Jenny glanced at her younger brother, who was sleeping soundly on the living room couch, still hugging his toy. She looked at the clock and sighed.
Even now, her gaze lingered on the photo of her mother—the same one where a mysterious woman appeared beside her.
Are we getting closer to the truth? she asked herself. Or are we endlessly chasing something that keeps slipping away?
Each time the thought crossed her mind, a heavy sigh followed.
Jenny suddenly stood up, a shiver crawling up her spine. She felt like someone was watching them. Her eyes darted around the room. Could the enemy have already uncovered their secrets?
Calm down, Jenny, she told herself.
Then she heard a soft creak—the sound of a door opening.
"Jenny," a voice called out.
Her body, once tense with fear, eased the moment she recognized her brother's voice.
She turned to him with relief.
"Brother," she greeted quickly.
Felix stretched and yawned.
"I'll make you coffee," she said, heading to the kitchen.
While brewing the coffee, her thoughts wandered to Mikaela. Had she found the answers she was looking for? Why did she go back to that mansion, a place that had become a living hell for her?
Suddenly, someone tugged at her sleeve. Jenny flinched and turned to see her younger brother.
"Why, Greg?" she asked gently.
"Sis, Brother needs coffee," he mumbled.
"Okay, okay. I'm on it," she replied with a soft chuckle and hurried to finish making Felix's drink.
She brought the coffee to the table, where Felix sat rubbing his forehead. Another hangover, Jenny guessed, likely from his stressful job.
"Thanks, Jen," he said gratefully.
She nodded and took a seat across from him. For a moment, silence fell between them—broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock.
"What's on your mind, Jenny?" Felix asked.
"It's still hard to believe that Mom and Ellese's mother knew each other," she said, shaking her head.
Felix didn't respond, sipping his coffee quietly.
"How's Thalia, Brother?"
"She's doing fine. You know your sister—she's always careful," he answered.
Jenny nodded again. Sleep tugged at her eyelids.
"Brother, I haven't slept yet. I think I'll rest now," she said as she stood.
"Rest well, Jenny," he replied.
She headed to her room, lay down, and quickly drifted into sleep—into darkness.
But the darkness was suffocating.
She woke up gasping for air, her chest tightening. Her eyes flew open, but she saw nothing. She was trapped in what felt like a coffin—barely big enough for one person. The air grew thinner with each breath. Panic swelled.
Suddenly, beside her, a little girl screamed and cried, pounding her fists against the inside of the coffin.
"Help! Help! I don't want to be here! I don't want to be here!"
Tears streamed down the girl's face, mixing with sweat and mucus as she screamed for help. Jenny realized the girl couldn't see her. She watched, heart breaking and lungs aching.
Then, with a blinding flash of light, the trunk opened.
"What? Still planning to steal that notebook, Mikaela?" a boy, about fourteen, sneered.
Jenny didn't recognize him, but her chest tightened when she heard the name Mikaela.
Mikaela didn't answer. She simply glared at the boy, brushing her hair back with trembling hands.
"Still stubborn, huh?" he taunted again.
"Let go of Mikaela!" a voice shouted, and a young girl rushed forward, shoving the boy away.
"Ellese," Jenny whispered.
Am I reliving the past of the twins again?
Guns were suddenly pointed at the girls. Jenny's breath caught in her throat as she felt their fear.
"C–Come on, Mikaela," Ellese said, tugging her twin's hand. The two, just seven years old, ran off silently, their fear etched into every step.
The scene changed. Now Jenny was in a dim room lit only by a flickering bulb. A woman sat on the floor, bruised and in pain. Jenny's heart broke at the sight.
"Ellese," the woman muttered weakly.
"Don't worry, Mikaela. Someone will save us. We just have to hold on," she said through gritted teeth.
The space was filled with young women—college students, it seemed. One of them was soaked in blood. Jenny covered her mouth, horrified.
And then darkness again.
Pitch-black, silent, infinite.
"Jenny."
A voice called out, soft yet firm.
She turned and found herself face-to-face with Ellese and Felisa.
Felisa smiled gently. Jenny wasn't sure whether to feel comfort or dread.
"Help Mikaela, Jenny," Felisa pleaded.
Jenny hesitated. Words failed her.
"I know your lives are in chaos," Felisa continued, "but only you understand the truth."
Jenny let out a long breath. "I'll do my best to help her."
The sisters nodded.
Jenny jolted awake.
She touched her forehead, still dazed from the dream. Sleep refused to return. All she could do was lie there, staring blankly at the ceiling.