6

I quickly text Luna that I got home just fine and turn my attention to the screen as Kahiki speaks about his upcoming album.

"Your upcoming solo album will be a great hit, that am very much sure about."

Kahiki chuckles, his voice pleasing to the ears and smiles.

"Thank you I do owe it all to my fans, they always go out of their way to support me and I have a particular one in mind," he says as his eyes turn to the camera and linger there.

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks at the intensity of his gaze on the camera.

"A special fan?"

"Yes. This fan has been with me long before I became famous, they helped me sell my CDs and a few printed posters. Honestly, I owe them my most sincere gratitude for helping me get to where I am now," he says as his gaze turns from the camera to the interviewer and I let out a breathe I didn't know I was holding in.

After watching the entire interview, I switch off the TV and head to my room. My phone vibrates and I pick it up looking at my screen.

"Guess she's not buying the idea of me getting home in one piece."

I sigh and swipe up inviting Luna to the video call.

"Did you make it back in one piece?"

"Yes Luna. I made it just in time for Kahiki's interview as well."

"The artist you're obsessed with?"

"I wouldn't say obsessed Luna."

"Really? You have all his albums since his pre debut days and not to mention his pictures decorate your entire room wall," she says and I glance around my room before turning to her.

"I have book shelves too you know."

"Of course you do, that seems to be what you do with your free time."

I chuckle and shake my head at the compliment before breaking into a grin.

"It's not like you don't have handsome men painted on your walls," I say and cover my mouth in a silent laugh.

"Fair point, we each have an attractive bond to handsome guys," she says and I lay back down on the bed.

"You're right...," I stifle a yawn and struggle to keep my eyelids open.

"My, you should sleep. Goodnight."

I nod and soon my vision becomes dark, phone slipping from my hand as I drift off to sleep. I hear a small chuckle before sleep and exhaustion both overwhelm me.

The night breeze blows through my light night gown fabric and I slightly shiver. I rub my hands on my arms for warmth as I look around studying the unfamiliar environment concealed with thick fog. I squint my eyes as a dark shadowy figure appears in front of me. The hairs at the back of my neck standing, I take a step back in fear. I open my mouth to shout fir help but no voice comes out. Panicking, I turn and dash down the opposite path stealing a glance behind me to see if the strange figure was following me. I continue running through the endless forest before coming to a stop by a similar tree I passed by for the seemingly hundredth time. I lean against the trunk trying to gain some air into my lungs. The rustling of leaves behind me has me in high alert and spin around eyes darting around as I try to make out the source of the sound which only echoes from all directions making my nerves stand on edge. I try to move but an unknown force holds me in place and I can only helplessly await my fate. I shut my eyes as the sounds grow louder and louder.

I sit up with a bolt my breathing uneven and heart beating furiously in my chest. I look around the room and gradually start to relax once I realise am in my room. I wipe the sweat from my brow and heave a sigh of relief.

"What was that dream? And what was that place?"

Numerous questions whirl on my mind as I make my way to the hospital grounds.

"Maybe Abryl can know about that forest. He's always had a knack of exploring maybe he ventured into that place on one of his countless visits."

With my mind made up, I walk through the doors and busy myself with my daily check ups. After ensuring each patient is tended to, I head to the cafeteria in hopes to get more information about my dream. I nearly knock over a guy as I walk into the cafeteria but I manage to side step the man running out missing the contact by a whisker. I regain my balance just as the figure disappears through the doors.

"What was that all about?"

Shrugging the guy off, I head into the cafeteria and Abryl's face beams upon noticing me.

"Nine! How are you?"

"Am fine,you?"

"Am doing just fine. Did you want anything?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. I wanted to talk to you about something."

"What's wrong?"

"I needed your help with something. Are you free to talk?"

Abryl looks around the room before his gaze settles on me.

"Can you come back later? I'll call you when am free."

I nod in understanding and wave him goodbye as I head out. I nervously shuffle in my seat as I watch the ticking hand on the wall clock. My mind in a mess, I barely hear Luna walk up behind me. She shakes my shoulder and I jolt up in fright.

"Staring at the clock like that. Do you expect it to move faster than it already is?"

The tension leaves my body and I whirl around to look at her.

"I..."

The phone rings and I hurriedly pick it up dropping pencils and pens in the process.

"Hello."

"Nine, can we meet at the ca..."

I slam the phone back in its place and rush out nearly knocking over a surprised Luna.