Darkness.
It surrounds me, everywhere.
I can't see anything, feel anything, hear anything.
I try to scream, but I can't hear myself.

You're not dead, if that's what you're thinking.

What?

It's okay. You're going to be alright.

I look around. It's still dark. I try to call out "who's there?", but again, my voice doesn't seem to work. I have no idea who's talking to me. Their voice seems distant, ethereal in a way, as if I were in a dream.

Hold on.

5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

---

Suddenly, it's morning. I squint, hardly adjusted to the sunlight. Massive trees surround me, casting ominous shadows even longer than them. The sky is a brilliant orange, with only a few clouds dotting the sky. I look down at myself. I'm not injured. Nor do I appear to be dead. Then why the heck am I in a for-

Hello.

I jump. It's the voice again. I spin around, looking for the source.
"Who's there?" I call out. "Show yourself!"

Oh, I'm afraid I can't do that. You see, the problem is, I'm in your head.

I laugh a little. I must be going insane.

You're not going insane. My name is Iris, and we have a long journey ahead of us.