Chapter Text
The darkness faded away as my eyes opened. My heart pounded against my ribcage like a caged bird desperate for escape. Dim light from the window flooded my gaze, like bloody red luster seeping from a fresh wound. It was unusual, and it forced me into a sitting position. I brushed my overgrown amber locks away from my face and looked around.
Everything seemed normal. Just how I had left it before I had fallen asleep. My jacket strewn upon the open door of my wardrobe, my books neatly stacked on my bedside table, my paintbrush leaned up against the wall collecting dust. It was all untouched. So why did it all feel so wrong?
I pushed the disheveled covers aside and graced the floor with my foot. The cold hardwood sent a shiver through me, but I forced my body to ground itself. I took a moment to stretch before approaching my bedroom door. I squinted, catching a glimpse of my reflection faintly in the worn metal handle. I cupped my hand over the knob, then suddenly recoiled.
This wasn’t right. I could feel anxiety swirling in my gut. My heart only drummed faster and the pounding got louder and louder in my ears. My knees felt weak, and I stumbled backwards, collapsing onto my bed. I viciously yanked my pillow towards myself and buried my face in the silky fabric, trying to calm myself. But I could feel my fingernails tearing apart the tightly woven threads. My breathing started to stagger and a whimper escaped my throat.
I didn’t understand. I couldn’t understand. Why was I so scared? Everything looked the same. But it didn’t feel the same. This didn’t feel like home. It didn’t make sense. I could still smell the faint scent of lilac in my sheets. I could feel the warmth of my bed contrast the frigid air of the room. It was all unchanged.
Everything was just as right as it was wrong.