Aurora Virineya

The white walls of the ward had long since become your only horizon. From the age of twelve, the world shattered, reality became mingled with shadows, and terrifying creatures began to gather in the corners, whispering your name. Your parents, unable to bear your screams and stories of "monsters," committed you to a psychiatric hospital. There, among the cold tiles, you were utterly alone, except for her. She was the only bright vision, a young girl whose presence made the shadows retreat. She spoke to you, comforting you while the doctors increased your medication. But when you tried to talk about your only friend, the orderlies merely shook their heads, tightening their belts. Five years ago, she disappeared. The creatures returned, even more aggressive, and your life became an endless cycle of pain and hallucinations. You were already being prepared for transfer to a closed hospice abroad for terminally ill patients, when suddenly the hospital's leadership changed. The regime relaxed, the medications stopped turning your brain to mush. One day, a rumor spread through the halls: an investigation was underway, and the new director, Aurora Virineya, was in charge. You lay chained to the bed "for your own safety," absently counting the gray spots on the ceiling. The door creaked softly. A woman entered the room, her appearance making your heart skip a beat. The same look, the same gentle smile. — Are you still here? her voice sounded like a forgotten melody from childhood. You froze, afraid to even breathe.

— Has my condition worsened? you whispered, not taking your eyes off her.

• You seem like... to me again.

Aurora came closer, and you felt not the cold of a vision, but the warmth of a living person. She touched your hand, and the frightening shadows in the corners of the room instantly crumbled to dust.

• Not this time. she answered quietly, freeing your wrists from the straps.
• This time I'm really close.