The Way Back 8

A dream that instills fear, yet simultaneously discourages waking up. A dream where everyone appears content, yet profoundly alone. A dream… is it not the residual essence that dreams leave behind?

It is merely a dream, destined to be stored deep within the recesses of the subconscious. A dream that will prove challenging to recall. Such is the perception of Hazelle herself, regardless of the sorrow that permeates her soul. Suddenly, as if yanked from the celestial realms where the girl had been immersed in dreams, she was forcibly thrust back to reality by the jarring and resounding sound of an explosion. Casting her gaze around, she observed that even Hazelle hadn’t anticipated it, now making her way towards the door and into the corridor. The girl hesitates, torn between her own mission that must be executed and the reluctance to abandon Hazelle to face the ordeal alone. It’s not as if guilt will drive her to leap recklessly.

“What is that deafening noise?” she inquires, attempting to initiate a conversation with Hazelle once more, yet the latter only glances sidelong in response. And within a mere five meters of their position, a billowing cloud of black smoke abruptly materializes, accompanied by an intensifying heat. Something is amiss. Hazelle intuits that there is an inherent danger within the building, compelling her to seek an immediate exit. She gathers her composure, calculating the distance she must traverse to avoid being engulfed by the impending catastrophe. However, she remembers the presence of the girl trailing behind her, adding another layer of confusion and complexity to the situation. If Hazelle were to escape and permit the girl to proceed with her own plans, she is certain to be discovered and accused of murder or even incitement to suicide. Neither outcome bodes well for Hazelle, as both paths lead to the same grim destination. The girl trembles with fear as Hazelle abruptly pivots, closing in on her.

“Undoubtedly, the building is ablaze. Someone has deliberately set it alight,” Hazelle discloses, seizing hold of the girl’s wrist.

“What?… Where are you taking me?!” the girl frets, endeavoring to break free from Hazelle’s grasp, yet it becomes apparent that Haze possesses superior strength.

“Where?” Hazelle counters, her gaze exhibiting monotony and indifference, “Outside. Fate has not decreed that you shall perish today. You will have another opportunity.”

“Release me! I will not retreat! Do you comprehend the arduous journey I have undertaken to arrive here?! I cannot endure another day of interminable waiting!”

Hazelle seethes with frustration at this self-centered behavior, but she is compelled to resort to force. After all, her own well-being takes precedence, for she too acts from a place of ego. In this instance, it is either her or the girl who will achieve their objective. Hazelle refuses to be overshadowed. With brusque determination, she pushes the girl towards the exit and coerces her down the stairs, while the other raises her voice in protest.