"We become the monsters we're most afraid of."
---
"Jimin," she breathed out. "You're allowed to touch me."
His plump lips slightly parted as a gasp escaped him. "I-" he exhaled, his fingertips slightly grazing her cheek.
"I'm someone else tonight...
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Panic.
"You know sis, I think it's about time you started to respect me."
"It wasn't an accident."
"Maybe things are about to get a little bit different around here."
"I'm so sorry for never saying how much I care about you, Ari."
Evil.
"Uncle Dongho's not here to protect you anymore."
"Admit it, sis, you've never been in your right mind."
"It's you."
"You're deranged."
"It's always been you, Ari."
Darkness.
"Why do you think father always preferred his other child over you?"
"I love you. We all love you."
"Perhaps my mother could be your mother too. You know, since yours isn't around anymore."
"I'm the only one who can tame your demons, Aera."
Fear.
"I've never thought of you as damaged."
"Jimin, you're the only person in my life I care about."
"I won't let you drown, Aera."
"I was never here."
I n h u m a n.
Aera's body washed cold. Her throat tightened as her lungs just refused to inflate as if they were surrounded by metal bars. Air. She needed air. Dizziness. She slumped to the carpeted floor, aware that her body had hit the ground but she felt nothing. A heavy mist hugged her conscience. Fight. Fight back.
"I love you. We all love you."
Fright consumed every cell of her body. Her lids felt heavy as she attempted to open her eyes to no avail.
"Ari."
I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being so weak.
"You're deranged. A psycho. You're not in your right mind."
So sorry. I miss you so bad, Mom and Dad. I miss you.
Something was crippling her, pinning her body to the ground like a dark shadow sitting on her chest.
