The Dreams of a Lonely Girl

On Planet Nomeka, in the Administrative Zone of Auraka, in Residence No. 158 of the City of Avril, in a small room on the second floor.

“Ding ding ding, ding ding ding.”

This is a “charming sound” that breaks the morning silence and signals that a new day is beginning.

Yes, it’s the alarm clock—a sound that no one likes to hear but is indispensable!

It not only never fails to ring, but it also never runs late.

“Ugh… Nisha, please turn off the alarm, I just want to sleep a little longer, really just a little bit.”

Accompanied by a sweet, sleepy child’s voice from under the covers, the “little ball of fabric” slowly turns over, revealing her lovely face.

It was a beautiful face, with perfect features as if sculpted by God.

Her skin was as white as snow, and her small lips were the very manifestation of a smile...

When the sunlight shone on the edge of the pillow, her long golden hair spread across the light blue pillow, giving the impression of a deep and ethereal sea.

But it was a winter morning, and even the most beautiful girl couldn’t resist the warmth of her blankets.

So, at this moment, it was necessary for the “knight” called to save the “princess” to appear.

In fact, a “click” sound made the small electronic clock, which was eager to wake the “princess,” have to interrupt its agitation and return to silence.

Thus, the room once again became a realm of “dreams.”

Don’t be mistaken… or rather, don’t be mistaken about two things.

First, the “Nisha” that the girl clearly called was not a “human” in the same room as her, because at least at first glance, the alarm clock on the bedside table was “turning off” automatically.

Its button seemed to have been pressed by an invisible force, and any ordinary person wouldn’t be able to perceive the presence of anyone else in the room.

Second, the “knight” who answered the “princess’s” request to turn off the alarm was not doing it to help the “princess” develop the bad habit of sleeping too much, because before the girl could lick her lips and return to dreaming, an invisible yet extremely gentle force began to lightly push her further under the pink covers.

Push, push...

“Nisha, just five more minutes, five minutes, I won’t be late!”

Push, push, push.

“Hmm, only ten seconds have passed, there are still two hundred and ninety seconds left, two hundred and eighty-nine seconds, two hundred...”

Push, push, push, push, push!

“Wow, wow, okay, okay, I’ll get up! I know, I know, if I don’t want to be late, I can’t stay in bed, right? So I’ll get up.”

Being pushed at the speed of a low-quality rocking chair would certainly make anyone lose their sleepiness.

Although the old alarm clock was no longer making noise, the new “alarm” was definitely no easier to deal with.

In fact, if the girl didn’t get up soon, the existence called “Nisha” would push her out of bed as if she were a delicate doll.

“But I just want five more minutes, Nisha, you’ve made me upset, hum(＞﹏＜)”.

Complaining, she furrowed her brow slightly, but she had no time to show that she was really angry, because the cold air surrounding her made the little “princess” grimace.

“Brrr… it’s so cold! Nisha, bring my clothes, quick.”

Complaining and then giving orders—was this attitude worthy of such an adorable girl?

However, the tireless “Nisha” showed no sign of discontent.

In fact, before she could finish her sentence, a pair of bunny-patterned underwear, a light pair of tights, and a white dress with the words “Kaminiya Secondary School III” had already flown gently to the side of the bed.

They were extremely clean and tidy.

“Thank you, you’ve helped me so much.”

Although it was still a bit cold, dressing under the covers on a winter morning was also a small joy, wasn’t it?

The girl, biting her lip, picked up the clothes and quickly put them on, accompanied by some “so cold, so cold” as her delicate legs finally received the protection of the dark tights.

Thus, the white dress uniform with a black collar now kept her warm, as this fabric, although it looked thin, had an excellent warming effect.

As long as it doesn’t get wet, a piece of clothing can be as warm as a thick coat.

Ah, how nice it is to warm up quickly.

“How about it? Alice looks just as lovely and beautiful today as she did yesterday? Hehe~.”

There was no response, but... of course, she was beautiful!

Anyone would have reason to agree that a girl named Alice, who was one meter fifty-three tall, wearing cat-eared slippers strewn across the floor, and displaying a smile with two small fangs while striking a “magical girl” pose, had an irresistible charm.

She was as warm, pure, and immaculate as the sun on a winter morning.

.................

My name is Alice, I’m eleven years old, and I’m in the first year of high school.

I’m a girl from a “normal” family.

My mother passed away shortly after my birth, and it was my father who raised me.

Speaking of my father...

“Alice? My little lazy girl, didn’t you get up from bed today? Come on, wash your face and brush your teeth; your favorite omelet is already getting cold.”

Wearing her cat-eared slippers,

Alice went downstairs and soon heard the most familiar morning greeting.

With her hair still a bit messy, she entered the room, where a thin man in a pristine suit and golden-rimmed glasses sat reading an electronic newspaper.

He smiled kindly and pointed to a porcelain plate decorated with cartoon characters on the table, presenting the “omelet that couldn’t wait to be eaten.”

Undoubtedly, that quite attractive man was Alice’s father.

'My father’s name is Elock. He is a very kind man and also a doctor. He is highly skilled and treats people with elegance, and everyone in town respects him. Oh, he also plays the piano, but only at night when everything is quiet, and sometimes he plays some songs that aren’t very cheerful…'

Following her father’s gaze to the shiny omelet on the table, Alice’s sapphire-blue eyes sparkled.

However, soon her expression turned to disappointment.

Because her big eyes didn’t just see the omelet on the plate but also two small… spinach leaves beside it.

As everyone knows, spinach is rich in vitamins A and C and minerals, and eating spinach regularly can promote metabolism and health.

But, as everyone knows, not many people like spinach, especially cooked spinach… Although it preserves the nutrients maximally, its very mild flavor clearly doesn’t please the palate of many children.

For example, Alice really doesn’t like spinach.

In fact, she doesn’t just dislike spinach; she doesn’t like any other vegetables.

Like other normal children, she loves sweets and treats, but being the daughter of a doctor, her father definitely wouldn’t allow a growing girl to be picky about food.

So, noticing the resistance on Alice’s face, her father shook his head and said patiently:

“Eat more vegetables, fruits, and drink water. Only then can you be healthy, my princess. If you want to be beautiful, you need to take care of your body. Maybe the taste of spinach isn’t the best, but being picky isn’t an option! Go get ready and have breakfast, or you’ll be late for class.”

Among his gentle guidance, there was a slight firmness, perhaps due to his profession as a doctor.

Although her father seemed just an “ordinary man,” in Alice’s eyes, even his simple explanations carried a persuasive aura of leadership.

Thus, unable to argue, the little girl put on her slippers and went to the bathroom, where she could only murmur softly, unheard by anyone:

“Oh, Nisha, if only you could eat these vegetables for me…”

As she spoke to herself, Alice lightly touched the air beside her head with her fingertips, seeming to have an unrealistic idea.

“...”

'Nisha is a presence that only I can ‘see.’ She is my friend, my relative, my companion, a part of ‘me.’ Dad said her academic name is ‘Psychic Life Entity of Reverse Entropy,’ but I think she’s a ghost because she really looks like the ghosts in storybooks.'

“Help me get the towel, thank you, Nisha.”

Without waiting for a response, she placed the soft towel on the “air” beside her, which didn’t fall but seemed to vibrate like a plush ball.

However, Nisha, seeming reluctant to leave the wet towel on top of it, let the towel drop abruptly to the floor.

“Oh, Nisha!”

Alice hurriedly stopped brushing her teeth, mouth full of foam, and had to use her hands to catch the towel that was falling.

However, as a result, the glass she had placed on the sink was knocked over, and clear water splashed onto her clothes.

(I’m not happy(＞﹏＜)...)

'Exactly, that’s one of Nisha’s main skills. She can control the reality of her body at will. According to my dad, this is a completely idealistic ‘existence modification’ ability. In virtual reality, nothing physical or energetic can touch Nisha, not even the wet towel.'

See? It’s really just like the ghosts from stories, isn’t it? I really wanted to introduce her to Daisy and Vincent, but unfortunately, my dad told me a long time ago with a very serious look that I could never let anyone perceive Nisha’s presence. This forced my friends to dive into the belief that “there are no ghosts” in this world, how unhappy they are.

“…”

I can’t tell anyone about Nisha’s existence, I can’t let Nisha reveal herself, not even if I fall, unless I’m in life-threatening danger, so I can never let her help... Since the day I got Nisha when I was five, my dad repeats these “rules” at least twice a day. Up to now, Alice has almost engraved these “rules” into her “instinct.”

Although Alice isn’t an inattentive child, she knows very well that the things her dad mentions with such seriousness are extremely important.

Even if she doesn’t know why, she must be cautious in following them, but…

The feeling of being pinned down is so annoying! Are all parents like this?

“Be careful on the road, listen to your teachers at school, don’t be picky in the cafeteria, and especially, after school, don’t play in the street. Remember to come back early…”

“Got it, got it~ I’m going to school!”

A simple reminder, a common conversation.

I imagine all parents feel this way when they see their children leaving.

Alice’s father is no exception, and children should already be used to this.

But this time…

I don’t know why, but the girl always feels there’s a heavier, undefined expression hidden behind her father’s gaze, which remains fixed on the sofa.

But looking closely, it seems just an illusion.

Confused, wanting to speak but not knowing how.

“It’s so strange…”

She lightly tugged at her slipper while tilting her head in thought.

Alice, who doesn’t understand much about the world, didn’t come to any conclusion.

She just knows that now she needs to hurry to school.