Chapter 3

The next day, something incredible had happened.

My school was… different.

I’m talking about the entire building.

The shape, the color, the size, the entrance…

It was still a school, but it was colorful and odd, like something out of a dream.

The weirdest part is…

Nobody seemed to notice the change but me.

“...I’m definitely losing my mind.”

I said to myself as I walked inside with no choice, through a familiar path in an unfamiliar classroom, sitting at my usual spot with my usual classmates.

Well, all except for Nolan.

Class started and ended as normal.

Nobody said anything, nobody mentioned a thing.

I had convinced myself that this was all in my head at one point.

Something was definitely messing with my brain as a result of trauma.

Either way, I better visit Nolan’s home today and ask about the funeral, I thought.

I don’t really want to go, but it would be nice to talk to someone that knows him.

Someone.

Anyone.

***

On my way to his place, I was stopped by someone yelling.

“She’s gonna jump!”

An old lady shrieked in the middle of the street, pointing to the top of a building nearby.

It was an old bakery that had many floors, crowned by a giant sprinkle donut at the top — something that made it a sort of landmark to the locals.

On top of the donut there were more than just sprinkles, though.

A young woman wearing a sundress and no shoes was standing on top.

My heart sank.

Then I shook my head and ran as fast as I could inside the building.

The conversation I had with Nolan was still fresh in my mind thanks to my recent dream.

I quickly made it to the last floor, pushing through the employees standing outside the door that lead to the ceiling as they wondered if they should go in or not.

I didn’t ask for permission.

I simply kicked down the door and made it through.

This startled the young woman in the dress, who quickly turned to me and gasped.

I took a step forward with my outstretched arm, like you would approach a timid little deer as the employees whispered from behind the downed door.

“H-Hey…”

I called out to her without a plan.

Why had I come here, anyway?

She didn’t answer.

She blinked, holding her fist over her chest, taking a deep breath.

Then, she turned her back to me.

Immediately I ran to her side, fearing the worst.

“.......Quick and painless… lickety-split....…”

She whispered.

I heard it loud and clear.

I took a careful step forward.

I was within reach now.

“...But a lot of people would witness it… like an easy way to get famous…”

She continued.

My heart stopped again.

She definitely said what I think she said, didn’t she?

Without realizing it, I had reached for her wrist.

“...Nolan…?”

My mouth asked before I could stop myself.

She turned to me with her eyes wide open, and her next words froze me cold.

“...How… do you know that name?”