THE PROPOSAL

The figure grinned lazily in response. Jena couldn't help but wonder how her mind could create such a handsome man, even in a dream. Intrigued by the possibilities, she eagerly anticipated what else her imagination could conjure. This dream had taken an unexpected turn, but the excitement of the unknown thrilled her.

Lost in thought, the figure gazed at Jena, who, as if sensing his scrutiny, returned his intense look. Caught in the moment, she pondered the depths to which she could explore this dream. For a fleeting instant, she let go of all her worries, attributing the creation of this character to her profound sense of loneliness.

"You mentioned granting me power. What kind of power were you referring to?" Jena inquired, her curiosity piqued. The figure smirked in response. "You see, I've discovered a rather handy skill of mine. I can give you control over someone else's life. In simpler terms, I can grant you possession of their life. You could fulfill any desire you've ever had. Whether it's seeking revenge, exposing their secrets, sabotaging their relationships, stealing their money and connections, or simply ruining their life... The possibilities are endless," he explained, chuckling as if it were of little consequence.

In that moment, it seemed as if the figure had insight into her life. Jena scoffed inwardly, reminding herself that it was merely a figment of her imagination. "Of course it did," she thought, "it's my creation after all." Reflecting on the mention of revenge, she acknowledged the temptation it presented. The idea of tormenting her tormentors in her dream, free from consequences, was enticing. It could provide temporary relief from the pain they had caused her. However, despite considering these thoughts, she knew she couldn't bring herself to physically harm anyone, even in a dream.

Jena possessed a genuinely kind nature, characterized by her sweetness, kindness, intelligence, and overall good manners. Despite enduring considerable hardship, she harbored no ill will towards anyone. Perhaps it was this quality that piqued the interest of the mysterious figure. Sensing her hesitation, the figure lowered its head to her eye level and gazed intensely into her eyes. Lost in thought, Jena didn't even realize how close the figure had approached.

Noticing her hesitation, he decided to take a different approach. "Have you ever wondered what it's like to live someone else's life?" he asked. "To be wealthy or popular? To have everyone adore you and envy you, or simply to act without consequences? To freely converse with that guy you like so much without consequence?"

Jena gasped at his words, immediately connecting them to someone she knew. She convinced herself that he must be referencing the person she had dreamed up, attributing his knowledge to her subconscious creation. The figure resumed circling her, carefully observing her responses. He sought a reaction, and mentioning her crush seemed to elicit the desired response. A smile played across his lips. "Teenage love," he mused, "so fickle and easily influenced."

"Ah, yes, your crush," the figure acknowledged, noting Jena's visible shift in demeanor. Unaware to the figure, Jena secretly delighted in the notion of exploring alternate lives through her dreams, embracing the freedom to indulge in various behaviors and be near her crush without guilt, since it was merely a dream version of herself. Her eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect. The figure, whose name remained a mystery, smirked, confident in his victory. After one final circle, he came to a halt, turning to face Jena and extending his hand.

"So, who shall it be first? Whose life do you wish to step into today?" he inquired.

"Ah," the figure responded as if he had momentarily forgotten. "You can only inhabit those three who tormented you."

Without hesitation, Jena, consumed by the thrill of embodying her dream, nodded eagerly, oblivious to any concerns.

"Is it a deal?" the figure asked, extending his hand toward Jena for a handshake.

Jena glanced at the outstretched hand, then decisively reached out to meet it. As their hands clasped, the figure inquired with a wide grin, "So, who's first?"

With a mesmerized gaze, Jena whispered the name "Olivia," and suddenly, everything faded to black. Her body felt weightless as if she were falling, and she let out a startled scream, "What the heckkkk, ahhhhhh!" before hitting the ground with a thud.

"Hugh, what just happened? My heart is racing," she exclaimed, reaching for her chest. But instead of a hospital blanket, she found herself under a soft pink fleece. Her nails were painted a vibrant red, and her fingers looked unfamiliar.

Startled, she scanned the room, but nothing seemed recognizable – not the pale pink and white walls, not the luxurious bed she lay in, nor the heap of clothes on the floor. The expensive phone flashing beside her added to her confusion.

"Ahhh, I must still be dreaming. Wow, my brain conjures up some weird scenarios, but they all seem so real," she muttered to herself, slowly getting out of bed. Making her way across the spacious room, she reached for the door and opened it, stepping out into a grand hallway, barefoot and bewildered.

"Wow," she muttered, marveling at the hallway adorned with various paintings and a magnificent rug. Doors lined the walls, alongside expansive windows offering views of the outside world. As she wandered, she turned a corner and encountered a breathtaking sight – a grand chandelier and majestic staircase.

Enchanted by the splendor around her, she failed to notice the figure she collided with. Before she could gather her senses, her face jerked to the side, a sharp sting spreading across her cheek. Confused and bewildered, she struggled to comprehend what had just transpired.

"I told you not to leave your room, didn't I? You're so useless. Why did you have to go and upset your father?" The words pierced her ears, but her attention was elsewhere. Her mind raced, her heart pounding in her chest. She struggled to comprehend what had just occurred, consumed by fear.

The stinging sensation on her cheek persisted, her hair sticking to her face from the sweat that poured down. Why was this happening? How was it possible? There's no way...

"Huh, are you ignoring me?" the figure snapped, grabbing her by the hair, causing her pain to intensify.

Jena gazed up to see a strange woman with blond hair and bold red lipstick, her face twisted into a menacing glare. Despite her intimidating appearance, she exuded an unsettling beauty.

Jena's eyes widened in disbelief. "How... how can I... feel... pain?" she stammered, her voice barely audible.

The woman, seemingly possessed, bellowed, "What, have you lost it?"

As the woman continued to tug at her hair, Jena winced with every sting, her fear mounting. She couldn't comprehend how she could experience such pain.

"Isn't this... a dream?" Jena questioned, her voice trembling. "It shouldn't be real."

The woman scoffed. "Wow, now you're putting on an act, huh?"