Paranoia -completed-

The new condo felt like a fresh start, a clean slate after years of college and careful savings. It was small, but it was hers, filled with the promise of independence. Jess, her best friend and practically her sister, had been a whirlwind of energy for days, helping her unpack boxes and transform the space into a home.

“Since we’re finished getting you unpacked, we should go out tonight,” Jess declared, flopping onto the plush new black leather sofa. Clara, still getting used to the feel of her own furniture, shook her head.

“Jess, I’ve never been to a club before. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Jess, ever the persuader, sighed. “Clara, you’re 21 years old. You need to have fun! You don’t… have to get drunk.” The words hit a familiar, painful chord. Seven years. Seven years since the drunk driver, the crash, the fire, and the hospital. Her parents were gone, and she was the only one left.

“No,” Clara insisted, the memory a cold knot in her stomach. “It’s not a good idea. You go, have fun.”

“Not unless you go,” Jess retorted, a playful glint in her eye. “Listen, just think about it. I’ll call you around seven, okay?”

“Okay, see ya.”

Clara watched Jess leave, the sound of her car pulling away leaving a sudden quiet in the condo. Her phone read 4:25 PM. A couple of hours. Maybe a quick nap. She laid her head on a pillow on the sofa, closing her eyes, and immediately, the familiar, terrifying dream began to unfurl.