Clunky clacking of clogs, short breaths chasing after another in rapid succession, and loud gasps of exasperation… Rem, within the grasps of death, is outrunning her toughest foe so far, her very own mortality. Fear and anger have left a mark on her springing to life every night of duress. The night before tests, events, and trips… These nights always force her into another trial of death. No amount of wit or strength let her outrun the inevitable.
“Four nights in a row! You’re only half as persistent as my ex and yet twice as terrifying you bastard!” Even in times of extreme duress she’s perfectly capable of spewing witty remarks.
The end of her nightmare is drawing close. Though her eyes are closed, she’s well aware of her surroundings. A steep cliff marks the end of her escape route as death, dread, and sorrow waltz, walk, and slither towards her. Their wet and cold breaths trickle down her back as…
…as she finally awakes with a sharp shriek echoing past the confines of her room. A loud bang reacts to her shriek stemming from her disgruntled little brother yearning for just another hour of sleep. The first few rays of sunshine serve as her signal to climb out of bed and get ready for school, yet all she can do is knock over three figurines she had laid out on the floor next to her bed the night before. Once again, her ritual was entirely pointless.
…as she finally awakes again almost two hours later. Her alarm hadn’t gone off. Her brother had left without her.
“Shit!” she exclaims as she runs around her room getting dressed and ready for school. Since she smudged her makeup somehow during her duress she’s going without not even getting the chance shower.
If not for the fact that her classes start late on Mondays, she’d be beyond devastated missing anything right before exam period. Yet despite her efforts a late bus thwarts her attempt at arriving on time.
“Your grades aren’t exceptional so I’d advise you to keep track of time lest you also wish to lose track of your goals. You’re here to learn! I don’t care whether you come here or not. I end up with my paycheck even if students like you carelessly approach their Abitur without thought!” Of course her teacher is chewing her out reprimanding her for missing a third of class. Mockery and scorn are her MO when it comes to addressing students.
Stolen story; please report.
Just a few months from now, Rem will be met with a diploma deciding which university she’ll attend and what kind of she’ll hold down for the rest of her life. To hand such a cruel papercut to a young woman who has yet to start life is her current main source of dread amplifying her nightmares.
“Come on. I said I’m sorry…” Her closest friend, despite promising to call her in case she were to oversleep, betrayed her at such a pivotal moment.
“And you probably turned off your alarm. So if anything, you owe me.”
“What for?” Rem’s staring into her friend’s soul dead-eyed and vengeful. “State your excuse lest you wish to be strangled.”
“I, uh,” he stammers. “I gave you my sweater when your period came in early!”
“What a shame,” she says as she begins twisting his head. “I did appreciate it though. Thanks.” Rem cracks her knuckles acting out his murder as he collapses to his knees acting out her fantasies.
“At least buy me a chicken sandwich and I’ll share my notes with you.” As much as she hates him, she loves Ellis far more than anyone she’d like to admit. Though they’ve known each other for just two years, their bond is stronger than friendships she’s forged almost 15 years ago. It feels like he’s the only friend that will continue to stay by her side even after they’re done with school.
After a long day of getting dragged through the mud by school, she’s finally home embracing her squishmallow. Rem’s praying for a night of rest wherein she’s left undisturbed and content with nice dreams supplying her with energy.
Yet, despite her prayers, she’s met with a job she never signed up for. A yellowish-brown creature floats into her room and plops onto her bed satisfied yet exhausted.
“Hello. I’m…” It initially struggles with introducing itself.
“Hello! I’m Morning Dew! Your new fairy partner assisting you into the multiverse of dreams!” Its second take seems far more mascot-like. “Gimme some of that cola. I need some sugar.” This blue… thing… Its torso is round and squishy. Its eyes are large and doll-like. Its arms and legs are stubs with no much-needed features to survive. Short coned ears and teeny tiny angelic wings add some flare to its appearance. Blue stars beneath its eyes decorate its face.
Rem shrieks again but for another reason…
