Sitting in front of the fire in her rooms with a blanket wrapped around herself, Elizabeth thinks back to the flashback, analyzing and going back to the life she left behind. Grabbing her mug filled with hot chamomile tea, she tried pushing back the horrible trauma that her body and mind went through.

Seven years ago, she left her parents in fear.

Three years ago, fear was the cause that took her parents and left Elizabeth orphaned.

Ever since she was violated, Elizabeth knew she had to get a fresh start had to move forward, which is why she left for boarding school. Coming from pedigree parents who traveled to get educated, they were happy to see their only daughter follow in their footsteps. What her parents didn't know was the reason that made her travel across the country and into Canada to complete her education.

Now, Elizabeth had to fight her demons on her own once again. Seven years ago and today didn't have much of a difference, except her age and where she was attending school. During high school, she had no one having her back and that is the case for this time around. Alone, Elizabeth was ready to face once again all her mental challenges, spontaneous occurrences around her, and for the stranger's stares that she would get. But did she want to do this alone?

Never.

Remembering how lonely she was, her body started giving out. Elizabeth placed her mug on the floor next to her, making sure that her trembling hands didn't spill any of the hot liquid that was inside. Her senses were going into overdrive, her brain shortcircuiting because of the fear and sadness that was consuming her. She couldn't remember when was the last time something like this had happened, but what she did remember is how abnormal and destructive this would end in.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and tried to calm her breathing, hoping that this episode would pass by quickly and with as little damage as possible. She placed her hands in front of her to lean some weight on the floor when she realized that there was no floor. Gasping, she opens her eyes and realized that her body is hovering parallel of the floor, floating a couple of feet above the ground.

This can't be happening, she thought, I thought that this wouldn't happen again. What am I doing? What is going on?

Before she could panic anymore than she already was, she felt someone staring at her. Looking around her, she viewed through the windows in her living quarters, hoping it was her paranoia getting the best of her. It was when she looked through the window on her right that she saw something, or someone, blur away from the rooftop across from her building. This moment was getting stranger and stranger by the second, and it made Elizabeth focus on herself and place herself back to the ground.

She took a deep breath and tried centering herself, bringing calm memories that would bring her some ease in this storm of emotion. Little by little, she felt her body become slightly heavier by the second until her body landed on the wooden floor that decorated her room. Right after she landed, her mind started becoming fuzzy and unfocused. Elizabeth tried her hardest to keep her eyes and mind open, but the darkness consumed her, taking her to oblivion.

—

Weeks passed and there was no incident after that horrible first week of school. Elizabeth became more aware of her sugar level and always ensured that she carried a small snack for emergencies. With her classes picking up, she once again threw herself to the only thing that brought her comfort and solace: academics.

Going to and from classes, Elizabeth kept a close eye for those around her, specifically for the life-saving gentleman. She did not want to have to explain or share anything to him, especially after having to go through an incident caused by the flashback. Since the incident with Professor Clairmont, she made sure to avoid anyone who might remotely look like him and focused on getting through this year as seamlessly as possible.

As the weeks went by, the weather became fierce and cold, making the leaves fall from branches, and making it the perfect environment for running. Among other things, Elizabeth found solace and strength in running, being able to unload some of the weight she carries every day and let go of all the ghosts that haunt her every day. With the cold weather that came about in mid-October, Elizabeth jumped in her running attire and went out to seek some serenity on a late afternoon.

Her route was fairly simple and she always maintained herself in an area where there were more people and foot traffic, being aware of her safety and wellbeing. She ran along the outskirts of campus, giving herself enough time to feel the burning in her muscles and lungs, that guaranteed she was pushing herself to her capacity.

By the time that she was finishing her run, she realized that she hadn't brought a water bottle with her. Elizabeth's throat was begging for some hydration, but the only thing in her sights was a small pub, a hole in the wall. Well knowing that she might be kicked out for being underage, she walked in and approached the bar that was near the entrance. As she waited for the bartender to acknowledge her, she took some time to observe her surroundings.

Elizabeth hadn't caught the name of the pub, but she assumed that it somehow had to do with fairytales. There were pages from books plastered as wallpaper in the majority of the bar, with plants and other figures decorated the interior, and finished with wooden furniture, barstools, and window ledges for customers to sit on. Before she could secretly acknowledge how much she liked the interior she heard a loud screech coming from the bartender.

The bartender was a short sturdy woman in some overalls with her frizzy hair in a bun. What made Elizabeth take a step back was the look in the woman's eyes: they were black and filled with rage as if someone had just killed her whole family and ready to take revenge.

"You little squirt best be getting out of my place! I will not be dealing with rascals again this year! You best be off now before I call the police!"

Ready to go around the bar, I approached her in a calm but steady manner. Elizabeth knew that adults assumed trouble just because of her age, but every single time, she made sure to prove them wrong.

"Ma'am, I am sorry for intruding like this, but I just want a cup of water if you don't mind. Yes, I know that I am a minor, but I can assure you that I mean no trouble here." With her hands in front of her, she held the woman's stare. Not once did Elizabeth let up, and that seemed to satisfy the business owner. With a small nod, the bartender went back behind the bar and got a small glass from behind and filled it with tap water. She left it on top of the bar and tilted her head to Elizabeth, signaling for her to join in.

Elizabeth gave a sigh of relief as she leaned on the bar and grabbed the cup, drinking it like a man dying of thirst in a desert. When she finished, she placed the glass once again on the bar and gave a small smile to the woman, knowing that the bartender was staring at her the whole time.

Elizabeth was thankful for her. "Thank you, ma'am. My name is Elizabeth, its nice to meet you." She held her hand out to shake it.

The woman arched an eyebrow, surprised by the young woman's manners. The bartender extended her hand and shook Elizabeth's.

"Nice to meet you lass. My name is Mary. What is a young woman like you running around without a parent?"

Elizabeth was struck by Mary's bluntness, but she didn't take it in a disrespectful manner. Like when she came in: adults just suspected from teens like her. But before she could answer, a man's voice joined the conversation.

"I would ask the same thing Elizabeth."

It was that voice that made Elizabeth's blood run cold and her face go pale...