I wish I havent gone

The sounds of screaming and crying fill the air... I see blood everywhere. Terror consumes me; where am I? What is this place? The darkness here is heavy. I stand up and start running frantically—I must escape! A figure stands in the distance. I scream, calling out to them as I sprint forward. Suddenly, they stop. Did they see me? They begin to turn toward me... No... no... please, no! ​I woke up gasping from that recurring nightmare. I am always standing in the same spot, and that person always turns, yet I can never see their face. I don't know why. The ringing of the alarm clock broke my train of thought. "My God! I have to hurry so I’m not late for school." I made my bed and headed to the bathroom; a cold shower was refreshing after that hideous dream. I put on my school uniform and stared at my reflection in the mirror. ​Let me introduce myself: My name is Layla. I am eighteen years old, currently in my final year of school. I live with my mother; as for my father, I don't know him, and I have never seen him. I went down to the kitchen to find a delicious breakfast waiting for me as usual. My mother’s touch is always amazing. Layla: "Good morning, Mom," I said, kissing her forehead. Mother: "Good morning, sweetheart. Come, have your breakfast." Layla: "It looks delicious as always, but I don't have time. I’ll take a few quick bites and head to school." ​I bid my mother goodbye and left. On the way, I met my close friend. Layla: "Hey, Hanen," I said as we shook hands. Hanen: "Hi, Layla. Let’s go." As we walked, Hanen whispered, "Layla, look... it seems a new family moved into your neighborhood recently." Layla: "New visitors? I don’t like these changes." Hanen smiled but didn't comment, and we continued walking until we reached school. ​... At School ... Hanen: "We’re finally here! It’s our last year!" Layla: "Yes, we need to focus well. Do your best, Hanen." Suddenly, Hanen noticed something. "Layla, look! Everyone is gathering and the principal is speaking. Let's go." ​The principal stood with dignity and said, "Welcome, everyone. Being students here means you are part of our big family. I’ve gathered you today to celebrate the beginning of the year and to assign the third-year students a special task: you will be mentors and supervisors for the younger students. Do you agree?" Shouts of agreement filled the air. The principal continued, "And now, we have chosen the President of the Student Shura Council for this year. They will be the leader responsible for activities and solving student problems, while we teachers will only supervise." I whispered to Hanen, "They always love putting us under pressure." The principal started spinning the wheel to choose a name, while Hanen prayed silently, "I hope it's Layla." The wheel stopped. The principal pulled out the paper, and everyone held their breath. He pointed his hand toward me and said: "It’s Layla!" ​I walked up to the stage amidst cheers of congratulations to receive the medal of responsibility. Principal: "Layla is an outstanding and intelligent student, and I am confident in her endurance. I'll be waiting for your council members' list, Layla." I nodded and said nervously, "Hello everyone, I’m Layla... I hope I can meet your expectations." ​After the assembly, I was in a state of shock. "I can't believe I’m starting a new life as a leader!" As I was walking, a tall man with an athletic build approached me. He looked dignified; he gave me a brief, encouraging hug and then headed to his room, leaving me wondering about the reason for this attention. Then, a girl named Aubrey approached me with a strange smile and said, "Layla, you will make a lot of mistakes, and there will be those who challenge you. But don't worry... your time is limited. Be careful." She left, leaving me even more confused. "What does she mean? And what does politics have to do with this?" Hanen tried to calm me down. "You need to read about administration and history, Layla. Don’t be unprepared." ​I returned home exhausted and threw myself onto the couch, thinking: "What will I do? I don't know anything about leadership. I hope the year passes peacefully." My eyes grew heavy and I fell asleep... I woke up suddenly on the floor; it was 3:48 AM. It seemed I had drifted off right where I was. I went to my room, prepared my clothes for the next day, showered, and then went back to a deep sleep. ​The next morning, I was more energetic. I found my mother preparing coffee. Mother: "Morning, sunshine! Did you sleep well?" Layla: "I did, Mom." I kissed her cheek, ate my breakfast quickly, and took off. ​In the school hallways, my friend Fayet called out to me. Fayet: "Layla! Wait... Congratulations on the presidency! You deserve it because you care about everyone." Layla: "Thanks, Fayet. I’m excited for this opportunity." Fayet: "Don't forget the council meeting on Saturday." ​I entered the classroom, and while I was taking notes, the teacher approached me and said quietly, "I heard you became the Council President. Congratulations. You’ve overcome a lot to get here, but remember... the rules apply to everyone. Don't let your popularity get you into trouble." The teacher began his lesson on how to use formal language in writing reports, and the topic was the "Civil War" era. I tried to focus, but my mind was racing with everything that happened during the day; I was trying to process my new responsibility, and anxiety gnawed at my heart about what I might face next. ​After school, I headed straight for Hanen's house... but suddenly, the sounds around me faded away. ​"Your Highness? Miss? Miss? Wake up, Miss, please!" ​I opened my eyes in a panic... Damn, I fell asleep again while reading this story! I turned toward the source of the voice, only to see a young maid standing before me with respect. I asked, trying to regain my balance, "What is it, Olivia?" The maid approached with a worried look. "Your Highness, His Majesty summons you to appear before him now." ​Oh, again! It seems I fell asleep inside this beautiful world... or perhaps... is this the reality I have been running from?