Hi, my name is Phantom. Well, at least that's what I like to call myself. My real name? Jack. Or maybe Arthur. Or a dozen others. See, I don't really have just one name. That's why I prefer Phantom.
Why am I writing in this notebook? A friend from... another world, maybe another dimension, told me it would help clear my mind. I'm not sure what to call it, but one thing's certain—it's not my reality. again.
I don't even know why I listened to him. I've already tried talking to a lot of people. They just didn't get it. Thought I was crazy or needed help. And yeah, I tried to get help. Let's just say it didn't end well.
"Get up, Jack! You're gonna be late for school!" Mom's voice cut through the early morning quiet. She stepped into my room while I was scribbling in my notebook.
I stopped writing and looked up. "Oh, good morning, Mom. I'm already awake. Just gonna wash my face."
She frowned, eyes scanning my tired face. "Did you even sleep? Look at those bags under your eyes." She paused, then glanced at my PS4. "You stayed up playing games all night, didn't you?"
I shrugged. "If I did, what would I play? You cut the internet every night."
She sighed, her anger flickering. "Makes sense... Anyway, get to school. When you get back, we need to talk."
I headed out the door. Our two-story house faded behind me as I walked down the street, past stores and cars, until a black cat caught my eye.
"Hey there, little guy," I said, crouching down to scratch its belly.
The cat scratched my white hand, drawing a thin line of blood. I stared at it, cold and tired. "You didn't have to do that."
I kept walking while the black cat watched me. I'm white-haired, wearing a black hoodie with some white lines, and black pants with the same lines. I don't look strong, but I don't look weak either—I just look... weirdly normal, even with my strange clothes.
At school, I slipped through the gates and into the noisy classroom. Everyone wore the uniform—I should have too. But I figured the teacher would understand once I showed my medical notes.
I found a seat by the wall and tried to sleep, but my mind wouldn't let me. I glanced around, eyes landing on a blond kid sitting by the window—the classic main character spot. I felt a pang of jealousy mixed with mockery. He looked like he fit the part, but I bet he didn't suffer every night like I did.
Just as I was about to close my eyes, someone burst into the room yelling, "Get ready, everyone!"