I bit my lip, clutching the small rose in my hand. I couldn't let myself think those thoughts. I just couldn't. And yet, a dizzying memory played in my head, and i clung to the wall to keep myself steady.

"Alright, Lyra. Please open your eyes." The world spun around me at a dizzying speed. I could not make out anything. Where was i? What was going on? "Can you see me, Lyra?" I looked to the source of the sound with great effort, and my eyes started to focus. A man stood before me, gazing into my eyes with his brown ones.

I managed to nod, but my body was so sore i could not move any more. The pain shot through me and i winced. The man stroked my head, then sat on his chair beside my bed.

A bed? I thought, feeling under me. Why am i on a bed? the man saw my confusion and smiled.

"Don't worry, child. Everything is alright. You just got hurt in an incident. Nothing serious, of course. Just a bit of mental trauma. It might cause hallucinations." I stared at the man, puzzled. How come i didn't remember anything? Was he lying?

"Who are you?" I choked out, my voice barely a whisper. He seemed to ponder this for a moment, then smiled. I almost grimaced. His smiled looked utmost forced. I decided i couldn't trust him, whoever he was.

"I am Doctor Johnson," He answered, that dreadful smile playing on his lips. When he stayed silent, I pretended to struggle with sitting up. He rushed over and helped me, and i was about to scream at him when everything went dark. The hallways looked shadowed, like a forest full of trees. The doctor was not there anymore. All that was left was darkness. Plain, horrible darkness that covered every existence. Every living thing.

A shadow rose from the dark and I heard a scream. My own mouth was open. How strange, I thought. What a peculiar feeling! It is as if I am the one who is screaming! And then it hit me hard. I WAS screaming. The shadow tilted its head, silver eyes staring intently.

"Child, you can see us." It stalked towards me, with those eyes and strange voice. But this time, i didn't cream or try to escape. I had this feeling that it wasn't going to harm me, that I was almost like a friendly stranger to it.

"Yes," I answered, and the shadow seemed to smile slightly.

"You are from the Panter family. As it is expected from you, Lyra." It stroked my head with affection, then cupped my face in its hands. It was a cool feeling, as if you were being embraced by water or steam. Maybe a combination of both.

"Who are you?" The shadow tilted its head again, perhaps thinking of what to say. Then it lifted its head and sighed so gravely, my heart leaped.

"I am a friend," It said, staring at its hands as if they were the most interesting things there were. "Lyra, remember this. Listen VERY carefully, child. There may be one day, when other creature like me shall come and try and harm you. You must-"

The strange world shattered, replaced once more by the white walls and the Doctor. He looked stressed and worried out of his mind. Good, I thought. At least that dreadful smile is gone. He seemed to take a deep breath, and then let it out in utmost relief.

"Thank god you are alright!" I once more sat there, puzzled by his words. Why did people always talk about god? Did it even exist? What WAS even god?

The world swirled back into focus, and i noticed something was shaking me. Or someone, rather.

"Lyra! Lyra! Hey, get up! You were talking in your sleep!" A girl stood before me, bright brown eyes holding a worried expression. I smiled at her gently.

"Oh. Sorry. I guess i must have fallen asleep. What time is it?" The girl looked relieved, and checked her worn out watch on her wrist.

"4:55." So it hasn't been long. I sat up dazedly, clutching my head. How could i have fallen asleep here? "Uh, my name is Katey. I am in the same class as you." She held out a hand, and i took it and let her help me up. She had silky chocolate brown hair, pale features and long eyelashes. She is pretty. I thought as i smiled at her. She smiled back.

"Well, thanks Katey. I've got to go home now, though. See you later?" Her brown eyes glittered.

"See you later."