Tu B@||

The blaring of the alarm echoes through the apartment, it was Lory's work alarm. See I wouldn't be bothered by this, I wake up at the same time she heads to work so it's really no problem. if it wasn't for the fact it was a weekend, and Lory had left hours ago. And I am alone right now. My hand weakly rubs my face as I try to determine where the beginning of my bed starts and where my bed ends. I push my body away from my mattress in hopes of returning soon. I set my bare feet on the cold hardwood floor and started my journey to Lory Ascavanero’s room.

My raw feet slapped against the floor with every step, the loud beeping of the alarm still present.

Once there I aggressively click the off button. Finally, peace... I paused, taking in the peaceful sound of the complete emptiness of the apartment.

…

Dread washed over me as I realized I was no longer sleepy. “Fuck” my eyes peer around her room for a moment, clothes on the floor, plain walls, and a shit ton of makeup products. For a woman in her late twenties her room sure looks like a teenager's ”checks out '' I mumbled to myself, leaving and shutting the door behind me.

I practically have the whole apartment to myself so, what to do? Eat? Not hungry. biking? And go where exactly? Go for a walk? .. that sounds nice.

I head towards the window in front of our dinner table. I peered through the blind, it was still gray outside, but not too dark. It's dangerous. ok, a walk is good, yeah, a nice stroll.

I should probably use the bathroom first.

I pick up my feet to the bathroom and use the toilet. I washed my hands as my eyes grazed the mirror, and I stared at myself and took in my appearance. I never understood it, my eyes gaze upon the resin smooth exterior of my “face”, blue covering my head. And in the center of it all, a white circle with a bold black number two.

My face is a pool ball.

But you're probably wondering how this happened. I don't know either. For as long as I can remember, I always had this face. Maybe it's genetic, but I can't ask my parents. I never really met them.

My mood was now tainted, so I walked out of the bathroom and headed to my room. I opened my dresser to look for a slightly less humiliating shirt, specifically one that isn't plastered with tv show memorabilia, And some pants that match.

After I threw those on I checked the fridge for some water and saw if there were any missing stuff I could grab while I was out. “Ah-ha “ no more juice. “ right, just juice. I should tell Lory that I'm getting the Juice.”

…

“Later”

I grabbed my keys and put my phone in my back pocket. Then I Walked out the door locking it behind me.

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(mc talking to Lory abt their poll head for the first time)

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The cracks in the concrete are getting bigger and bigger every year. I remember when Lory took me out on walks before there were reckless drivers in the neighborhood, I kicked a small rock to the side.

The breeze hits my face smoothly, I breathe in the early air.”I wish I could feel these moments more often..” I speak to myself as I adjust my legs in a crisscross. “No people, no cell phone, and no mirrors.” I sigh. I put my hands behind my head and lean on the old bleachers. I take in the moment.

I should probably get the juice before it gets too crowded.

Most of the homes here are apartment buildings, they line the sidewalks. It was always a bit suffocating every time I walked along them, there weren't many lawns, scratch that- any greenery at all. Here in Nolema. Only some o.k. parks. I hate it here.

The streets are getting a bit crowded now. Not by much, but still people. I don't like people, they scare me. I feel like one day people will start to notice me, more specifically my face. I know that's dumb. My hallucinations are mine only but, it's so real to me.

My doctor does prescribe me medication. They aren't effective though. But The side effects sure are, it is frustrating. “Invisible illness” my ass. I take a turn and head to an ally behind the apartments. It's not as dark as it was before so it's not that scary. Is it dangerous? Sure.. a little… but every other time I've walked here nothing ever happens so… Plus it's the closest shortcut to the nearest corner store.

My mind starts to wander on, and I start blocking out the engines of cars, and the sound of the awakening neighborhood.

I felt a firm grip on my shoulder, and I jumped. I whipped my body around to expect a mugger or a homeless person, but to my disbelief, it was a group of well-dressed men. But.. something was off... “Excuse me?” I asked firmly, trying to keep myself from looking afraid. Kidnappers are less likely to target you if you stand out too much or are more likely to cause a scene.

I squint at their faces, something is off.

One of the men dusts their suits off and reaches for something in his suit. At that moment my heart started racing and I was sure I might get killed… I was sure the thing he had reached for had to be a gun, or a knife, or something and had turned out to be something unexpected.

“You Zen Arcanved from timeline 9730, in universe 394200, Are under arrest for destruction of property, conspiring against Allies, and entering multiple no-contact Timelines with an attempt to flee police.'' That's not my name. The man pulled out a green badge. what? '' This has to be a mistake " my hands fidget, hoping they'd understand.

At that moment their faces started glitching to reveal featureless glass faces, filled with flowers and other plants. A kin to a glass vase.

“What the hell!?” I muttered, backing away and reaching out to my back pocket to find my phone. “What are you,!?” One of the other men piped in “ We advise you to stop What you're doing, and come with us.” I start brashly looking for my phone app. “Uhm, Come any closer, and-, and- I'll call the police!” One of the men spoke again,” Calling the Authorities may expand your sentence. Surrender or we will have to resort to physical violence.” more firmly than before. One of the men grabbed one of my free wrists almost inhumanly strong. shoot, shoot, shoot-

“That's it,” I dial emergency services.

Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my left arm. My hands and knees feel weak and I drop my phone on the concrete. My mind felt fuzzy, I'm a goner for good. My body finally gives out, and the only thing I can hear is the faint words of the lady in the other line. “911 what's your emergency? Hello?” and everything went black shortly after.

Uploaded :Jan,29,2023