Chapter Two

  It was a day like most of my days lately—just the usual routine.

  Eight hours straight in front of an online game, farming currency to sell to other players so I could afford food and cigarettes.

  After that, I’d open a porn site and spend two hours scrolling endlessly, trying to find the “right” video.

  And when it was over, I’d spiral into emptiness again, searching for something to binge-watch—only to realize I’d already seen everything worth watching.

  Eventually, as dawn approached, sleepiness would finally start to set in.

  Another wasted day gone, another minor success in escaping reality.

  I’d lay my head on the pillow, close my eyes, and for some reason… the flashbacks would come.

  Of her.

  And of him.

  All those memories would crash into me like a wave. My chest would tighten with pain.

  All the negative feelings I’d tried to avoid during the day would gather like a storm.

  It felt like I failed today.

  I grabbed my phone, opened one of my fake accounts, and started stalking their profiles.

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  I don’t know why I do this to myself. After all this time, I still find new ways to hurt me.

  Like I want to reopen my wounds, just to feel them again.

  I looked at their pictures and thought, That happiness used to belong to me once.

  I thought I’d moved on—I deleted the photos, erased everything that reminded me of her.

  But I still can’t erase what’s in my head.

  I don’t know why it all still hits me like it just happened yesterday.

  I closed my eyes again, trying to sleep. But the thoughts were louder than the fatigue.

  So I opened my eyes, grabbed my phone, and said to myself, That’s enough. I need therapy.

  I opened the search engine and started looking for ways to get therapy online—something that fits my broke budget.

  I mean, my job is basically grinding RMT in games. I’m not going to afford some fancy therapist in the capital.

  And here in my small town, therapy isn’t even really a thing.

  After hours of digging and reading through reviews, I found a site offering free first sessions.

  It seemed new, probably doing promo work.

  I made an account, went through all the steps, and they matched me with someone called Dr. Virgil.

  The session was scheduled in 18 hours.

  I set an alarm and finally passed out, sleeping for almost 10 hours.

  When I woke up, I had zero energy to do anything. I dragged myself to the bathroom.

  I looked into the mirror—like I do every day for the last five years—and it was still empty.

  No reflection. Nothing.

  At first, when this started happening, I was stunned.

  Then I remembered it’s something that happens to vampires.

  I actually thought, Finally, something interesting is happening in my life.

  But as far as I know, I’ve never been bitten.

  And I don’t have any powers—I’m still the same lifeless mess I’ve always been.

  I spent months trying to figure it out, without telling anyone.

  Eventually, it became my “normal.”

  The weirdest part? Even in photos, I don’t show up anymore.

  I knew I wasn’t a vampire when people started commenting on my pics.

  They could see me. I couldn’t.

  I forgot what I even look like.

  I ran my hands over my face, washed it, and left the bathroom.

  I turned on my computer and launched the online game.

  Back to my routine.

  Then my phone rang.

  It was time.

  I was nervous. Talking to new people gives me anxiety.

  And this wasn’t just anyone—I’d have to be completely honest with this person if I wanted to feel better.

  I opened the site, clicked the video call invite, and got redirected to download an external app.

  I installed it, logged in, and the call began.

  A guy appeared on screen with yellow hair and sunglasses.

  First impression? What the hell’s up with this dude—and why is he wearing shades during a therapy session?

  Then I looked behind him and realized… he wasn’t in an office.

  There was an ocean behind him.

  Wait. Was he on vacation? He was wearing an open shirt.

  Was I in the wrong call?

  I was just about to hang up when he said:

  “Hey. I’m Dr. Virgil. You’re Nolan, right?”