Mask: The genesis of mystery

The First Arcane

My eyes are still closed, it's 7 o'clock in the morning and I can already perceive the sound of my alarm clock, it's raising one's voice. I throw my eyes widely and started gazing at the ceiling of my room, Then I silently whispered..

"Today I don't feel like doing anything". Just like what Bruno Mars said on his song.

I got up, move the curtains of the plain window and started staring at the clear street. "What a plain view" I murmured as I look around.

There are no people outside and vehicles that are passing by were very much countable.

I sighed thinking, Will there be an ending to this? When will all this end? I can't wait for that to happen.

One year ago, a pandemic took place around the globe. The pandemic was over on some places, and that's a good thing. Unfortunately for us, we still cope with this state of affairs every single day, not knowing if the end of it will still come. No one knows that. We're still waiting.

"I'm so sick of this!" I whispered in the air. I mean who wouldn't be?

Our town was still on ECQ (enhanced community quarantine).

Basically, people of age 17 and under are not allowed to go outside, and the same goes for the Senior citizens.

I am already 18 so I can go out but not to party or go shopping with friends, but to go shop for groceries. Food is one of the greatest necessary needs of people especially in times like this.

The public market and some shops are still open. That's a good thing that there are some shops allowed to make a progress.

I came down the stairs and proceeded to the kitchen, I stood up in front of the fridge but as I slam it open, it was kind of disenchanting to look at.

Oh shoot!

The fridge is very much empty. I really am hungry right now, I remember that I didn't eat last night, maybe I'll go snap up some groceries.

I live alone since my mom and dad were outside the country. They wanted to tag me along with them but I don't want to. I don't know why I chose to stay here, considering the place's situation. They have work to do so I am here, living all by myself. Well I can't blame anyone for living alone. That's my choice.

I took a fast bath, get my car keys then I was about to open the door but I think I am forgetting something.

Think Mei think!

Oh shoot, my mask!

"You have to come with me" I said while getting my mask then I went to my car and drive to the market.

By the way my nickname is Mei. My real name is Meir-

I really don't like people calling me by my real name so I prefer to be called by Mei.

I reached the market and noticed that there are only few people in here right now and that's what I like. I really don't like crowded places.

"Time to buy some food for my hungry stomach" I said as I walk around and started picking up what I wanted to buy.

As I walk at the market, there is this one lady who keeps staring at me. I think she might be around the Senior years. I thought people of that age are not allowed? Do they already changed the regulations?

I bought all the things that I need to buy and I am ready to wend one's way home, I really am hungry, my stomach is growling and it can't wait to be full. I am about to proceed to the parking lot when suddenly..

"Would you like to buy a new mask young lady? said the old lady who keeps staring at me from before.

The old mask vendor lady seems nice and her masks are pretty interesting. Mask these days are like clothes. It becomes normal that they make different styles and designs for it.

I don't know why but as I keep looking at this one mask, it feels like I wanted to buy it.

"Do you like this one?" Said the lady when she noticed me looking at the mask.

Without hesitation I bought the mask and then I went home.

*1 hour later...

I am currently eating my lunch when I suddenly remember the mask that I bought.

I don't know why I suddenly have the thoughts of it and felt the urge to wear it. But wouldn't it be so weird if I wear it out of nothing?

After eating my lunch I picked up the bag of groceries and started to search for the mask.

I suddenly remember the old lady, she said something while giving me the mask but I don't heard it.

"Found it!" I said as I see it. I picked it up and decided to wear it.

I went to my room and stood up in front of the mirror to see how I look while wearing the mask but as I look at the mirror...

I saw a different person. She was about my age and she has a very long black hair.

I wiped my eyes and tried to look again, it's me now.

"Maybe I'm just overthinking or something" I said as I go outside, went to the park and wander around.

I saw this cute little girl all by herself, she's pretty and she has a pretty long hair too. I walked towards her to ask why she's outside and alone all by herself.

"Is she lost?" I whispered to myself.

"Do you have someone with you little girl? Why are you here? I said as I approach her.

"I'm with my mom" she said. I asked her if she's lost but she didn't repond.

I said that I'll help her go home but she has to tell me and show me the way to her house but she said that she didn't know where her house is.

"I'm going now" she said.

I didn't notice a car passing by, the girl runs towards the car and-

*phone ringing...

I got startled!

"Huh? What just happened? Am I staring at this mirror for too long?" I said as I realize that I am still in the front of the mirror, staring at myself, while wearing the mask.

I picked up my phone and looked at who's calling. It's my mom. She just asked if how I've been doing.

I don't have anything to do today so I decided to go outside to get some air for once.

"Maybe I'll go to the park" I said and started walking.

But wait. I suddenly stop.

I am remembering what I saw before. Is it real? Is that even possible?

"This can't be!" I shouted.

I run as fast as I could when I remember about the little girl.

When I reached the park I saw the girl, already running.

A car was about to pass by and the girl was still running.

I run as fast as I could to reach her and was able to grab the her hand. Thank goodness!

The car was able to pass by then I sighed heavily. That just made my heart to beat so fast.

"Oh my God thankyou!" said the lady which I think is the little girl's mother. Where did she come from? I didn't see her earlier. It wouldn't happen if she was with the little girl in the first place.

"No problem, be sure to not let your kid outside on her own" I said.

"Thank you Mei" said the little girl.

I smiled at her, turned my back and started walking, but I suddenly stop.

How did the little girl know my name? I didn't even say it earlier.

I just shrugged my shoulder and went back home. Minutes later and I reached my house.

What! It's already 5 pm? I shouted as I notice the time on my cellphone.

This day seems to be ending fast, I wish the pandemic too.

I removed my mask and lay on my bed saying "I don't feel like eating dinner" then I fell asleep.