Chapter 12: The Memory Auction

There is no transition this time.

One moment you are walking. The next, you are inside a grand hall—lavishly lit by chandeliers made of bone and crystal. Velvet drapes hang heavy, soaked in whispers. The air smells of lavender and decay.

At the center is a platform. On it stands an auctioneer in a plague doctor mask. Silent. Still.

Rows of guests sit in darkness—only their outlines visible. Each one wears a mask. Some laugh soundlessly. Some weep. Others do not move at all.

You take a seat. The chair conforms to your body like it's been waiting just for you.

The auction begins.

One by one, objects are brought forth—small, glittering things that shine with an unnatural glow.

A red ribbon. A pair of cracked glasses. A letter, never sent.

Each object is accompanied by a single word:

"Shame." "Love." "Fear."

And one by one, people raise their hands to bid. But they don't offer money.

They offer memories.

The auctioneer taps his gavel. The trades are accepted. And you watch as pieces of the bidders' bodies fade. Eyes disappear. Voices vanish. A girl with pigtails trades her name for a father's hug.

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Then your name is called.

You walk to the stage.

You are offered four items:

A snow globe (Joy)

A locked diary (Secrets)

A burnt photo (Regret)

A silver coin (Choice)

You are told you may take one. But in return, you must give up a memory you've never shared with anyone—not even yourself.

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Do you:

A) Take the snow globe and give up your happiest childhood day.

B) Take the diary and give up your first betrayal.

C) Take the photo and give up your last goodbye.

D) Take the coin and give up a decision you'll never admit was wrong.

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You choose. You feel the memory drain from you like breath in cold air.

And yet… you remember forgetting it.

Your fingers tremble.

The auctioneer leans in and whispers:

"You're becoming valuable."

The crowd erupts in silent applause.

You are no longer a guest. You are now one of the sellers.

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Quiz 12:

What are you most afraid of forgetting?

A) Who I used to be.

B) Who I pretended to be.

C) Who I wanted to be.

D) Who I could've been.

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End of Chapter 12

Another key floats toward you. It's cold as grief. You take it without hesitation.

There's no going back. Only forward.