INSCRIPTED REALITIES

I stirred as a bright light hit my eyes, my head throbbing.

I forced my eyes open, furrowing my brows as a glare hit me.

My head was resting on my arm as I squinted my eyes to see the screen flashing in front of me.

When did I fall asleep?

I drowsily raised my head, feeling dizzy as I straightened up. I glanced around, massaging my sore arm.

‘You fucking liar!’

Daekhui shouted, jolting me awake. I stared blankly at the flashing screen, extending my arm to move the mouse.

The screen stabilized to show an open document, the cursor blinking before the words, ‘To be continued’.

Daekhui scoffed.

‘Hah, I should’ve known than to trust you. Promise, my ass.’

‘Huh?’ I asked. ‘W-what happened?’

It can’t be…right?

There was a loud bang.

‘How is this fixing everything?!’

What…exactly happened?

I flinched, leaning forward to read the contents on the screen.

My eyes widened, as I grasped the sides of the monitor with both hands.

My head touched the screen, and I shook my head.

No, NO! What…how? Why?!

I pulled back, slumping back down on the chair. ‘I-I didn’t-’

‘Shut up!’ He sharply cut me off, panting. ‘You-how could you…’

My lips trembled as I stuttered out. ‘I-I’ll fix it.’

‘You! Just…just stop.’ He pleaded, his voice cracked. ‘...Please.’

There was a lump in my throat as I choked out. ‘I didn’t mean to-’

A sniffle echoed in my head. ‘I can’t take this anymore…please.’

He sobbed. ‘If you want to kill me then have some mercy and do it already…’

Because of me…All of it was my fault

‘I mean what's the point of continuing anyway? Everyone’s already…’

By my hands…No

I flailed my arms, shaking my head.

‘No! No…I-I didn’t write any of that!’

There was a bang and he panted.

‘If…you did it…then at least own up to it, you fucking asshole!’

I jolted, gulping as I tried to explain.

‘You-you don’t get it! From the first day, it hasn’t-’

‘Are you done?’ he growled.

My heart pounded, sweat dripping down my face. ‘I really-’

He cut me off.

‘SHUT UP!’

‘WILL YOU LISTEN!’

I slammed my fist on the table, nearly hitting the keyboard. Panting, I shot up bringing my shaky hands to my ears.

‘I didn’t- I really didn’t’.

I mumbled, shutting my eyes as tears slid down.

But in the end…wasn’t it?’

There was silence on the other end, the only sound was the clock ticking in the background.

Tick Tock. Tick Tock.

Eerily echoing, my stomach twisted as each second went by.

Finally, he took a deep breath. ‘Explain.’

My eyes lit up and I nodded.

‘I don’t remember writing at all. I just start and…it’s all a blank.’

I shouldn’t tell him everything that happened…was my plan from the start.

I continued shakily.

‘W-when I wake up…it’s already done but, but I’m the only one here so-’

‘Hah, so what? You’re claiming you’re possessed or something?’ he mocked.

‘I-I’m telling the truth!’

I explained. ‘I fully intended to fix everything but the moment I started writing I passed out!’

‘At least try to come up with something believable…’ he sighed.

I started. ‘But it’s true! I-’

‘Then why’d you give me hope?’ he asked softly.

‘Y-you believe me?’

I asked, feeling the weight lifting off my chest.

‘No…’

My heart dropped. I’m just giving you the benefit of the doubt so now explain.’

My eyes stung.

Even after everything…he’s willing to listen.

I paused, rubbing my fingers. ‘I thought if I willed it-’

He chuckled. ‘What gave you the confidence it’d work?’

I paused, my heart drumming.

He can’t know…

‘So, everything up to this was your will huh?’ he remarked.

My breath hitched, as I brought my trembling hand to rub my face.

He figured it out…

‘So I’m right? Ha! And you were pretending to be innocent?’

I whispered. ‘I didn’t know you were real’.

‘Sadistic bastard.’ he retorted.

I ran my hand through my hair, eyebrows furrowing.

‘I-I’m telling the truth I-’

‘Save it.’

He said flatly.

I pursed my lips.

‘Yes ok. Everything went according to my original plan and if it's so you have to run or soon you’ll-’

You’ll die a horrible death.

He scoffed. ‘I’ll die?'.

I paused, my eyes widening as I bit my lip.

He let out a soft bitter laugh. 'Good. I welcome it if that’s what it takes to end this nightmare.’

To be continued...