After what happened, I suddenly woke up again, breathing heavily, shaking, and feeling anxious.
"A nightmare," I whispered, my voice trembling.
I looked at the clock, and what I saw sent shivers down my spine.
"1:30 P.M., DECEMBER 24TH, 2025," I said, my voice and body shaking.
"No way in hell. That must mean... it's not a dream... everything that happened is real... for the second time... I'm back on December 24th... But how could this be...?" I whispered, fear shaking my voice.
I suddenly remembered Alice's words from the coffee shop, from that "dream."
"The ability to relive a day every single time I wake up... is that... what I've been experiencing?" I whispered, my voice still trembling.
"But more importantly, who is the person who keeps killing me in every single... well, I'll call it a 'dream' for now," I said, my voice still shaking, a hint of curiosity mixing with the fear.
"I need to think of a way to live another day today. First, I need to review the events of my 'dreams'," I said, feeling determined.
"So, the first thing that happened was waking up at 1:30 P.M. on December 24th. After that, I prepared to leave for my rendezvous with Alice and Janice. On my way, I unexpectedly ran into Jack and Yumi. We talked for a while, then I hurried to meet Alice and Janice. After a short conversation with them, we went for a stroll and shopping around the city and we went to a coffee shop, talked some more, and then I left to go home. That's where the attack happened." I said, with a determined tone.
"For now, I'll cancel my plans with them. I just hope I survive this time," I said, worry lacing my voice.
My hands trembled as I dialed their group chat. After a short wait, they answered.
"Is something the matter, Elara?" Janice asked, her usual reserved tone tinged with worry.
"Yes, I... I'm not feeling well today, so... I want to cancel our plans. I'm truly sorry," I said, a sadness battling with the grim determination to survive.
"What? You're not feeling well?! Are you sure you're okay?! We can stop by later and be with you!" Alice exclaimed, her worry evident.
"Yes, really. It's just a cold. Anyways, enjoy yourselves," I said, my voice heavy with sadness. I hung up, the guilt weighing on me.
"I'm sorry, you two," I whispered, my voice shaking. I longed to be with them, but I couldn't risk their safety. If I went with them, I'd likely be killed. If I had them come to me, the killer might still be waiting, and I wouldn't forgive myself if they got hurt.
"I will survive today," I said, determination warring with lingering fear.
I glanced at the clock: 2:02 P.M., DECEMBER 24TH, 2025.
"Four hours until my fated ending," I whispered, fear and determination battling within me. "I won't leave this house until then, at all costs. Only then will I know I've survived, that I've altered my fated ending."
I decided to take a bath; the itchiness all over my body was unsettling.
Emerging from the bathroom, clean and clothed, I checked the time: 2:30 P.M., DECEMBER 24TH, 2025.
I lay back down, scrolling through social media, the dread and anxiety a constant, gnawing presence.
"It's so boring, but I'll endure it if it means living another day. It's all that killer's fault and this damn 'dream' cycle or whatever you call this shit!" I exclaimed, frustration bubbling over. My hands clenched into fists.
"It's just for a day. I just need to bear with it," I muttered, pouting.
The clock read 3:36 P.M., DECEMBER 24TH, 2025. With each passing moment, my brutal demise drew closer. Anxiety and fear clawed at me, but I forced myself to stay strong, clinging to the hope of survival.
"I don't know if just staying in this house will increase my chances of survival, but I can't rule it out. And besides, I have to try everything," I said, determination battling with curiosity and anxiety.
My nervousness must have lulled me to sleep.
A loud knock jolted me awake. I checked the time: 5:58 P.M., DECEMBER 24TH, 2025. Only two minutes until my fated ending. Panic seized me.
I armed myself with the shovel, went downstairs, and peered through the peephole. It was a delivery person... but why were they looking down? Regardless, relief washed over me.
"Whew, safe! All this craziness made me forget I had a package arriving tonight!" I exclaimed, laughing in relief.
I opened the door.
"Hello, si-"
My words died in my throat. The delivery person wore the same mask as the killer from my "dream."
"You... WHO ARE YOU?! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!" I raged, my fists clenched.
For the first time, I heard their voice: "Remember, you stole everything from me. So, I will steal everything from you." Their tone was calm, yet laced with anger.
The voice was unfamiliar, but it sounded like they were using a voice changer.
"Who are yo-"
Before I could finish, the masked figure lunged, stabbing me in the chest. I collapsed, the sound of Christmas carols the last thing I heard before darkness consumed me... for the third time.
And, so...I woke up again.