Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Just Another Day ❯ Volume One, Chapter Three: Falling Into Ice ( Chapter 3 )

Falling Into Space

Tonight felt weird. Soon was used to sleeping in hostels, abandoned buildings, or the streets. Would be nice to be on a mattress, sheets, and a pillow. He couldn't believe his luck. This had to be a dream.

Soon pinched himself in his right cheek.

“No, it's real,” Mai-Pai said. He looked over at her.

“Hm?” he asked. “Oh.” Mai-Pai unlocked her front door.

“We're home,” she whispered. The trio slipped inside. Mai-Pai turned on the lights. Soon looked at their modest apartment. Small but there were four walls. The trio took off their shoes and went inside.

“Do you have homework tonight, Jin?” Mai-Pai asked.

“Yes,” he said. “Did it before I came to work.”

“Good job,” she said.

“I'm going to take a bath now,” her son said.

“Okay,” Mai-Pai said. Jin headed down the hall. She turned to Soon.

“I'll show you to your room,” she said. He said nothing as he followed her down the hall.

“We rarely use this room,” Mai-Pai explained. “I didn't get time to clean it. I can still get fresh sheets and pajamas.”

“That's fine,” Soon said.

“No, you are my guest,” she said. “You deserve the best.” The woman opened the door. She flipped the light switch. There wasn't much in the room. Only a closet, nightstand, and a futon were in sight. To Soon, this room was a hotel suite.

“Give me a couple of minutes to set everything up for you,” Mai-Pai said.

“Alright,” Soon said. She turned and walked out of the room. He watched her leave.

Once everything was set up, everyone went to sleep.

“Good night,” Mai-Pai said across the hall.

“Night,” Soon said. Once his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light.

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So much sand. And darkness. His body felt so cold. Soon drew open his eyes.

The winds blew hot around his body.

Hello?

Nothing. Only his own echo. He looked around in the darkness. Small bites formed on his skin. He wanted to scream.

Hello? Is anyone here? Somebody? Anybody?

The wind began to howl. Such a noise! His ears began to ache. His throat closed up. Gagging got lost in the empty blackness.

Falling. Falling to his knees. More sand in his face. He started coughing again. Sand came out of his mouth.

No.

Black sand came out of his mouth. His ears ached along with his head. His body began to tremble.

No. No!

Suddenly, he froze. A hot breath rested on his nape. His body screamed run but he couldn't move. Claws scraped his back. His eyes widened in fear.

No, please!

But suddenly…

Stab!

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Soon awoke with a jolt covered in sweat. He could barely move. The man panted heavily.

“Soon? What happened? Are you okay?” Mai-Pai asked. The man's eyes shifted towards the doorway. Mai-Pai stood with a worried look on her face.

“Oh…” Soon mumbled. His stomach dropped. It's happened again, didn't it? Oh boy…

Sweet Nightmares