Lucia sat in the plush armchair by the window, warming her hands against the ceramic mug of rich hot chocolate.
Outside, the November rain lashed against the glass in a staccato rhythm, each droplet shattering against the smooth surface before trickling down in jagged rivulets.
She watched the drops dance their frenetic waltz, mesmerized by the patterns they traced across the windowpane.
Beyond the rain's constant tattoo, the world was a blur of slate grays and murky greens, the trees lining the street whipping wildly in the gusting wind.
A sip of the velvety chocolate elixir warmed her from within as Lucia pulled her crimson cashmere shawl tighter around her shoulders.
The gentle swirls of steam rose lazily from the mug, fogging a small circle on the glass before dissipating like an ephemeral mirage.
She exhaled softly, her breath mingling with the vapors, and pressed her fingertips against the damp coolness of the windowpane.
The rain's cadence shifted, tapering to a lighter pattern, as if the heavens were letting out a weary sigh after unleashing their deluge.
Lucia's eyes traced each glistening droplet sliding unhurriedly down the glass.
In their descent, they seemed to bend light itself, distorting the dreary view into a kaleidoscope of shimmering fragments. Beauty emerges from the gloom if one only takes a moment to truly look.
She smiled wistfully, cradling the mug as she reveled in the simple pleasure of watching the rain's hypnotic dance.
In this quiet moment, the weight of the world slipped from Lucia's shoulders, if only briefly.
For now, there was just the rain, the hot chocolate, and an endless dance of light and shadow unfolding before her pensive gaze.
It's the weekend, unlike a lot of people who would be very happy as they don't need to work and can just enjoy these two days, for Lucia that was very unfortunate because she hates the weekend due to the fact that she can't go to work.
She likes working.
Working is what keeps her grounded and keeps her going.
Her blue orbs moved to look at the pills on the nightstand, she quickly stood up to take a pill before drinking her hot chocolate while watching the rain.
Slowly her limbs and eyelids started to feel heavy.
She got used to the fact that whenever she takes those medications, they make her relax and her body gets numb before she gives up and falls asleep.
The best sleep of her life.
Those pills could be very addicting, for someone whose life is so empty she could easily get addicted to those pills.
But she is not anyone.
This is Lucia Vivian.
Pills will not be able to control her.
She is in control, this is her life, her mind, she is not going to let some mere pills make her addicted, even if they make her feel so peaceful and relaxed.
Emily knows this and admires it almost in every session.
As she drifted to sleep at the sound of the rain, her heartbeats slowed down, and her breathing relaxed.
Every muscle in her body relaxed after being tensed for the whole week.
———-
A cold breeze hit her face, pulling her out of her dreamland… The same dreamland that shifts into nightmares when she sleeps without taking those pills.
Her brows furrowed, and her hand moved upward to rub the sleep away from her eyes.
"Did I leave it open?" internally Lucia wondered while looking at the balcony's door.
When she slept, it was locked, she is sure that it was locked but again with her messed up mind, she didn't care much since she tends to forget those little details easily.
Lucia's form found its way to the balcony's door and closed it, making sure to lock it this time.
She felt her throat dry… Her gaze automatically moved to look at the nightstand to see if there was any water left in the bottle, but it was completely empty.
Then she glanced around the room for the sight of any water.
Lucia's bedroom was a beautiful and luxurious space fit for her.
As you entered through the intricately carved wooden door, your eyes were immediately drawn to the grand four-poster bed.
The tall bed frame was made of polished cherry wood, with delicate floral designs carved along the headboard and footboard. Gauzy golden silk curtains draped from the canopy top, shimmering in the soft light.
The bed itself looked phenomenally comfortable, piled high with plump pillows and a thick duvet in rich jewel tones of ruby, sapphire, and emerald.
The sheets were the finest cotton, smooth and inviting to the touch.
Across the spacious room, two tall arched windows framed picturesque views of the immaculately manicured grounds outside.
Heavy velvet draperies in a warm burgundy hue could be drawn across the windows to block out the world entirely.
An elegant dressing table with a gilded mirror and a plush tufted bench completed one corner of the room.
The antique wardrobe had brass fixtures and carved wood panels for storing Lucia's attire.
Underfoot, the floors were made of gleaming honey-toned hardwood, covered in part by sumptuous rugs in rich floral patterns.
Every surface fabric from the upholstered chaise lounge to the tasseled throw pillows spoke of indulgent comfort and impeccable taste.
There was none left, all the bottles were empty which is why she found her way down to the kitchen.
Lucia's kitchen was big and beautiful. It was a cook's dream space!
In the middle was a large island counter made of pretty granite stone. It had a raised bar for eating casual meals.
All around were shiny countertops and fancy stainless steel appliances - a huge stove, double ovens, a massive refrigerator, and lots of the latest cooking gadgets a chef would love.
The tall wooden cabinets went all the way up to the high ceilings.
Some had glass fronts so you could see Lucia's pretty dishes and serving platters inside. There were so many cabinets for storing all her pots, pans, and food.
The floors were made of pretty terra cotta tiles that stayed warm.
The ceilings were high with thick wooden beams across the top. It made the whole kitchen feel warm and welcoming.
Lucia stood in front of the fridge, pouring cold water into a glass before gulping down the whole thing.
A little pleased smile appeared on her face as she satisfied her thirst before putting the bottle back inside the fridge and the glass in the sink.
In a quick move, Lucia soaped up the glass, and rinsed it before putting it away, making sure there were no dishes left in the sink because she hated seeing dirty dishes in the sink.
She likes having everything in her house and her surroundings clean and arranged well.
As she put the glass away, her gaze was caught by the reflection of the red-colored light on the window above the sink.
Her eyes slightly widened when she caught the reflection of that scary ghost's red glowy mask on the window.
He is standing behind her and staring into her eyes through the reflection.
Lucia closed her eyes, her fists gripping the sink tightly, mumbling under her breath " It's not real. It's not real. Wake up."
She sighed and opened her eyes, totally expecting not to see the red-masked guy behind her.
But to her shock, he was still there.
The only difference is that he is way closer to her now.
She could feel the heat from his body, she could feel his breath against the back of her neck.
She stared at the reflection without turning around " This is not real."
Her breath hitched, her heart raced, body froze in the spot when she felt the red-masked man's hand wrap around her throat and whisper raspily, in a dark low tone " I have never been more real than this, Raven."
Raven?
He is real.
His touch.
That's a real person.
She is not hallucinating.