- Iqra Khan (Sub-Editor/Writer)
I woke up on an unexplored territory, which looked like a multi-floor parking space for an apartment building. With a pounding headache and what felt like an incurable body pain, I felt like I was having the worst hangover of my life. I had a little too much to drink or maybe more, I couldn't remember a thing from the previous night, I could, in fact, not tell the difference between day or night since I felt like I was trapped in the parking and more in my body. the entire building seemed as if it was meant for parking, except, there were no cars present, only pillars. I did not pay too much attention to it at the moment, I couldn’t, the only thought running in my head was my throbbing, heavy, liquor and what not inflicted body, all I wanted was a sink, to wash my face and maybe get some water to drink. On gathering every last ounce of energy I had left in me, I stood up, only to fall right back down, now my current aim was to not die, I could still feel the drugs and the liquor flowing through my veins. on sitting still for some more time, I got up, hugging the wall as if the building is gonna turn sideways. I kept going straight, with No windows or a visible exit. now I knew for sure, I was, indefinitely trapped. this little realization partially knocked me back to my senses and now I could at least walk straight… almost. with a lost track of time and space, I kept pondering around. And then, I see it!! A fire exit! I might’ve not gotten happier at my wedding, or whatever can be considered as the happiest day or moment of one’s life. Iran. Down the stairs. No worry of tripping or falling. As I pushed out the doors, I was almost blinded by the bright sun rays, it was a very special moment, I don't think I had ever appreciated the sun in this way before. I started walking now in search of a store to buy water.. or a way home. just like inside the building, no cars were in sight. no stores were functioning, as if, everyone had disappeared. taking advantage of all that solitude, as I ought to, I walk into a store, pick up a few essentials and looked for a car. on finding one, I got in trying to hotwire it holding zero experience, with countless failed attempts, I gave up. carrying my water, food items and a bottle of sunscreen I had picked from that store I started walking, step by step towards my house. I was just a few kilometers away from my building and the sun was almost setting. it was beautiful, I momentarily forgot about the suspicious disappearance of everybody and even my throbbing headache, I reached my flat, only to discover I do not have my keys. And now no neighbors I could turn to for help. All I yearned for, mind and body, was a shower and a bed. I couldn’t bear any more being conscious and aware of anything. I was, absolutely tired. I slept in the corridor of my apartment building for the night. The next morning, after waking up, I hoped it was all a dream and everything was back to normal.. but then.. reality is often disappointing, isn’t it? I started my day, wandering around the city, enjoying my time. By now I had three theories of this scenario- everyone has left town, or I may be in a simulation, trapped by somebody, or that I may still be under the influence of the substances from last night. Whatever may be the case, I decided to enjoy my time fleeing throughout the city, with hopefully no consequences, as I’m going all around hopping and dancing around the dolphin fountain nearby, I spot a telephone booth and relying on
my sharp memory I enter it and start to dial.. just as I’m about to press a number, I froze. I did
not know which number to dial, I did not know who to call; it did not make sense to me, I knew the phone numbers of a few people. Come to think of it, who was I out with the previous night? How did I end up there? Who are my friends? Who is anybody? I could not remember. I remember everything, except people in my life. I can’t seem to remember my friends or even family. I can’t seem to remember my mother or father. I can’t seem to remember... Me...
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