Chapter 1: The Ordinary Life
Emily's Pov
I trudged through the school hallway, my eyes fixed on the floor to avoid eye contact with anyone. Another day, another dollar, another opportunity to blend into the background.
As a junior at Springdale High, I'd mastered the art of being invisible. I didn't participate in extracurricular activities, I didn't have a big group of friends, and I didn't date. My life was a series of mundane routines: wake up, go to school, come home, do homework, watch TV, go to bed.
My best friend, Sarah, was the only one who seemed to notice me. We'd been friends since freshman year, bonding over our shared love of science fiction novels and old movies.
As I turned a corner, I spotted Sarah leaning against her locker, chatting with a group of friends. She caught my eye and smiled, and I felt a tiny spark of excitement. Maybe today wouldn't be so boring after all.
I made my way over to Sarah, exchanging pleasantries with her friends as I approached. We made plans to meet up at lunch and discuss our latest favorite book.
As I walked away, I felt a strange, tingling sensation in my fingers. It was a feeling I'd grown accustomed to over the years, but I still couldn't explain it. Sometimes, when I was stressed or anxious, my senses would go into overdrive. I'd smell things that weren't there, hear whispers in the wind, or feel like I could run faster than humanly possible.
I shook my head, dismissing the sensation. It was probably just my imagination playing tricks on me. Again.