Riley's POV

I never did understand life and I don't think I ever will. It's too bothersome; I have no need for it.

Well, that was only until you left me. Whatever kept me going was gone. I think that was when I stopped caring.

But why? Why did you have to leave me? Did I really never matter to you?

Or was it me who stopped caring? I don't know anymore.

Where are you? Why can't I find you? Are you really going to leave me on my own?

Please say no... Hearing that one word would be enough.

But it's pointless, so why do I bother? Your voice can't reach me anymore.

That's just it. You're not here anymore...

Once upon a time, there were two best friends. Despite being opposites, they got along well.

And then one day, the two friends decided to take a trip, somewhere. However, they never reached their destination.

Instead, they ended up lost and hurt in the woods. While one remained unconscious, the other left to look for help. And help was found.

The two friends were saved and continued on with life.

And they lived happily ever after...

As if. Like that would ever happen.

I'm not stupid. I get that that would only be a fantasy for one to dream of.

This is reality. As much as I despise the truth I have to accept it. A fantasy can never become a reality.

Violet Brooks. She's my best friend and we ended up crashing in the woods.

I was unconscious when we crashed. Violet left to find help. But we didn't get any.

Why?

Because a monster took her away from me.

That is my reality.

...

Violet's POV

I wish fantasies could be real. Like those tales of one finding their true love and being happy forever.

Or maybe the stories of how you reunite with your family, who have been searching for you for years. Or some other fairytale close to those.

You can't blame anybody for wanting to dream. I often do it myself.

Since it'd be nice if I could see the happy ending I'll get in the future.

My family, always smiling and supporting me, my friends, loyal and promising to always have my back.

You really can't blame anybody... For wanting to think about all those wonderful things that could happen to you.

Imagine... The day I walk down that aisle, being showered with flower petals. My dad, walking me to my groom and my groom, smiling like he never had before.

Then, I would catch a glimpse of my mother, in the front row, tears of joy spilling from her eyes.

And my best friend, grinning at how happy I must be.

And then, I'd face my husband-to-be. We'd lock eyes... We'd give our vows... And then, we'd...

"Violet? Violet! Stop staring at the wall, I'm talking to you!"

I felt the wind get knocked out of me, dragging me out of my daydream.

"Ow!" I groaned, holding my cheek. "What the heck?!?! Jack! Why'd you slap me?"

I felt his hand come in contact with my face, again. I stumbled a bit, before glaring at him. His face wasn't one that I would ever want to lay eyes on, but I had no other choice. I wanted an answer and I'll stare at his non-blinking eyes and carved smile until I get one.

Jack looked like he was ready to kill me... which I hoped he wouldn't. He growled out, "My name isn't Jack, it's Jeff! Get it right."

His reason for slapping me the second time was just plain stupid. "Do you know how many names I have to memorize because there are way too many of you to count?"

"I don't care. At least get my name right. Jeff the Killer. Got it memorized yet?" he sneered.

I held up my hand, attempting to slap him. He catches on as to what I was doing and pulls my arm into an arm lock. I cry out in pain as he holds me in the position. "Know your place," he whispered. It sent shivers down my spine, but I managed to nod as an answer.

He releases my arm and I collapse onto the floor. I sighed, "The floor is my only friend."

"Get up, you look pathetic."

I ignored his words.

"Floor-senpai," I murmured.

And then, I felt another force collide into me. Only this time, it was a foot to my stomach. I rolled over to the side, clutching onto it, as I groaned from the pain.

"You really do look pathetic!" A laugh and a sniffing sound followed right after those words.

I looked up, seeing that someone else has joined me and Jeff.

I could never really make out his appearance, except for his brown hair. Orange goggles cover his eyes and a mouth guard conceals his mouth. I only know that his name is Ticci Tony.

"I would appreciate if you could help me up, Tony," I muttered.

He shrugged his shoulders, making an awful cracking sound before barking at me. "The name's Toby! Want me to beat that name into you?!"

My eyes widen, as I try to inch away from him. "No, hold on, I didn't mean it! I'm sorry, Toby!"

Toby's stopped his yelling and chuckled behind his mouth guard. "Aw, no worries, Iris. Ahahaha!" He continued to laugh at me.

I blinked before saying, "My name's Violet. It's not Iris."

"Could you shut up before I step on your face?" The menacing tone in his voice returned. I stopped talking and decided to avoid eye contact with him.

He got my name wrong as well, so why is he getting so mad at me? I stood up, enduring the pain as I did so.

Jeff hissed at me as I got up, "Hey! We're not done with you ."

My lips trembled, as the two of them grabbed at my shoulders. Their grip was like iron and I felt my bone getting crushed from underneath. "I-I know!" I said. "But it doesn't matter."

The two of them narrowed their eyes at me, but I continued to speak, "Torture me all you want, but you two aren't allowed to kill me." Their grips on my shoulder loosened. "You guys know I'm right. It was your boss's orders to keep me alive."

Their boss, or their master, or whatever he was to them, Slenderman. I don't know why he's keeping me alive, but I guess I'm grateful to still be among the living.

Jeff and Toby let go of my shoulders and walked away. Before Toby left, he punched me across the face, howling with laughter.

Toby exited after that. The peace and quiet finally returned. I can go back to my daydreaming now... I can escape reality, again, for the time being. But I suppose coming across these people made me realized that no matter how many times I dream about a better life, I'll never escape to find it.

"Xandra! Don't track blood into the place!"

"This isn't even our house. Let Slendy take care of it~!"

I shudder at the mention of the word blood. These people are crazy, why do they want me?

Unless they plan to kill me, later on. They may be keeping me alive until then...!

I tremble in my standing position, not ready to accept this fate.

My fantasies have been ruined.

I dream of those happy moments but I don't think they'll ever happen.

My friends, my family, my future husband... I don't know if I can ever see those days come into play in the future.

After all...

I don't remember any of them after Slenderman found me.

Riley's POV

I hate reality. But I hate fantasies more. They spin your head with images that won't come true. I don't want to rely on them.

But knowing you, I know you'll be daydreaming again. Just let me tell you it'll break you if you continue.

Violet... Can you hear me?

Let me promise you... The two of us have to accept reality sooner or later.