[C] Time's Running Out || p.jm

1

It was late at night, and I was in the high school library, packing up my things. My school offers a 24/7 library, accessible to any student, and it had become my refuge. As a final-year student with strict Asian parents, I felt immense pressure to perform. With my bag slung over my shoulder, I headed down the main corridor, ready to leave the school grounds.

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the school's storeroom. I was only a few steps away. A loud bang followed, echoing from behind the storeroom door. Curiosity mingled with fear as my heart pounded. Instinct screamed at me to run, but my body betrayed me, rooted in place. I gulped and edged closer.

"AHHHH!!!"

A scream pierced the silence. I flinched, rushing towards the storeroom door. Just as I reached it, the door swung open violently, nearly hitting me. A tall man in a mask stood before me, towering and menacing. Behind him, a girl lay on the floor, lifeless and covered in blood. Horror seized me as I realized she was already dead.

I took a step back, then bolted, sprinting for my life. My bag felt like a lead weight, so I threw it aside. My voice failed me; no sound escaped my lips to call for help.

It's him. It's him. The Joker. The serial killer haunting my school.

A large hand gripped my wrist, yanking me back. I stumbled, falling to the ground. The Joker dragged me towards an unknown fate.

"Get away from me!" I screamed, struggling to free my wrist. Annoyed by my resistance, he turned and wrapped his hand around my neck, tightening his grip. "Don't- Fu- Ahh!"

"It's you," he muttered in a harsh voice I couldn't place. He brushed a strand of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear. "A beautiful face, but what a waste." I spat at him, but the spit only hit his mask. He caressed my jawline, then gripped my chin firmly, drawing a knife and slicing my left cheek. Pain surged through me, and I shrieked as tears streamed down my face.

"You there!" a familiar voice called. The school's security guard.

"Another pain in the ass," Joker muttered, releasing me as he turned to face the guard.

Mustering all my strength, I ran. Downstairs, towards the main gate, I ran, my breath ragged. I glanced back; the Joker was right behind me. Fear drove me forward, but my body was failing.

Suddenly, I tripped, falling hard onto the cement. My knees bled, and I struggled to stand, but fell again. Joker approached slowly, an eerie smile behind his mask. He knew I couldn't escape.

He knelt beside me, lifting my chin and raising his knife. He sliced my throat, not deeply, but enough to cause excruciating pain. Tears blurred my vision as I tried not to scream.

Desperation gave me strength. I kicked him, once, then again, harder, at his groin. He fell back, and I ran, clutching my bleeding neck. I reached the school's gate and dashed onto the street.

HONK!!!

A lorry sped towards me, horn blaring. The impact was instant and brutal, throwing me onto the cold, wet road. Pain radiated through my shattered body.

I tried to breathe, but air wouldn't fill my lungs. Lying there, I saw the Joker across the street, watching with satisfaction.

"I'll never let you get away with this," I muttered with my last ounce of strength.

"Oh, don't worry. I will," he replied, as darkness enveloped me.

----

I opened my eyes to a void of darkness. Suddenly, the space filled with white light, revealing a vast, empty hall. I had lost track of time, wandering aimlessly on earth without purpose.

A large door at the end of the hall creaked open. People entered, standing in front of me, their eyes fixed on me as if I were a villain.

"Ms. Soeun," a voice boomed through the hall, though I couldn't see its source.

"Yes," I replied, emotionless. Countless eyes remained on me.

"You have been given a chance. A chance to rest in peace or to be tortured forever," the voice continued sternly.

"I don't know... I am not sure," I admitted.

"You were not meant to die. These girls, like you, believe you can avenge them and set things right," the voice said.

"Who are these girls?" I asked.

A group of girls emerged from the crowd, emotionless like me. We were all lost souls, unsure of our path.

"These girls chose you. To free their souls and yours, you must reveal the Joker's identity to the public."

I stared at the girls, realizing how many had died before me. They trusted me, and I had a chance to find peace.

"There are conditions. Everyone knows you are dead. Resurrecting will erase your past memories. You will start anew."

"Okay," I agreed. Everything went black.

----

The doctor entered to take Soeun's body after the autopsy. Suddenly, the heart monitor beeped. He turned, seeing the dead girl breathe again. She was supposed to be dead, confirmed hours ago.

He checked her eyes; they responded. Her irises, now ringed with gold, were surreal.

Reviewing her files, he saw she had no family, living alone in a poor rented room. Taking her in would be easier, he thought.

Edited and Proofread on 12/7/2024

Dedicated to 987654321love . Thanks for voting!