WHY I CAN'T HATE YOU

EIRA'S POV:

The room echoed with a piercing shrill, a sound that sliced through the silence. A baby sat on the floor, wailing in desperation, but there was no one else around; the curtains hung like heavy shadows. Shattered glass glimmered ominously across the floor, and the entire house appeared abandoned, as though it had been untouched for days. Dust motes danced in the dim light, while cobwebs adorned the corners like neglected memories.

Then, I caught sight of figures draped in long black coats, their movements fluid and silent as they traversed a dark jungle. The sky above was a blanket of ink, devoid of stars, and they moved like specters, their footsteps whispering against the earth. Soon, they reached the house and broke down the door with a decisive crash.

The baby's cries grew louder, a primal instinct warning of the imminent danger.

And then I saw it—a silver dagger, its blade sharp and glinting menacingly in one of their hands. He loomed over the baby.

No! No! He's going to kill him. Please, no!

He raised his hand, poised to strike…!!

NO! NO! NO!

My body shook uncontrollably from the horror unfolding before me. I gasped for breath. The blade! He was going to kill the baby! No! Just a dream. Just a dream. I fought to calm the storm raging within me.

Yes! Just a dream—but not the first. I've been haunted by these nightmares since I was six. I can still vividly recall the first one.

...

Three shadowy figures had entered my house, cloaked in long black coats that concealed their faces. They spoke, but their words were lost to me. I only remember one chilling line: they would come for me when I turned eighteen.

...

I told everyone about these dreams, desperate to understand who these figures were, but no one could provide answers. The dreams persisted, returning once a year. Sometimes, they harmed my family, and they treated me as though I belonged to them.

No! I can't let them invade my thoughts as I begin this new chapter in my life. Today is special—I'm heading to Dehradun for my medical studies. I still can't believe I've been accepted!

"Eira, get up! Oh God! Who will wake you up if not me?"

"This girl is always late. Never on time! Always late!"

As my mom's voice rang out from downstairs, I raced to the washroom, urgency fueling my movements.

"Eira, eat slowly! The food isn't going anywhere."

"I'm sure we'll be stuck in traffic today," my father grumbled, his irritation palpable.

"Let her eat properly! At least!" my mom shot back, shoving a snack canister into my bag with determination.

"Did you pack your nightwear?"

Oh no, I forgot! Now she'll scold me for sure.

"I'm sure she hasn't."

"She was up until midnight and still didn't pack," my elder brother smirked, shooting me a knowing glance. Why did he want me to fail so badly?

"No need! I'll pack it."

"God knows what she does so late at night."

"What will she do? She never sleeps on time."

"Never on time! Never puts anything in its place!" she exclaimed, her frustration growing as she headed toward my room.

After I finished breakfast, I kissed her cheek and hugged her tightly. Tears welled up in her eyes, and before I knew it, I was crying too.

"Take care of yourself. Eat on time."

"Call me if anything happens."

"I'm always with you; remember that," she said between sobs, holding my cheeks in her hands before kissing my forehead gently.

"Mom, I'm going to study, not to fight a battle," my brother chimed in, rolling his eyes. She patted his arm affectionately.

"Take care of yourself, fatty," he said, wrapping me in a warm embrace.

"Let's go!" my father called from the car.

I hugged my mom once more and climbed into the car, waving goodbye through the window. I envisioned my college life, but the thought of being away from them felt surreal. I had never been apart from my family; they were my entire world.

I glanced at my father, who was already venting his frustration at other drivers for their reckless behavior. He was easily agitated.

We didn't talk much; our conversations often fell flat, lacking substance.

"Are you excited?"

"Yeah! Absolutely!"

"I'm thrilled, but I'm not sure I'll be a good doctor."

"You can do it. I believe in you—my daughter will never fail," he said, his smile reassuring me.

"Promise me you won't do anything that would break our trust."

"I promise," I replied, every word laced with sincerity.

After 4 hours…

A boy with tousled brown hair sat on a sofa, sipping a crimson drink. His face was obscured, adding an air of mystery. He had pale skin that contrasted sharply with the vibrant liquid. As I approached to see his features, I felt an unsettling chill as my feet sank into something warm and sticky. I looked down and froze—thick, crimson liquid covered the floor.

It was BLOOD!!!

BLOOD!!... BLOOD!!...

"Eira, wake up!"

"Eira! Get up!" I turned sharply, disoriented by the urgent voice. I was drenched in sweat, my body shaking uncontrollably. BLOOD! So much blood! Just another dream!

"Are you still seeing those nightmares?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but no sound emerged. My throat felt parched, like I had wandered into a desert. "W... water!!..."

Without hesitation, he handed me a water bottle. I gulped it down, grateful for the relief. His gaze was fixed on me, concern etched on his face.

"These nightmares are a result of all those vampire shows and movies you watch," he remarked, a hint of annoyance in his tone. "They don't exist; for God's sake, stop watching those ridiculous supernatural shows."

"I've been having these dreams since I was six. I hardly watch TV; I didn't even know who they were back then."

"Stop talking nonsense! It's all in your head."

"Let's get to your college; don't argue. You'll be in the girls' hostel, or we'll turn back."

"Okay! Can we go now?"

I felt a thrill of excitement as I prepared to embark on this new chapter. I know it sounds cliché, but it felt significant.

We strolled across the campus. After a few steps, we reached the principal's office.

I knocked softly. "May I come in?"

A deep voice responded from behind the door, "Yes, dear. How can I assist you?"

I stepped inside, my heart racing. "I'm Eira Banes, and this is my father, Harry Banes."

"Oh! Yes, Eira! Come in!"

"Welcome to our college! Make yourself at home."

"How are you, Harry Banes?" he asked, gesturing for my father to take a seat.

"We're fine! Can we finalize the admission formalities? I'm in a bit of a hurry!"

"Of course. Here are the papers you need to sign. Your key for the girls' hostel will be provided there."

My father spoke with authority. "Eira, can you step outside and explore the campus? I need to speak with him alone, but don't wander too far."

"Yeah, Dad. I know what you need to discuss," I muttered, stepping out.

The memory of my dream still lingered—baby, blade, boy, blood! What was happening? I used to experience these dreams once or twice a year, but this was the eighth one this month. Why had they intensified so suddenly?

What is that noise? I turned my head, scanning the area, but found no one. It sounded like footsteps. I realized I had wandered to the back of the college, where only the dense forest awaited. Perhaps I had misheard. Just as I was about to turn back, the sound echoed again, this time coming from the forest. I knew it was dangerous to go in, but an inexplicable pull urged me forward. I took a step into the shadows.