051

Hazel blinked, her eyelids fluttering open to greet the sight of her bedroom ceiling. After a few steady breaths, she realized she felt surprisingly refreshed, devoid of any remnants of a troubled sleep. There were no signs of struggle or haunting dreams lingering to unsettle her. As she sat up against the headboard, a surge of curiosity washed over her, prompting her to inspect her body, her hands, her feet - everything appeared normal. With a quick movement, she threw aside the duvet and rushed to the mirror, scrutinizing her reflection for any clues. But everything seemed unchanged.

A nagging question tugged at her thoughts: What had transpired during her sleep? Did she communicate with that mysterious presence that often visited her dreams? Or had she departed entirely? Closing her eyes, she attempted to recall her dreams, hoping to uncover even the slightest hint of their interaction. Yet, to her dismay, her mind was blank, devoid of any recollection.

Her eyes widened in realiz