing called a unique special skill," I said.

        "Hm? Those skills reveal your purpose. You only get one of them. So, tell me about your purpose." He smiled at me, waiting for me to continue. His eyes... Did he ever blink?

        "I have the therapist," I answered. "Its description is odd..." I trailed off. He stiffened. His smile that never seemed to vanish, had quickly turned into a deep frown. His eyes seemed even more intense. He froze completely. He didn't say a single word. He stared heavily into my eyes, his face serious. His fun demeanor was replaced with a solemn expression. Silence filled the air. I stayed quiet, unsure of what to do.

        ".... Get ready," he said, his tone serious... Almost threatening. "We'll see each other again."

        My vision slowly faded. The world became dark and black. Everything disappeared. The last thing I saw was Dante's face.