Chapter 4 – Frozen Time, Fading Hope
The tick of the clock signaled the start of what would be the last race.
The group dashed forward, already halfway through, gaining a clear lead over their previous attempts.
Darkness and exhaustion kept their minds from dwelling on those who had vanished into the void. Their focus was survival — the desperate hope of finally escaping this endless nightmare.
There was hope. Even with the losses along the way.
The race was nearing its end. Their tired bodies screamed to stop.
Rubia saw him crossing the massive gate. He saw her approaching before turning his back.
Their eyes met — quick but meaningful.
Relief shone in his gaze, but uncertainty lingered beneath it.
Fear.
What would come next?
Maybe they'd never see each other again.
Was this the path home, or to somewhere far worse? Or even to absolute oblivion?
Questions swirled, but there was no time to wait for answers, nor any place to find them. The only choice was to face it head-on — and Rubia was ready.
Anything for a chance at freedom, no matter how small or fragile.
Those who didn't make it in time would be left behind, and sadly, there would be no salvation for them.
With heavy heart, Rubia turned her back and stepped through the gate before the final tick of the clock, surrendering herself to an uncertain fate.
***
It was unlike anything she'd ever seen before.
For some reason, while everyone else lived trapped in an illusion — like actors stuck in a scripted film — she still had moments of clarity. Moments when time froze and Rubia could finally move and think as she wished.
Not that her illusory life was bad. She had a loving family, amazing friends, plenty of fun places to go, and a job that seemed to make a difference to many. But none of it was real.
She had to face reality — no matter how painful or distorted.
Her memories lingered in her mind, but she knew she was different. Not like them. Not human. This wasn't the world she came from.
It might be perfect, but it didn't belong to her in any way.
She had to find a way back home.
During one lucid moment, she wandered the streets aimlessly. While time remained frozen, no one recognized her, no fans asked for photos or autographs. She could walk freely like a normal person.
Everyone around her was frozen.
Except one.
At first, she didn't notice him. But once she did, she found herself walking down that same street more and more often—until finally, she stepped inside the shop.
He stood behind the counter, wearing a gray apron, watching her as if he had been expecting her.
"I've been waiting for you to tell me your name." she broke the silence.
He smiled.
"You still remember."
"I could never forget," she replied seriously. "Never."
"Haniel."
"What?" She blinked, looking away.
"That's my name. Haniel," he repeated firmly. "Or at least, it was. In the real world."
In the real world, Rubia thought quietly. Something inside her told her his real world wasn't the same as hers.
"Your world looks like this one, doesn't it?" she asked, closing her eyes as she awaited his answer.
"Yes. Exactly like this," he confirmed. "So similar it's strange. Here, everything's fake. People are false," he sighed. "Except those trapped like us — those are real. But many will never wake up."
"Things are different here. There's no door to cross. It's all very subjective," she said thoughtfully. "Every day since I found you, I can remember a little longer."
Rubia suspected the only way to escape this fiction was to fully wake up — to never forget, even when time starts moving again.
"Good afternoon, ma'am, how can I help you?" His voice suddenly turned robotic.
Rubia glanced around, her eyes darkening.
Time was up.
He slipped back into the role of the shopkeeper.
He forgot her again.
"No need. Until next time, Haniel."
He stared after her, confused and curious as the customer turned and walked away.
Haniel? he wondered. The name sounded familiar, but nothing came to mind.
He shook his head, brushing the thought aside. Surely he'd remember if it was really important.