Deletion

I woke up again after dying in the previous "dream." The events that unfolded in that "dream" still haunt me now. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine and makes me want to puke.

I glanced at the clock; it said "1:30 P.M., December 24th, 2025." I'm still stuck in this endless torment.

My mind raced, replaying what was revealed in the previous "dream" and the events that unfolded.

"What do they mean by 'Three Thousand Times More'? Does this mean this is my death limit, or is it the number of deaths I need to experience to break out of this loop? I don't know anymore! And that bastard...how did that scumbag know about the 'dreams'? Are they behind this? And most importantly, who is that masked figure really?!" My mind was infuriatingly filled with thoughts.

"Wait...Alice! I let myself be killed last 'dream' to see her and relive the day, to correct my mistake. I need to apologize to her!" My anxiety grew.

I dialed Alice's phone number, but to no avail. I tried to find her number in my contacts, but it was gone. I don't know what's happening, but I have a bad feeling about this.

I searched her social media accounts on different platforms, but found nothing.

"Alice...what's happening? Is she angry? Does she remember what happened in the previous 'dream'?" My voice was laced with nervousness.

If that's true, then Alice and probably Janice have the same ability as me. I need to confirm it!

I put Alice aside for a moment and dialed Janice's number. After a moment, she answered.

"Is something the matter, Elara?" Janice asked, her usual reserved tone laced with worry.

Great, the script is still moving; this is exactly what she said in the previous "dreams."

"Yes, do you know what happened to Alice? I can't seem to find any of her social media accounts, and her number is gone from my contacts for no apparent reason." My voice was laced with worry and anxiety.

"Alice? Is that a friend of yours? I don't know anyone by that name." Janice replied, her usual reserved tone with a hint of sympathy.

"What...are you kidding me right now, Janice?! This is not the time for jokes!" I yelled.

"Unfortunately, I'm not joking." Janice said, maintaining her reserved tone.

"You—" My words were cut off as I remembered something.

"Let me remind you, something will change in the next loop," I recalled the masked killer's words before they killed me in that awful "dream."

"Janice, I'm sorry if I lashed out at you...but please meet me later at People's Park. I have something to tell you. Meet me there at 3:00 P.M." I said seriously.

"Alright, I'll see you at 3:00 P.M. then." Janice sounded relieved that I'd calmed down.

"Take care!" I said enthusiastically and hung up.

I glanced at the clock; it said "2:18 P.M., December 24th, 2025."

"Is this what they mean by 'something will change'?" My eyes welled up, and soon tears flowed freely.

"Alice! I'm so sorry..." I whispered.

Now I understand. If someone else dies in the "dream" besides me, that person will be nonexistent in the next one. That's what the masked killer meant by "something will change."

I fell to my knees and cried my heart out.