Seventeen

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow upon my room. I had hoped for a fresh start, free from the darkness of the previous day's events. But as I stirred in my bed, I could feel the weight of a fever settling in. My head throbbed, and my body ached as if a shroud of sickness had descended upon me.

The events of yesterday, the confrontation with Ryan, and the revelation about my connection to the supernatural world had left me emotionally drained. My mother, always the socialite, had insisted on dragging me to a charity event, even when she saw that I was unwell. She believed that attending such gatherings was essential for our family's image.

The grand charity event took place near a serene lake on the outskirts of town. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, and the water glistened in the sunlight. My mother was deep in conversation with other affluent guests, oblivious to my discomfort. I tried to put on a facade of wellness, but I