Chapter 4: The Loop, A Dream Deeper.

Multiple voices called out, hundreds of people talking, whispering in her ears, reminding her of her mistakes.

“You left everyone. You went to sleep.” A voice said.

"I already know what to do. Let me go." Rai said, shaking the voices off.

"Are you sure?" A voice echoed.

“Yes. Let me try again.” Rai said.

“Nine lives left.” The voice said.

“What?” Rai asked, confused.

“Nine lives, nine chances, nine times before it’s eaten. One more piece gone.” The voice said.

“Explain.” Rai said.

“The nurse will show you the way” The voice rasped, distorting as it faded away.

She woke up

“The same ceiling as before. At least I’m in my own body. But I’m still in a dream.” Rai said.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Yes. Yes, you are. Your memories shall be eaten after nine more failures. Well, I’m not sure calling this a dream is accurate, but I guess it works. Anyway, I guess I should explain further. Each time you try to go through the dreamscapes, you have nine chances before a total reset. Like a game, I guess.” The nurse said.

“And if I lose all of my lives?” Rai asked.

“We eat one of your memories, take away your knowledge of the dreamscape, and you start again.” The nurse said.

Rai thought for a moment.

“Have...have I gone through this before?” Rai asked.

“Are you asking if you’ve reset before? Yes. Yes you have. Your precious information, your knowledge, your memories, I’ve locked them away inside of myself. They were delicious.” The nurse said.

“Who are you?” Rai asked.

“Why, I’m you, who else would I be?” The nurse said.

“Don’t screw with me. This is my head. Not yours.” Rai said.

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that. I’m not sure you can face yourself.” The nurse said.

“I admit, I want to forget that. But I can face it.” Rai said, determined.

The nurse shook her head.

“You have no idea how much trauma you’ve gone through, do you? Try to remember yourself, when you were a kid.” The nurse said.

Rai froze, thinking.

She shook her head.

“No, you must have taken those memories. You said I’ve reset before, right? Who knows what you’ve taken away” Rai said angrily.

The nurse looked at her pitifully.

“You really are helpless. What should I have expected? You’re never going to escape like that.” The nurse said.

“I’ll prove you wrong.” Rai said.

“That's not what-Nevermind. Trauma can do things to a person, Rai. I’m not the only reason you forgot things.” The nurse said.

“Stop trying to trick me. What am I supposed to do, how do I escape?” Rai asked.

“You already failed.” The nurse said, shaking her head.