I woke up just like any other day and sat there, staring at the blank wall.
The room was quiet — the kind of quiet that feels heavy, like the air itself is waiting.
Then my phone rang.
My ringtone echoed through the room, sharp and sudden, slicing through the silence.
I reached for it. The name on the screen read Aira.
That was strange. She wasn't the type of person to call anyone this early in the morning.
I answered quickly.
"Heyy! Aren't you coming? I'm so excited! And when you come, bring that pillow!"
Her voice burst through the speaker, full of energy, and for some reason, it sent a chill through me — like her excitement didn't belong in that quiet morning.
I blinked, trying to shake off the feeling. Then I noticed the calendar pinned beside my bed.
October 31.
My stomach dropped.
We were supposed to go on our trip today — to one of my friends' villas.
Panic kicked in. I glanced at the clock. Late.
Without even saying goodbye, I hung up on Aira and dashed to the bathroom.
---
Somehow, despite the rush, I made it to the meeting point before the set time.
When I arrived, Aira was standing near a small shop, her hair tied messily, eyes bright.
I called her name and jogged over.
She turned, smiled — and immediately started yelling at me for hanging up. Her voice filled the air, loud and familiar, and for the first time that morning, it actually felt like the world had color again.
That's when Hestia pulled up in her car, honking once before stopping beside us.
I ran forward and opened the front door, sliding into the seat next to her.
Aira climbed into the back with Rhea, Mira, and Noel.
The car was instantly alive — chatter, laughter, the sound of music from someone's phone.
We were all happy. Excited. Ready for the trip.
It would be a fun and memorable day.
Or so i thought.