Page 53 of Mine To Hunt

“I’m saying it’s a possibility.” He replies carefully. “Have you noticed anything that felt inconsistent?”

I think of the moment that’s been replaying in my head all day. “He whispered something to Ryan.” I say slowly. “I couldn’t hear it. But Ryan’s face. He looked… finished. Like he knew something was over. That feels too specific to be imagined.”

Dr. Nathaniel leans in slightly. “What emotion do you associate with that whisper?”

“Terror.” I say without hesitation. “Finality.”

“And how does that make you feel now?”

I press my fingers into my palm. “Like I’m losing control. Like reality is slipping.”

He nods. “That fear makes sense. When memory feels unreliable, everything else feels unstable too.”

We talk longer after that. About control. About safety. About the fear of not knowing what’s real and what isn’t. His questions are gentle but persistent, pulling at threads I didn’t realize were there.

When his assistant finally knocks, I flinch.

“We’ll stop here for today.” Dr. Nathaniel says. “I’d like you to try journaling. Separating what you know happened from how it felt. It can help anchor you.”

I nod, though my chest still feels heavy.

Outside, the world looks the same as it did this morning. Too normal. Too intact. I go home carrying a fragile sense of clarity. And a doubt that refuses to loosen its grip.

Chapter 16

Her

The small kitchen table in my parents’ old flat feels familiar as I stare at the laptop screen, double-checking my job application one last time.

It has been three days since that hazy incident at Ryan's place, and the confusion about what was real and what might have been a dream still nags at me every now and then.

I try to push those thoughts aside because focusing on something productive feels like the only way to regain some control over my life.

The job posting I found online seems like a perfect opportunity for someone in my position. They are looking for a part-time content writer in their newspaper's crime department, and the ad emphasizes urgent hiring due to a sudden vacancy.

I tell myself that this could be a good way to make use of my time since I cannot attend uni classes for the foreseeable future. Writing has always been my escape, and turning it into paid work might help me feel less adrift.

I attach all the required documents, including my academic transcripts, identification proofs, and a writing sample from anexcerpt I crafted last year about a mysterious unsolved murder case.

My fingers hover over the submit button for a moment as nervousness bubbles up inside me, but I click it anyway. I really hope this works out because the idea of having a steady routine again fills me with a small spark of hope amidst all the uncertainty.

After an hour or so my phone suddenly rings on the table beside me, and the unexpected sound makes me jump in my seat, my heart skipping a beat with a flash of fear that I cannot quite shake off.

I glance at the screen and see an unknown number calling me. I hesitate for a second, my mind racing with worries about who it could be, but I pick it up anyway because ignoring it feels worse. "Hello? This is Iris Whitlock speaking."

A professional yet friendly voice responds on the other end of the line. "Hi, Iris. My name is Hazel, and I’m calling from The Daily Chronicle regarding your application for the part-time position."

I feel a rush of surprise mixed with excitement as her words sink in. "Oh, hello, Hazel. I wasn’t expecting to hear back so quickly. Thank you for calling me."

Hazel chuckles softly, her tone warm and reassuring. "We’re indeed moving fast on this one because it’s an urgent hiring need. I’ve to tell you that we’re quite impressed with your writing sample. The excerpt you attached shows a strong ability to handle sensitive topics with depth and clarity. We’d like to offer you the position right away."

Overjoy surges through me, and I cannot help but smile widely even though she cannot see it. "Really? That’s wonderful news. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m truly grateful."

"You’re very welcome." Hazel replies with enthusiasm. "We believe you’ll be a great addition to the team. Now, when would you be available to start working with us?"

I think quickly about my current situation and decide there is no reason to delay. "I can start as soon as possible. What timeline works best for you and the team?"

Hazel sounds pleased with my response. "That is perfect. How about you come in the day after tomorrow? That should give you enough time to prepare. I’ll send over your official offer letter via email shortly, which will include all the details such as your starting salary, work hours, and the office address."