I can't say anything for a while. Zach and Kithera are looking at me. They aren't saying anything.

I close my eyes.

--------------------

I'm running.

I'm running in town. It's my first day. I feel like I'm a passenger in my own body. I see the people in town. The ones that I saw that day. The difference between players and the townsfolk is obvious to me now. Not just the nameplates. The way people walk and move and interact. It all looks so very different even though its the same.

I'm talking to myself. Out loud. The other me. The one I was back then. I was so confused.

I see the ceiling fan. The one that terrified me the first night.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Doktor Urmind. I don't know if he's a villain or a hero or just...

I see my game world. The one where I was born. Townspeople are giving out quests. Players are running from place to place, like they don't have enough time. I live in a game.

My player. I loved those lists he made.

The world outside Kithera's house is so vivid. I love the way grass feels.

I see Kithera for the first time. My first real world person. I feel something inside now, warm, comforting, even better than cows.

I'm running through town. My world has just changed from home to something else. The townspeople aren't people; they're moving things. My away character is just some part of the game.

I miss Doktor Urmind. I don't know who he is. I think he cares about me.

He found me when I was in the darkness. Except for that last time. Is he lost in the darkness?

Kithera and David, Zach and Kithera, Doktor Urmind...

I know people. They know me.

I exist.

I open my eyes.

--------------------------

They're still looking at me. Waiting.

"Um, hi." I wave at them.

Zach says, "Hi Hashi."

Kithera says, "Yes, you are real. In any world you are in you are real.

"I kind of figured that one out. Thanks for telling me though."

"Now, where did Doktor Urmind go?"