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The University
Chapter 1: *A Quiet Invitation*
Mira had never been one to take risks. Her life in the city was predictable, even mundane—a cycle of classes, part-time work, and nights spent gaming. It was through one of these late-night gaming sessions that she met Nora. At first, Nora was just another voice in her headset, someone with a quick wit and a knack for strategy. But over the months, their conversations deepened. They shared secrets, dreams, and fears. By the time Nora suggested Mira move to her small, isolated town to attend the local university, it felt like the next step in their friendship.
“It’ll be perfect,” Nora had said, her voice brimming with excitement. “We’ll live together, go to the same university, and it’ll be like having a sister around all the time.”
The idea tugged at Mira’s heart. She had always longed for a sister, someone who truly understood her. Against her better judgment, Mira agreed.
Now, standing in the center of this tiny town, she wondered if she’d made a mistake.
The train station had been nearly deserted when she arrived, its platform covered in a fine layer of dust. The town itself was picturesque, with cobblestone streets and old brick buildings. But it was too quiet. The kind of quiet that felt unnatural, oppressive. Mira had felt it the moment she stepped off the train—a strange heaviness in the air, as though the town were holding its breath.
Nora had greeted her with a tight hug and a bright smile, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere. She’d whisked Mira away to the small apartment they were now sharing, chatting non-stop about the university, the town, and how excited she was to have Mira there.
But as the hours passed, Mira couldn’t shake the unease growing in her chest. Something...
Mira had never been one to take risks. Her life in the city was predictable, even mundane—a cycle of classes, part-time work, and nights spent gaming. It was through one of these late-night gaming sessions that she met Nora. At first, Nora was just another voice in her headset, someone with a quick wit and a knack for strategy. But over the months, their conversations deepened. They shared secrets, dreams, and fears. By the time Nora suggested Mira move to her small, isolated town to attend the local university, it felt like the next step in their friendship.
“It’ll be perfect,” Nora had said, her voice brimming with excitement. “We’ll live together, go to the same university, and it’ll be like having a sister around all the time.”
The idea tugged at Mira’s heart. She had always longed for a sister, someone who truly understood her. Against her better judgment, Mira agreed.
Now, standing in the center of this tiny town, she wondered if she’d made a mistake.
The train station had been nearly deserted when she arrived, its platform covered in a fine layer of dust. The town itself was picturesque, with cobblestone streets and old brick buildings. But it was too quiet. The kind of quiet that felt unnatural, oppressive. Mira had felt it the moment she stepped off the train—a strange heaviness in the air, as though the town were holding its breath.
Nora had greeted her with a tight hug and a bright smile, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere. She’d whisked Mira away to the small apartment they were now sharing, chatting non-stop about the university, the town, and how excited she was to have Mira there.
But as the hours passed, Mira couldn’t shake the unease growing in her chest. Something...
