I stood before the open door, my hands trembling, my heart pounding like a frantic drum inside my chest. I knew that beyond this door wasn't just a memory… but the truth I had been running from all along.
I glanced at the other version of myself—the one standing beside me, watching me with those glowing eyes. She was no longer smiling. She looked serious, as if she knew I was about to make the biggest decision of my life.
"Are you ready?" she whispered, her voice calm but carrying the weight of time itself.
I swallowed hard and answered, "No… but I'm going to do it anyway."
Then, with one step forward, I crossed the threshold.
❈ ❈ ❈
I found myself in the cold room, the place where I had seen my memories come to life. The little girl—ten-year-old me—was still sitting there, hugging her knees tightly.
But this time, I heard something else.
The sound of footsteps approaching.
I froze in place, my eyes locked onto the old wooden door as it slowly creaked open, revealing a tall man with dark features and emotionless eyes. He wasn't just anyone… I knew him.
I gasped.
That man… was my father.
But he wasn't how I remembered him. There was no kindness, no warmth in his face. Just cold detachment and a gaze that made the little girl shrink where she sat.
Then, he spoke.
"Iris, it's time you learned the truth."
❈ ❈ ❈
I shivered as I watched the scene unfold before me. It felt like I was trapped between the past and the present, between truth and fear. The other version of me turned to face me, her eyes more intense now.
"This is the moment you've been running from your whole life, Iris."
I took a shaky breath, knowing she was right. No more running. No more hiding.
It was time to learn who I truly was.
To be continued...