Chapter 1

The First Night

"Your total is $248.37."

I've been robbed.

"Have a good night."

I look up as I hand him the money. Tired hands quickly gave me my change and started shutting closed the register.

I pick up the remaining bags already packaged with everything I'll need for a month or so.

It better last my next paycheck comes in two weeks.

"Thanks you too."

Supermarket groceries

1. 3 Milk

2. 2 Egg Carton

3. 15 Candles

4. 1 Detergent

5. 2 Dish Soap

6. 1 Pads

7. 2 Bags of Salt

8. 2 Salami

9. 2 Bread

10. 1 Ketchup

11. 3 Paper Towels

12. 2 Fruit Punch

13. 1 Snack

It was already dark outside.

Cold and dark.

The streets were now lit up and had shadows cast over them. As I walked home, the trees and their inhabitants made little to no sound.

Nice and quiet. Just how I like it.

My leather jacket couldn't retain too much warmth and I ended up shivering all the way to my apartment.

I was beat when I had finally made it up both flights of stairs.

And I still have groceries to put away.

I slowly fiddled with and eventually jammed my keys into the lock, twisting it open until the door creaked loudly and swung back.

Also dark and cold.

Which reminds me the radiator needs fixing. I'll call Helen in the morning. Hopefully, she'll be in a good mood and send a handyman this time.

I closed the door and locked it behind me.

My apartment was homely at best and cramped at worst. A little over 700 square feet. Which is great for New York.

A conjoined small kitchen and dining room is where I set down all four bags. I make quick work of restocking the fridge and cupboards. If I run out I still have some frozen garlic bread and pizza to eat.

I put the bags away under the sink and did the dishes while I was at it.

I'm going to have a nice relaxing weekend.

I deserve it.

Putting the last plate away on the drying rack felt almost therapeutic.

I dry my hands before turning my phone on and taking note of the time.

10:32 PM

An hour and thirty minutes till D-Time.

I start to hurry setting up the candles around my door and lighting them one by one.

I took a quick shower and got into comfortable clothing.

Clothes I can run in.

I prepared sandwiches earlier and teabags. I just have to fill the thermos with juice and I'll be ready.

I settled into bed my shoes hanging off the edge as I waited.

Ringggg Ringggg Ringgg

My alarm rang.

It's almost time.

Ten more minutes.

Knife?

Check

Backpack?

Check

Thermos?

Check

Watch?

Check

Deep breaths.

Have a nice and relaxing weekend Phoebe.

Remember that.

[Entrance to the Dream World Commencing….]

[Are you ready Dreamer?]

Yes.

[Wrong Answer…]

…

[Begin your descent.]