The night is darker than usual, the shadows long and distorted as I walk through the city. I'm still searching, still looking for more versions of myself. Some are lost, like the one I met in the park. Others, I hope, are still out there, trying to break free from the cycle. I just need to find them. I can't stop now.
The streets are quieter now, and the world feels even more surreal. The same buildings loom above me, but there's a strange energy in the air — like the city itself is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
I turn a corner and see a narrow alleyway I've never noticed before. There's no sign, no indication that it's even there. But something draws me toward it, a pull I can't explain. Without thinking, I step into the alley.
The alley is dark, and the air is thick with an odd scent, like old books and dust. I walk slowly, unsure of what I'm looking for, but feeling the urgency in my chest. The deeper I go, the more I feel that I'm being guided — as if I'm walking toward something I was meant to find.
At the end of the alley, I see a door. It's small, unmarked, and looks like it's been there for decades. I can't remember ever seeing it before. It stands out, like it's been waiting for me. Hesitant but driven by the feeling that this is the way forward, I reach for the doorknob.
The door creaks open with a soft groan, revealing a dimly lit room. Inside, it's quiet, the air heavy with anticipation. And standing in the middle of the room is another version of me. This one is different from the others. His expression is focused, determined. He doesn't seem lost, nor does he seem resigned. He looks like he's been waiting for me.
"You're here," he says, his voice calm and steady. "I've been expecting you."
I step into the room, closing the door behind me. "Who are you?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm one of the versions of you who hasn't given up. I've been searching for a way out too. I think we can help each other."
I stare at him, trying to process his words. "How? I've met others… some of them have already given up. They don't think we can break free."
He nods, understanding. "There are many versions of us. Some are lost, some are desperate, and some are content. But there are others who are still fighting. And together, we can find the path."
I feel a flicker of hope. For the first time, I sense that there's a way out. There's a real possibility of escape.
"We need to find the others," he says. "All of them. And we need to come together. Only then can we see the full picture. Only then can we break the loop."
I nod, determination setting in. This is it. This is the path I've been searching for.
The door to freedom is within reach. But the journey is far from over.