Deserted. The only word which I could use to describe the city as of now. No sign of life except myself. The only things that stood beside me were the imposing buildings – they towered over me. I stared out into the barren abyss – was this the embodiment of hell that mankind had feared ever since the beginning of time? If it was, then I can see why. It was a horrible sight to see. Cars were wrecked; bodies lay across the blood-ridden streets. I walked around aimlessly, still in shock from what had happened. Where was my brother? Was he a part of the list of the dead? Or could he have escaped? My brother… my head spun around like a kaleidoscope just at the thought of him. I was so worried I didn’t know what I could do. I bashed my head across the first building I saw. Crimson liquid slowly dripped from my head; my eyes widened, fascinated by the sight of my own blood.
Tick, tock. Tick, tock.
The sound of the high street clock was more than enough to make me go insane. 5:53pm. Instinctively, I threw a large stone towards its face in hopes of it shutting up. I screamed in anger, fury, hatred, devastation and everything in between. What could I do now? He’s probably disappeared, but was he thinking of me too? Was he troubled about my whereabouts as well? I choked a sob back but I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I let all everything out – my voice could probably be heard for miles now. Was anyone out there to hear my cries and my pleas? I doubt so. I ran and ran until I could run no more. Blue hour approached. My brothers favorite time of day. I can’t do this anymore. Everything I saw reminded me of him; the bakery he loved, the skatepark he often hung out at with his friends. Let me out of my misery. Let me out of this hellbent world. Let me go. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew in front of my face. I shut my eyes tightly. My time is up, I thought. I waited for something to reach out and grab me. To my surprise, nothing happened. Slowly, I opened them back up only to see a cloud of fog form on the street. I wiped my eyes once more to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. It just stood there, not moving a muscle. Was this a sign from the heavens? Would this take me to a better place? I cautiously walked towards the mist, making sure that I did nothing to cause a scene. But who would care anyway? It’s not like there was anyone. As they used to say: curiosity kills the cat.
Flash-bang. That’s the first thing I thought of when I emerged from the cloudy gateway. My eyes immediately shut in response to the bright sun – totally contrasting the constant grey I had seen just a minute ago. Houses were aligned in flawless rows, the streets clear of any trash, and people just enjoying their lives. I was so confused; where had all the havoc gone to? I continued to amble my way through the little town that took to my interest. Looking around my surroundings, I felt something was off. This place felt a bit too…perfect for my liking. As my delirious thoughts consumed my sanity, I accidently bumped into someone, knocking over their stuff.
“I’m so sorry, let me help – Jay? Is that really you?” I screamed out loud. Tears welled up and I violently started sobbing. I threw myself to hug him tightly. Oh, how I missed my brother! Jay was the one who got me through my toughest times. Although we were only 1 year apart, to me, he always felt like a little child I had to watch over. Like I was his guardian. Something that our parents failed to do. I was still able to remember the time our parents left us. His wails and sobs haunt me to this day. I was never going to leave him alone ever again. Ever.
“Excuse me, but who are you? And how do you know my name? Because I haven’t seen you in this neighborhood before.”
“What, how do you not remember me? Did you bang you head on something? It’s me, Amber! Your sister!”
“I’m so sorry, but I have no clue who you are. Maybe you’re looking for a different person? I can help you if you want to.”
“But I’m very sure that it’s you. Same face, voice and everything. So how come you forgot? Unless…oh no…it can’t be…” It all added up now. Why I felt so out of place. Why this town felt so perfect. Why my own brother couldn’t remember me. It’s because this isn’t my world. This is a world where I was never born. I never existed. Why did it look so much happier – did I really have that much of an impact? I always thought of myself as a side character in someone else’s story; just a nobody living in the main character’s life. I was proven wrong.
Amber. I found you, Amber. You can’t escape now.
“Who was that?” I exclaimed.
“Are you sure you don’t need help?”
“Yes! Now can you just leave me alone?”
You know who I am, Amber. There’s no point in running now. Come to me and everything will be over.
I stumbled backwards, and saw what was talking to me. Him. A black shadow stood 6 feet away from me, boring his gaze into mine. My feet pivoted on the spot. His inner voice overwhelming my mind, I sprinted across the street back to where I had come from. The figure flashed through my head again and again. I tried to get rid of it, but nothing worked. I turned around, only to see Him wielding two hunting knives in his hands. The cloak covered his whole face except the large scar on his right cheek. His lips curled into a sly grin.
You know how much better this world would be without you. There’s concrete evidence now. No point in denying it. Just accept your fate.
“No! Never!” I kept on running until I reached the place I had first came from. My hands clambered through the plants and branches. My legs burned. My head hurt so badly. My eyes were blurry. All I could see was the same image of Him flickering in my head, replaying over and over again. I panted like a dog and skimmed the area as swiftly as possible. Where was the fog? How did it just fade away?
“Where did the mist-?”
What can you do Amber? Now, it’s your time to die.
I had no plan. No weapon to defend myself. He cornered me until I couldn’t move any further. His knife raised above my chest, ready to strike. What was I supposed to do now?
