I heard the crackling sound, and the old bookshelves collapsed, going up in flames.

I heard the sound of the old bookshelves. They collapsed in on themselves and were completely on fire. Nothing else was burning—just the floor and the shelves.

Why did I come to this place? Why didn't I listen to my bad feeling? What did I do wrong?

No, I didn't listen to my instincts, and now I'm surrounded by chaos again. Why is it always me? Am I really the only person on this planet, among 8 billion people, who has to go through this?

My face was wet with tears. They wouldn't stop. It was too much for me. What I saw was too horrible. I couldn't take it anymore.

Thomas—one of my best friends—he... he was hurt.

Did I really do that?

Thomas was pressed against the wall, wheezing. His extremities were turning dark red, and the smell of burnt flesh filled the air. The sight shocked me more and more.

What am I doing? Was that really me? Please stop! Please...!

My entire face was covered in tears. What did I do to deserve such a terrible life?!

But the flames were moving so fast. Were they really flames? They looked like lightning balls.

My breathing quickened. I squeezed my eyes shut. It became harder and harder to breathe. It felt like a rope was slowly tightening around my lungs. The pain was unbearable, and my whole body tensed up.

"No!" I screamed. "Please don't kill him, please!"

But Thomas was hit again. The glowing spheres didn't seem to stop attacking him.

Inside, I felt like I was going to explode. My body was burning, and I couldn't bear the slowness of my movements anymore.

The enormous pressure was too much. My body couldn't handle it any longer. Slowly, I lost consciousness and fell into the welcoming darkness.

My pain drifted away from me, and I felt nothing anymore. For a moment, I forgot everything around me.