A Stroll Through Memory Lane

I walked back down the fancy marble hallways, feeling kinda numb, and Jimmy was trailing behind, looking all worried. The quick flashes of visions in his posh office were gone, leaving me frustrated with more glimpses of secrets. We rode the elevator up to the main lobby in this tense silence, and Jimmy gave a quick nod to the receptionist, who was still staring at us like we were a show or something.

Once we were outside, the sunlight hit me, and I felt kinda exposed after being in the underground maze of Patmos Enterprises. I looked at Jimmy, and his face seemed pretty tense. "So, what's the deal with this place? Is it like the headquarters for Everwood's weird supernatural history?" I asked, trying to sound sarcastic.

Jimmy winced at my flippant tone. "I know you must feel confused and suspicious Serene. But Patmos conducts very sensitive work - discoveries and techniques we guard carefully." His expression turned solemn. "As for your role here...I truly hoped visiting would unlock deeper memories. You spearheaded several critical projects using your unique...gifts."

I bristled at his cryptic non-answers. "What unique gifts? Stop hiding behind excuses and riddles!" I turned and stalked off fuming before he could respond. I didn't look back.

I ended up wandering around and found myself in a chill public park with trees rustling and sunlight peeking through. It kinda helped calm me down. I sat on this old stone bench, letting the earthy scents and bird sounds work their magic on my messed-up mind.

Whatever Patmos Enterprises was about, I obviously had some big role there. But Jimmy and the others were keeping the real deal secret. Why give me a fancy private library with ancient books and weird stuff? And how did I end up all beat up after my 21st birthday party?

I was stuck dealing with my frustrated feelings about the mystery of my past alone. But as the sun started to set, this determination grew in me. I was gonna break through those barriers and dig up the forgotten truth, no matter what.

With night coming on, I stood up with this new sense of purpose and headed home. While Diane, Dylan, and Abby chatted over dinner, I stayed quiet, deep in thought. They looked at me kinda worried, but they left me alone, and that was good. I was done with all the empty talk and polite lies. It was time for action. And I had a risky plan in mind…

*****

Darkness!

I looked around and I was in the darkest woods I'd ever been in.

'Wait, I know this place,' I said, realizing I was in a dream again.

I had seen these woods in my dreams, and sometimes it felt like I had been there outside of my dreams.

The haunting call of a voice pierced the silence, echoing from within the cabin's depths. "Serene... Serene, come closer..."

My steps were hesitant, each footfall echoing in the stillness. The cabin's door creaked open with an eerie slowness, revealing an abyss that seemed to swallow all light. The air around me grew heavy with the promise of dread as I peered into the abyss.

From the darkness, a stone emerged into view. Its surface featured a complex symbol of a thorn-encircled evil eye. As I inched closer, the air grew dense with an array of whispering voices, their words a chilling cacophony that seemed to seep into my very bones.

"Go to her," the voice murmured once more, laden with sorrow and desperation.

"Who are you?" I called out, my voice quivering with fear. "What do you want from me?"

In response, the cabin's walls seemed to close in, the confines of the space pressing upon me like a vice. The symbol on the stone pulsed with an otherworldly energy, its eye fixed on me as if peering into my very soul.

Summoning my courage, I took a cautious step forward, and the world around me twisted. The forest that had surrounded the cabin transformed into a twisted labyrinth of gnarled trees and distorted paths. The voice grew more urgent, its cry carrying a pain that seemed to resonate within my very core.

Fighting against the tendrils of fear, I ventured closer to the stone. Its details became clearer—the eye, the thorns—etched into the cold surface. Yet, as I drew near, I felt a pair of eyes materialize within the darkness, their glow casting an eerie light that penetrated the depths of my being.

Terror surged within me, and the instinct to flee was very overwhelming. But as I turned to escape, the world shifted once more, the labyrinth warping and twisting around me. I felt like I was in a maze. I panicked and a scream slipped through my lips

And then I woke up, my eyes opening in a violent jolt, my heart racing as sweat trickled down my forehead. The room was cloaked in darkness, and the air was heavy with a lingering sense of unease. I took deep, ragged breaths, attempting to steady myself, but then I felt a cool breeze whirl through my room.

I turned towards the window and froze, my breath catching in my throat. The window was open, and a gust of wind was rustling the curtains. Panic surged within me as I realized that I had closed the window before going to bed.

"No, no, I'm sure I closed it," I whispered to myself, my voice trembling.

The unsettling feeling intensified, sending a chill crawling up my spine. My mind raced with the implications—had someone been in my room? Was there an intruder?

I forced myself to move, inching towards the window. Outside, the night was still, and the world was shrouded in hushed serenity. Yet the weight of unease remained—a lingering presence that clung to the air.

With shaky hands, I closed the window and locked it, my heart pounding against my ribcage. As I climbed back into bed, I couldn't get rid of the feeling that something in the shadows was watching me as I closed it. I decided to shake it off and go back to sleep. I stayed awake, staring into space for hours, until I started to feel my eyes getting heavy again. Eventually, I fell back to sleep.

The morning arrived with a semblance of normalcy, with the first rays of dawn filtering through my curtains. I descended the stairs to find a breakfast spread, the aroma of food welcoming me to the day. Diane, Amelia, Lily, and Abby were already seated at the table, their smiles warm and inviting.

"Good morning, Serene," Diane greeted, her eyes twinkling with affection.

"Good morning.". I returned the smile, taking a seat among them and asking,

"How was your night? I hope you're settling in, okay?" asked Diane.

"Marcel heard you screaming in the middle of the night, was it a bad dream?" Abby added, her gaze studying mine in a concerned manner. I nodded.

"I'll sleep with you, Serene, I can protect you when you have a bad dream, like you always protected me," chimed Amelia, staring at me with those beautiful eyes. I smiled at her, feeling like I of belonging.

Abby and Diane just shared looks of sympathy.

As we were eating our breakfast, the chatter flowed easily, a symphony of voices blending together in harmonious camaraderie. The conversations were light, and the atmosphere was one of familial comfort.

"I can't believe the guys left us," Lily exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "We should do something fun to get back at them."

"Like what?" Abby chimed in, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

"Well, how about a day at the mall?" Amelia suggested, her voice laced with excitement. "Shopping, good food, and no boys to slow us down."

The idea was met with enthusiastic agreement, laughter, and plans mingling in a harmonious symphony. As plates were passed and stories exchanged, I felt a sense of belonging I hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Oh, I'm all in for some retail therapy!" I exclaimed, my laughter blending with theirs.

We spent the drive to the mall singing along to the radio, our voices merging into a chorus of carefree joy. The bustling mall greeted us with an array of colors, scents, and the hum of excited shoppers.

The mall buzzed with life as our group of five stepped inside, the promise of retail therapy hanging in the air. Abby practically radiated excitement, her eyes gleaming with the prospect of exploring racks upon racks of stylish clothes.

"Alright, ladies, let's conquer this mall!" Abby exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

Diane chuckled and shook her head. "Just remember, we're not here to break the bank."

"No promises!" Abby retorted with a playful wink.

Lily and Amelia exchanged amused glances, clearly accustomed to Abby's shopping escapades. As for me, I was caught between a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.