Do you believe in ghosts? I didn't. At least, not until they became part of my everyday life…

Hi! I'm Alice Astarl (Lili to my friends), your average 16-year-old girl. Well, mostly average. There's one tiny, not-so-normal thing about me. Ever since I was little, I've had these daydreams—vivid, waking dreams filled with creepy, grotesque shapes that send chills down my spine.

There's gotta be a scientific explanation for it, right? That's what I kept telling myself.

I made the mistake of mentioning it once in middle school, and everyone laughed. They thought I was crazy! After that, I never brought it up again. The only person I could talk to was my childhood friend, Martin. We'd been close since kindergarten. Beside that I had a happy childhood with loving, caring parents.

Things got a little complicated when I started high school. I didn't know anyone, and all the cliques were already formed. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time alone. That was my reality—until some girls in my class invited me to hang out with them. I quickly realized they only wanted me around for what I could give them.

"Alice, can you send me the math homework?"

"Alice, do you have the notes from the physics lab?"

"Alice, can I copy your biology assignment? I'll change it, I promise!"

But when it came to hanging out for anything other than schoolwork, they were nowhere to be found. And since Martin was in a different class, we didn't see each other much. It was frustrating, but better than nothing.

The first two weeks of school went like that. Then, out of nowhere, a new girl showed up. Her name was Jade, and there was something... off about her. No one dared to meet her gaze—except me, apparently. It felt like she was challenging me. I didn't back down, and maybe that's why she ended up sitting next to me. Over time, a rivalry formed between us.

The girls who used to bug me for homework eventually left me alone, probably because I started spending more time with Jade. Even though we were always competing, we never hesitated to help each other out.

During lunch, we'd hang out with Martin in the cafeteria. Those lonely days felt like a distant memory.

After school, I'd take the bus home. Between 4 and 5:30 PM, it was always packed like a can of sardines. Getting off was a battle every single time! At home, I'd be greeted by Doudou, my cat. He was adorable with his black fur and striking yellow eyes. He was my sunshine, my everything. Even the grumpiest person couldn't resist his charm.

In the evenings, I'd do my homework, then spend some time online or reading before heading to bed. Life was good. But then came that day.

It was the night of October 31st. To celebrate, Martin and I decided to watch a horror movie at the theater. Jade was too busy to join us.

Little did I know, that night would change everything. I had no idea my ordinary life was about to take a turn into the extraordinary...