The Journey Beyond The Absolute
Chapter 0: The Glass That Broke Me
As the first rays of dawn peek through the curtains, I awaken to a maze of swirling thoughts. One particular realization jolts me into alertness Oh right, I have school today. The weight of that thought settles heavily on my chest, a reminder of all that awaits me.
Reluctantly, I toss aside my cozy blanket and swing my legs over the edge of my bed. Slowly, I rise and shuffle to my closet, where a carefully chosen outfit hangs. It's the same ensemble I wear splain dark jeans that fit just right, paired with a slightly oversized, faded graphic tee that's seen better days. I throw on my favorite wornout sneakers comfortable but definitely not the most stylish option because at this point, practicality trumps fashion in my world.
Once I'm adequately dressed, I move to the bathroom to begin my morning routine. I brush my teeth while staring at my reflection, noticing the dark circles lurking beneath my eyes, evidence of countless sleepless nights stirred by anxiety. After rinsing, I splash my face with water, hoping to wash away the lingering remnants of fatigue. Next, I run a comb through my hair, though it only halfheartedly obeys my efforts, standing defiantly in wild tufts.
Gathering my backpack, filled with textbooks, notebooks, and the remnants of last week's lunch that I didn't bother to dispose of, I take a deep breath. The day is still young, and I can only hope it holds something better than what I expect. I calmly approach the door and twist the knob, the cool metal grounding me in the moment.
But as I step outside, my heart sinks at the sight before me. Oh great, this guy again... I instantly pick up on his unmistakable swagger. He stands there like a storm cloud dark and foreboding. With a resigned sigh, I know I'll have to face him again. As I make my way to school, each step feels heavier, a mix of dread and weariness settling in my bones.
Upon reaching the school entrance, my eyes dart around until I spot him lets call him A. He's leaning coolly against the brick wall, his appearance unmistakable tall with an unkempt mop of black hair that almost obscures his intense gaze. His attire is an unremarkable mix of ripped jeans and a hoodie that might as well have been stolen from a thrift store. Yet, it's his expression that sends a chill down my spinean unsettling grin that promises trouble.
"Oh hey, look who it is!" he belts out, a taunting glimmer in his eyes. "The personal punching bag has returned! Luck is on my side today!" With that, he cracks his knuckles, the sound resonating like an ominous warning in the otherwise quiet morning.
I attempt to mask my trepidation, adopting a fauxcasual demeanor. "Oh great, more hell," I mutter under my breath, battling the rising anxiety that threatens to overtake me.
A's grin only widens it's a sight that sends shivers through my spine. "You have nowhere to run," he sneers, and before I can process the gravity of his words, he lunges forward, throwing a punch aimed straight at my face. The impact is brutal a flash of pain erupts, and I can taste the metallic tang of blood as it spills from my lip, warm and sticky.
Momentum takes me off balance, and I'm launched backward, hitting the unforgiving ground. In a blur of chaotic motions, A closes in on me, delivering a relentless barrage of punches that rain down like cruel hail. Each strike only adds to the agony, both physical and emotional, as I find myself overwhelmed and vulnerable.
As the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows across the school yard, the school bell rings, a welcome reminder that my suffering must come to an end for now. A pauses, glancing down at me with a satisfied smirk plastered on his face. "See you again for the next three years, punching bag," he laughs, before swaggering off, leaving me lying there, battered and defeated.
Struggling to gather myself, I rise, legs shaky beneath me, and start the long walk home. Each step feels like a monumental effort, the weight of the day pressing down on my shoulders like a heavy shroud. When I finally arrive at my front door, I fling it open and step inside, the silence of my home greeting me like a cold embrace.
But the moment I close the door behind me, I can no longer contain the flood of emotions that rushes forth. I lean against the door, my breath hitching in my throat, and I finally break down. Tears of frustration and despair spill over as I wonder, why do I have to endure this...? Why must I keep facing this torment that feels unending...!? The questions circle my mind like a relentless storm, making it impossible to find peace, even in the safety of my four walls.
With a sudden burst of desperation, I thrust my fist into the glimmering surface of the mirror, shattering it into a thousand jagged fragments. As the shards clatter to the ground, a peculiar rift materializes behind the fractured glass, a swirling vortex that beckons to me with a magnetic allure. Curiosity consuming my thoughts, I gingerly lift the broken mirror, placing it aside with a sense of reverence.
Suddenly, a voice echoes in the depths of my mind, smooth and enticing. Hello, young one. I have been privy to your struggles, your dissatisfaction with the way things are. Would you like to journey to the realm of the Absolute? A place where willpower is the ultimate force, where your intentions shape reality itself?
"Who are you, really?" I inquire, my voice steady yet tinged with both fear and fascination.
The voice replies, unwavering and calm, Who I am is inconsequential. My name has faded into obscurity long before the dawn of creation. Now, I am simply known as Absolute.
Understanding begins to dawn upon me, and I respond with a hint of tranquility, "I see now."
"There it is," the voice continues, an undercurrent of excitement lacing its words. "This is your opportunity to begin anew, to forge a different path, to start fresh. The world of the Absolute has been anticipating someone like you."
I refuse, I articulate with measured composure, although uncertainty flickers within me.
But as soon as the words leave my lips, a wave of hesitation washes over me, pulling me back into a whirlpool of memories.
Suddenly, I am thrust into a vivid flashback.
The girl stands before me, her radiant smile momentarily blinding me to the grim reality of the scene she has a bullet lodged in her chest. The warmth of her joy stands stark against the coldness of her predicament. "I don't have much time left... Please, listen carefully…"
A profound sadness envelops me, and I implore her, my heart aching, "Please don't go…" My voice trembles as I close the distance, cradling her fragile form in my arms, feeling tears prick at my eyes as they threaten to spill over.
Leaning in, she whispers something faintly in my ear, her warmth wrapping around me as she pulls me closer, her eyes softly fluttering shut as death claims her.
My eyes widen in horror, a mixture of disbelief and devastation washing over me. I hold her lifeless body, my heart shattering as I carry her away from this moment, tears streaming unchecked down my cheeks. I am utterly broken by a world that has ripped away my joy.
End of Flashback
Returning to the present, I speak calmly yet with a newfound urgency. "If this world you speak of is as you say, does that mean I could bring her back?"
The voice in my head responds once more, "Yes, that is indeed correct. But I must ask, why raise that question now? Does this indicate a change of heart?"
In the depths of my thoughts, an undeniable resolve begins to take shape. I may not fully grasp what I witnessed in that moment of loss, but the overwhelming drive to restore her to me is consuming. It fuels an insatiable determination to face any challenge that the universe might throw my way. All I can think about is saving her, no matter how nightmarish this new realm may prove to be for me.
"This is my chance, my catalyst for change," I resolve. It's time to embark on my journey, to reclaim her from the grasp of death, and confront anyone who stands in my way. I don't understand why she left this world with a smile, but I know one thing I will do anything to be with her again. And with my heart pounding in my chest, I step boldly into the rift, my body dissolving into its swirling depths without a moments hesitation.
To be continued...