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Weirdo…

Another inhale, another horrible thought, and the plague person is still here, but when I close my eyes and reopen them a few seconds later, he disappears.

Maybe I’m imagining things.

I drank too much alcohol before coming here, a stupid amount, honestly.

I stayed outside a little longer, letting the cold air convince me I’m more sober than I actually am. And it’s working. So I put out my cigarette and went back inside.

I notice Hayzel dancing with Ethan and some other people, and give her a little wave as she smiles. She looks so happy and she’s having fun, it makes me smile too.

My feet led me straight to the bar.

“A vodka Red Bull, please. More vodka than Red Bull,” I ask the bartender, and he nods.

“Okay, more vodka than Red Bull, noted.”

I wait, glancing around at everyone who seems to be having a good time, but before I realize it, someone rushes at me and knocks my bag over.

“Watch out, damn it.” I bend down to pick up my things when I see the person wearing the same weird and fucked up plague mask. I freeze for no reason. But in a few seconds, the person moves forward and disappears again.

I'm not crazy, then.

A hand lands on my shoulder and I turn around, holding my breath.

“Your vodka Red Bull without Red Bull is ready.” The waiter points to the drink, which was already on the bar.

“Thank you, sorry, I didn’t see it.”

He nods and resumes his service while I grab my drink and sit down at the table where I have a better view of my friends.

I take a sip, then another one and my stomach lurches violently. Nausea slams into me so fast I have to grip the edge of the table. Heat floods my veins, like my blood has been replaced with something heavier, poisonous almost.

That’s not⁠—

I stand up quickly, scanning the room. Hayzel was still dancing and laughing, Ethan was talking to a girl next to her. My phone was in my hand before I consciously decided to call.

I need to get out now. The floor starts leaning and tilting to the side.

Gosh, I feel so fucked.

I laugh at myself on the way out because that’s ridiculous. I’m fine. I’ve had maybe two drinks. Three, if I’m being generous. Plus the bottles at the dorm, but… I don’t get this drunk with just that…

The door is heavier than I expect it to be and I miss the handle the first time. “Wow,” I mutter. “That’s fucking rude.”

Cold air hits my face but I’m sweating. The music thumps behind me, it’s all muffled, like it’s underwater. I blink a few times and the sidewalk snaps into focus, orange lights, pumpkins and a few broken bottles on the pavement.

I lean against the wall because it’s there, and not because I need it. I’m okay…But I stumble as I place my hand on the wall.

Okay. Maybe I need it a little.

My phone buzzes in my hand and I stare at it too long before remembering what it is. Letters swim when I try to unlock it. I did it wrong twice. Texts, from Hayzel, from Ethan, asking me to come and fance…? No, Dance. Fuck…

I need someone, I need him. I call him without really deciding to and he answers immediately.

“Mireya?” His voice, focus on his voice.

I grin because it's comforting to hear my name coming out of his mouth. “I think,” I say slowly, “I…I think you were right.”