The sun's feeble morning light filters through the bathroom window as I stand under the lukewarm spray of the shower. Despite the comfort of the warm water, a persistent chill clings to me, and I can't shake the sense of unease that's been haunting me since my strange dreams began.
As I close my eyes, the vivid memory of the handsome stranger's golden eyes resurfaces. He feels dangerous, his presence an enigma in my mind. I ponder his cryptic words, "Be careful what you wish for," wondering if they hold any connection to my bizarre experiences. Did my mere thought of wishing Diane away trigger this chain of unsettling events?
The water courses down my naked body, washing away the soap and suds as I stand there, lost in thought. In the midst of my confusion, the image of Tom flashes in my mind, his smile and the promise of a fun day at the lake momentarily dispelling the lingering anxiety.
Rubbing the soap over my skin, I imagine Tom's presence beside me, and I can't help but feel a warmth that has nothing to do with the shower. My thoughts drift to the text message he promised, wishing me a happy birthday.
As I rinse the soap from my skin, I hear a faint chime coming from the other room. With anticipation, I step out of the shower, wrap myself in a towel, and hurry to check my phone. There it is – Tom's message. He texts "Happy Birthday" and continues, "I'm really sorry for not reaching out sooner. Football practice was super hectic. Are you doing anything special today?"
A surge of happiness washes over me, and I eagerly confirm that it is my birthday. Tom suggests a spontaneous trip to the lake, a delightful way to spend my special day. I'm tempted by the idea but hesitate, realizing that Emily and Skyler, my best friends, are planning to celebrate with me today. Instead of declining outright, I suggest that my friends join us.
Tom responds with enthusiasm, suggesting that we make it a group outing. He wishes me a happy birthday again, and his words are like a soothing balm for my heart, setting the tone for the day.
Excitement bubbling within me, I select a cute crop top and a pair of shorts from my closet, wanting to look my best for the day's festivities. As I step out of my bedroom, I'm momentarily elated, my thoughts drifting back to the fun day ahead with Tom.
But then, like a thunderclap, I remember the inexplicable strangeness of my house. The realization hits me like a sudden downpour on a sunny day, chilling my spine. I need to find answers, and I need to find my dad and Diane.
With a sense of urgency, I call out their names as I move through the house, but the silence persists, offering no response. Panic threatens to engulf me again when the doorbell rings, jolting me out of my distressing thoughts.
I rush to the front door, heart pounding, and swing it open, welcoming my friends with a smile that masks my inner turmoil. They're carrying a selection of cupcakes, bagels, and a carton of fresh orange juice. The inviting aroma of food fills the air, and the sight of their friendly faces offers a momentary reprieve from my anxieties.
I don't know why but I don't want them to see the house. I slip out, shutting the door firmly behind me. We settle on the porch, arranging the cupcakes and bagels on a small table. The cupcakes are adorned with colorful frosting, and the sweet scent is enticing. I take a bagel and top it with cream cheese, savoring each bite as it fills my mouth with comforting flavors.
Emily, ever observant, notices the distant look in my eyes and asks, "How's your day, Aliyah?"
I hesitate for a moment, grappling with the strange situation, and then reply, "It's been good, Emily. I didn't have to deal with Diane today, which definitely helps."
There's a moment of confusion in my friends' eyes, and then Skylar gently inquires, "Who is Diane?"
I laugh off their puzzlement at first, but it slowly dawns on me that they don't know who Diane is. My stepmom has seemingly disappeared from their knowledge. I must have mistaken their memories for reality.
I begin to explain, "My stepmother, Diane, you know..." but their expressions turn solemn, and Skylar interrupts kindly, "Aliyah, you're an orphan. Your mom disappeared a long time ago, and your dad passed away a few years ago."
The words hang in the air like a heavy cloud, and I feel a chill run down my spine. It's as if the ground beneath me has shifted, and I'm left with a disconcerting sense of displacement. The house, my family, my very existence – all of it seems to be on the brink of something I can't yet comprehend.