THE ILLUSIONS

YEAR 1289-

So I have died. And thus I will now pay for my sins, correct ?

So be it. I am ready to receive the Divine punishment.

“As a higher entity, I do not feel as mortals . I know not hatred, yet I recognize the horror of your deeds. The disastrous and complex repercussions of your sins. Thus it cannot be ignored. You have done wrong. And so, I shall bid upon you a century-long curse on the men of your family. This curse shall not falter, nor shall it ever break. It will cling to you as long as you draw breath, and linger for generations after you are gone.

Each year, after the twenty-fifth day of your birth month, the curse shall awaken. Illusion will shadow your steps, pursuing you wherever you go. Yet I grant you mercy these visions shall not bring you physical pain, for such cruelty would be beneath me. Instead, they shall torment your mind, leaving you forever questioning what is real. They will not be your undoing. This is my judgment, my sentence, and so it shall be”.

2025---

Hi there, My name is Kole Sheppard, and I’m a school kindergarten teacher. But most of all. Todays my birthday. I turn 25 years old. And I’m ready. Ever since I was a kid, I was told story’s of my family’s curse, and how one day. I will have to go through the same thing. Forever until I die. Took time for me to come to terms with it. But I have. I’m sure of it. My dad, uncle, brother all have went through the same thing. So I know I will be able to do it. I put my keys and wallet in my pocket as I get ready to leave the apartment.

Deep breaths, I tell myself. Its okay. I tell myself. When suddenly my phone rings.

“Hello”?

“Kole, its me Charli. So todays the big day. How are you feeling? Excited”?

“Uh, excitement really isn’t the word I’d use to describe the feeling. I sigh. What about you. When you turned 25, what was it like the first time you saw something”? He chuckles on the other end.

“Kole, don’t get me started. My first time I saw the scariest thing that nearly made me cry”. He laughs. “I was just getting home from a college party, and I was making my way into my apartment when I heard a noise, like a high pitched screeching. The sheer sound made my hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I wa”-

“Hold up”. I cut him off. “Are you telling me this affects auditory function too”?

“Kole. You know this. He says. You need to be prepared. Now as I was saying. At the time I may have been a tiny bit inebriated. And It didn’t really click that I was seeing illusions. But I continued. I went into my room and layed down on the bed. My eyes were closed and they were going to stay. But I suddenly felt hot breathing from above me. I slowly opened my eyes. And what I saw was. What looked like a deformed man and bear hybrid. Half of its mouth was gone. And its eyes were jet black I could see my own reflection in its eyes, it had these long sharp dingy colored nails, its as if its entire body was mangled. It was horrifying. So expect to see things like that”.

“Yeah…I really hope I don’t see that”.

“Its okay, you’ll probably see much worse”. He jokes. “Although he’s not joking”.

“Alright thanks for the motivation boost. I’ve got to get to the school talk later man”.

“Okay, don’t forget to tell me what you first see”. He says.

“I wont, bye”. I say hanging up.

I open the door with a cup of coffee in my left hand and my phone in the other. The cold breeze hits my face instantly. Ah. What’s better than cold October whether? I say sarcastically. Fall leaves are sprawled all over the ground of the parking lot and each step I take is crunchy. I sigh. First day of school is always stressful. I really have to take it easy today. I start the car and head to the school. Lets get started.

SCHOOL- I walk into the classroom to see all my students for the year. I love my job. Children are innocent and deserve to be protected and taught by someone who cares about how they will turn out.

“Hi everyone. Morning class”! I say enthusiastically. Way too enthusiastic for a 8 am Monday. But that’s apart of the job. “My name is Kole Sheppard. But all you can call me Mr. Sheppard or, if you prefer Mr. Kole works too. Welcome to kindergarten. Are we ready to learn”? I expect to hear laughter and excitement from them but no. I suppose that would be too easy. At least three kids begin to cry. This will be one heck of a year.

1-pm

It’s lunch time for my class so I am on lunch break too. I’m in the teachers lounge mixing the instant coffee with the hot water, The steam rises meeting my nose. I exhale with excitement. A smile creeping up on my face. “I’ve been waiting for this cup for at least four hours”.

“Wow, you must be really happy about that cup”.

A voice from behind me speaks up. Sounds… familiar. I turn around To see a woman, she’s wearing a pretty flowy blue dress, and yellow bright jewelry. Her skin brown and her hair laying on her shoulders in lose curls. I put the cup down forgetting about it all together, and slowly walk closer to her. “Do I know you”? I ask her.

“don’t know. But I was just looking for my boyfriend. He’s about 5’9 brown hair, hazel eyes, unusually pasty. He’s got a funny accent. And works here as a teacher. Have you seen him”?

I look her in the eyes as mine narrow, then I run to her, wrapping my arms around her and lifting her up into a hug. “I do not have a funny accent”. I say laughing.

“Oh yes you do”. She responds.

“What are you doing here”? “I told you I was fine”. I say with a wide grin on my face.

“Don’t be silly. It’s your first day of school. And your birthday. I had to see you in person”. She says.

“I appreciate that Alice. You look beautiful by the way”. When suddenly my phone beeps loudly. Oh, .. A..and I really wish I could stay longer but I really have to go back to class I say.

It’s fine go. She says waving her hand.

“Are you sure”?.

“Yes very. Do good”.

“Aright. Love you. And I’m so so sorry”. I say Practically begging for forgiveness.

“Its okay go”! She says. “Love you too.”

IN CLASS—

Back in the classroom, I stand at the board with a piece of chalk. The familiar rhythm steadies me.

“Alright guys. This might take time, but once you learn your letters, reading and writing will be easy. Now, what comes after A?”

“B!” the class yells in unison.

“Good job! That’s correct. Now write it down on your papers.”

A small hand tugs my sleeve. “Hi, Sammy. What do you need?”

He points to the colorful blocks stacked on my desk. His eyes shine with hope.

“Alright,” I chuckle, guiding him back to his seat. “Once you’ve written your letters, then you can play. Deal?”

Ten minutes later, the papers are filled with shaky letters. They did their best. I smile, reaching down for the blocks.

Then. Something icy runs down my spine. My breath catches.

The air in the room feels heavier.

I glance up.

At first, I think my eyes are playing tricks. But then I see it clearly. Black mist curls around the children’s ankles, snaking upward like smoke. In seconds, the entire floor is swallowed in thick, shifting haze.

My chest tightens. No… no, this can’t be happening right now . Is this it? Is it time? The mist gathers. Shapes bend inside of it.

And then, something steps forward.

A figure.

It’s enormous, towering at least eight feet tall. Its body is stretched thin and unnatural, its limbs far too long. Eyes bulge wide and not blinking, nails long and jagged. Sharp like knives. Its smile spreads slowly, impossibly wide, teeth sharp and uneven.

“Holy sh-” My voice breaks.

The blocks slip from my hands and crash to the floor. The sound echoes like a gunshot. I stumble back, my shoulders pressing against the wall. My heart pounds so violently. I look around the room just to make sure … Is anyone else seeing this? . Its so vivid. So real…

The children’s faces twist, confusion turning to fear. They start crying, shrill voices piercing the fog. Their panic only feeds the terror.

The creature keeps coming. Step by step. I’m trapped. Cornered.

Deep breaths, Kole. Deep breaths! My mind screams.

It’s not real. It can’t hurt you. Just an illusion. Just an illusion.

Then it opens its mouth. Click. Click. Click. The sound rattles, inhuman and sharp, like bones snapping. It stops just a foot away from me. It’s hot breath brushes my skin. I exhale, trembling. It’s fine. You’re fine. It’s not real. It Raises its arm and then one long finger. Slowly. Deliberately.

And then…it touches my face. Everything stops. My skin burns where it pressed.

Its nail drags across my cheek, leaving a thin trail of fire like sensations.

“AGHH!” The scream tears out of me. My hand shoots up to my face, warm liquid smears across my palm. I pull my hand away looking at it… blood…My blood? I stare at the red streaks, then back at the creature.

“No… no, that’s impossible.” My voice cracks. “They said the illusions couldn’t hurt me. They’re not supposed to… they can’t…”

The thing only smiles wider, too wide, as if the corners of its mouth could split its face apart.

And then. Just like that. It’s gone.

Silence swallows the room.

My legs buckle, and I collapse onto the floor. What just happened? I can’t process it. My mind spins, refusing to accept.

Did… did the illusion just hurt me.

Time passes. I’m not sure how long. Minutes? Seconds? It all blurs together.

The next thing I know, other teachers are rushing in, pulled by the sound of children screaming. The whole room feels warped, the walls tilting, the floor shifting under me. Their voices echo strangely, like I’m underwater. Distorted.

“Hello? Mr. Sheppard, are you okay?”

Miss Reese, second grade teacher, kind eyes. She waves her hand in front of my face. I can barely focus on her. Her palm brushes against my cheek, grounding me for a moment.

What happened here? Her words sink like stones in my chest. My heart lurches. So I wasn’t imagining it…

I grab her shoulder, using her as support as I push myself upright, swaying on my feet. My legs feel like they don’t belong to me. “I…I’ve got to go,” I mumble, my voice slurring slightly, trembling. I stagger toward the door, but she grabs my wrist, her grip firm, almost desperate.

“Where are you going? What about your students?”

Her question rips through me. My throat tightens. What about my students? Their cries still ring in my ears. I can’t even look back at them. Shame burns in my chest. This isn’t how my first day was supposed to go.

“I… I’m sorry,” I stammer. My voice cracks, barely holding together. “I really need to leave.”

I pull free from her grasp and walk out, leaving behind a classroom full of distraught children, three bewildered teachers, and the wreckage of my failure. On my very first day.

My steps quicken. Faster. Faster. The hallway feels unreal, like I’m walking through a dream, each step disconnected from the ground.

I burst through the doors, rush across the lot, and reach my car. My hands shake as I fling the door open and collapse into the driver’s seat. Just one moment. I just need a moment.

I yank down the mirror above me. And there it is.

A gash, about an inch long, carved across my left cheek. Blood still trickling. My breath catches in my throat. I can’t tear my eyes away from it.

“No… no, no, no…” My voice breaks into a whisper. “They said it couldn’t hurt me. They can’t hurt me.”

But the blood is there. The cut is real.

“This changes everything…” I choke out, the words trembling.

I fumble with my phone, nearly dropping it as I punch in Charli’s number. It rings once. Twice. Three times.

No answer.

“Dammit! Pick up!” My voice cracks into a scream as I call again. Still nothing.

Anger floods me, shaking me harder than the fear. My hand clenches around the phone, then I hurl it across the car, the plastic clattering against the passenger seat.

I grip the steering wheel, knuckles turning white, my body trembling uncontrollably. My chest heavy . Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. But it’s no use. My heart won’t slow down. If Charli won’t answer the phone… then I have to see him in person.

I jam the keys into the ignition and start the car, tires squealing as I drive off.

Thirty minutes later, I finally reach Charli’s house. Between traffic lights and slow drivers, the trip took longer than I wanted. My legs feel heavy but determined as I climb the steps to his front door.

THUD! THUD!

My fist pounds against the hard wood, each strike leaving my knuckles raw.

“CHARLI! OPEN THE DOOR, IT’S ME!” My voice cracks, desperation bleeding through. I slam my fist again, ignoring the pain, not caring if it bruises.

At last, the door creaks open. Charli stands there, hair a mess, shirtless, blinking like I just dragged him out of bed.

“Were you… sleeping?” I snap, breath ragged.

He smirks, wide and careless. “Ohhh, it’s the birthday boy!” His grin stretches ear to ear while mine is nowhere to be found.

“What’s up?” he asks casually, but I shove past him without a word, storming into the house.

“Wow,” he mutters, slamming the door shut behind us. “Nice to see you too, brother. You know, you could’ve called.” He mocks me with exaggerated air quotes.

I don’t respond. My throat feels tight.

Charli tilts his head, eyes narrowing. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at school?”

Still, I stay silent. Words fail me.

Then, recognition dawns on his face. His grin returns, sharp with amusement. “Ahhh, I get it. You saw your first illusion.” His eyes scan me, landing on the cut across my cheek. He points at it with a smirk. “God, you look horrible. Did you trip and fall on your face?”

I flinch at the comment.

“Aggh,” he winces dramatically, teasing. “That looks like it’s gonna need stitches.” He chuckles, arms folding across his chest. “So, what did you see?”

My mouth opens, but the words knot in my throat.

“Spit it out, man!” he says, almost eager, waiting for a story.

“An illusion?” I laugh bitterly, the sound hollow. “Yeah. An illusion.”

Charli steps back slightly, his grin faltering at my tone. “Whoa, calm down, Kole. Was it really that bad?” He lets out a short laugh. “Relax. It wasn’t real. You’ll get used to it.”

My fists clench at my sides, trembling. My eyes burn holes into him.

“It wasn’t an illusion… It wasn’t.”

Charli sighs, the way an older brother might when humoring a kid afraid of monsters under the bed. “Of course it wasn’t real. Trust me, if illusions were real, I’d be dead a thousand times over.” He chuckles again, shaking his head.

“Is this funny to you?!” I explode, voice raw. I point at my face. “LOOK at me! Do you see this? I didn’t fall. A creature, freakishly tall, with knives for nails. Swiped at my face, and cut me!” My voice breaks, rising higher. “That’s not an illusion, Charli. That’s real. REAL!”

His smirk vanishes instantly. His face drains of color, his posture stiffens.

“You’re saying…” his voice drops low, cautious, “…an illusion did that to you?”

“Yes,” I whisper, my voice shaking. My hands tremble at my sides. “That’s exactly v what I’m saying.”

“That’s not possible, Kole. An illusion can’t physically harm you.”

“Yeah?” I snap, pointing at my face. “Tell that to my cheek!”

Charli lifts his hands, voice dropping. “Okay, just calm down. Let’s go through this. Tell me exactly what happened.”

I exhale, my chest tight, the words tumbling out uneven. “S-so, I was in class when suddenly… this black smoke flooded the floor. Thick, suffocating. And then, it appeared. A creature. Like I said, it was tall. Too tall. It walked toward me slow, deliberate. And then it did this.” I jab a finger at the bleeding gash on my cheek.

Charli’s face stiffens. “A… alright. So you’re sure?”

“Yes!!” I yell, voice cracking. “I’m sure, God, I know what I saw.”

“Calm down!” he cuts me off, his own voice shaking. “Just, breathe. Kole… I’m sorry, I don’t know what to do. This… this isn’t normal.”

“No SH-”

“Stop,” he says again, firmer. “We should call Dad.”

“Call Dad? Why!?”

“Because.” He swallows hard. “he might know something we don’t.”

“…Fine. Call him. But what the hell am I supposed to do in the meantime? I can’t just… just live like nothing happened. Not after this.”

Charli looks away, his usual grin gone. “Hey… there’s still so much we don’t know. For all you know, this was a one-time thing. Maybe it won’t happen again. Maybe you’ll be fine.”

I exhale, rubbing my temples. “Yeah… maybe you’re right.”