Fate walked closer, their steps unsteady. The air felt colder now, as if the memory itself carried a chill.
The blurry shapes finally settled.
They were standing on a sidewalk at night. Cars passed by. Streetlights glowed a harsh white. Everything felt loud and distant at the same time.
Fate stared, confused. "This is… my world. Before the forest."
Older Fate nodded. "Yes."
The scene moved like a slow replay.
Fate saw their past self standing near the edge of the road, holding a phone, eyes tired and unfocused. People walked by without noticing them.
The Dreamer whispered, "You look… lost."
Fate swallowed. "I remember feeling like that… sometimes."
"Keep watching," Older Fate said.
The memory shifted again.
A bright light.
A sudden horn.
A car swerving.
Fate's heart dropped.
Their past self stepped backward too late.
Then—impact.
Everything went white.
Fate froze. Their whole body felt numb. "I… died?"
