There's something wrong with this school. But I just can't prove it.
'Rei... Rei!!. what's going on? Wait what are you drawing?'
'ummm, nothing.'
'It looks real... Too real. Do you know her?'
'No. That's the thing. I don't know her, Nia'
At lunch time, the air feels thick
Not the usual smell of cafeteria food or the chatter of students—something heavier.
Like it’s pressing against my chest.
I try to focus on my sandwich, but my hands tremble.
Nia keeps glancing at me, her fork frozen halfway to her mouth.
“Rei… seriously. You’re acting weird,” she says, her voice low.
I swallow hard.
“I’m fine,” I lie, forcing a smile.
But then… I notice it.
The empty seat across from us.
Someone’s seat.
Gone.
Not just empty. Gone.
No bag. No jacket. Not even a nameplate.
I freeze.
Nia follows my gaze.
“Wait… wasn’t someone sitting there?” she whispers.
I nod slowly.
“Yes… yesterday. I… I remember her.”
Nia’s eyes widen.
Later that night, I sit at my desk, sketchbook open.
I can’t sleep.
Not after lunch. Not after seeing that empty space.
I draw the girl again, line by line, trying to capture her face.
But when I glance up at the hallway outside my window… I see shadows.
Two figures moving quietly, like predators.
My heart skips.
I know what they’re doing.
I know who they’re taking next.
And I know I have to be careful.
Because if they see me noticing…
They won’t just erase her.
They might erase me too.
