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Alice's Mask
墨書 Inktalez
Alice stood by the attic window, gazing at the dimly lit streets of the small town outside. She could see a few rays of sunlight breaking through the thick clouds, casting a warm glow on the wet pavement below. The air was filled with the mingled scent of earth and rain. Her mother had gone out to another social event, leaving home with her usual "elegant" smile. Each time her mother left, the house felt emptier, and even Alice hesitated to disturb the silence.
With a sigh, she turned away from the window. The air in the attic felt stale, and dust motes danced in the sunlight. Alice absentmindedly scanned the room until her gaze landed on a wooden chest in the corner. It belonged to her mother, who often claimed it was "special" and that its contents should not be touched. Whenever she sorted through things in the attic, she always carefully avoided it.
But today felt different. Alice was overcome by an inexplicable urge. She approached the chest and gently brushed her fingers over its dusty wooden lid, her heart racing. She knew that if she didn’t open it, her curiosity would linger.
Taking a deep breath, she grasped the edge of the chest and pushed the lid open with determination. Inside lay a chaotic assortment of old clothes, worn-out trinkets, and several yellowed photo albums. However, among these relics, one item stood out—a golden mask. It seemed out of place amidst the clutter, emitting a faint glow as if it hailed from another world.
Alice's hand instinctively reached for it. The edges of the mask were intricately carved with elaborate patterns, its surface smooth as glass, and its eye holes deep and mysterious. Curiously, she picked it up and turned it over in her hands, feeling its weight and an unusual coldness.
"What is this?" Alice murmured to herself.
Just as she raised the mask to her face, a sudden gust of cold wind swept in through the window, causing the curtains to flutter gently with an unsettling air. Alice's heart raced; she instinctively lowered the mask. Just as she was about to return it to the chest, a voice suddenly called out from behind her.
"Alice!" Her mother's voice pierced through her like a dagger. She spun around to see her mother standing at the door, eyes fixed on her with a slight frown.
"What are you doing?" Her mother's tone was laced with coolness and caution.
"I... I was just looking," Alice stammered as she hurriedly placed the mask back into the chest, her voice trembling slightly. "Just browsing."
Her mother stepped closer, glancing at the chest before turning her gaze back to Alice, her expression complex. "Those things are not for you to touch." Her voice was cold and serious. "I've always told you that some things are best left alone."
Alice lowered her head, feeling both fear and curiosity swirl within her. She said nothing more but nodded silently, overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of loss.
"Go do your homework," her mother said, her tone leaving no room for argument, carrying an undeniable sense of command.
Alice did not respond; she silently walked to her desk and picked up her textbook. She tried to focus on the words in front of her, but the image of the golden mask lingered in her mind. What was it? Why did her mother react so strongly against it?
Once her mother left, curiosity overwhelmed Alice. She quietly stood up and returned to the attic, her eyes scanning the wooden box. Gently, she opened it and reached for the mask. The moment her fingers brushed against it, a jolt surged through her as if she had been shocked, causing her body to tremble instinctively. Her heart raced uncontrollably; after a brief pause, she finally pulled the mask out.
Taking a deep breath, she lifted the mask to her face. The cold surface pressed against her skin, and an inexplicable glow emanated from its eyeholes. Alice's vision blurred gradually, the world around her began to spin, and all sounds faded into the distance until even her own breathing became inaudible.
Suddenly, a warm hand gently rested on her shoulder, causing Alice to whip around in shock, her heart nearly leaping from her chest. Before her stood a small fox, its golden fur shimmering faintly in the dim light, its eyes sparkling like two precious gems fixed on her.
"Who are you?" Alice stammered, her voice rising slightly in pitch.
The fox did not answer directly; instead, it squinted its eyes playfully. "I am your spirit companion, here to take you somewhere," it said, its voice resonating as if from another realm—clear yet devoid of emotion.
"Where will you take me?" A wave of unease washed over Alice. She felt an inexplicable fear creeping in; the floor beneath her seemed to tremble slightly, and the entire attic began to blur.
The fox remained silent but leaped onto her shoulder, whispering softly, "Put on the mask, and you will know."
Alice wanted to refuse, but her hand moved involuntarily to raise the mask once more and place it upon her face. As soon as she did, the entire room began to shift around her. She felt a powerful force pulling her in, her vision fading as sounds dissipated into a heavy silence that pressed down on her. She struggled to break free, but it felt as though some unseen power held her firmly in place.
In an instant, Alice found herself falling into an unfathomable abyss. Darkness enveloped her; the air was damp with moisture as tiny droplets fell from the walls around her. Her heart raced violently as low echoes reverberated above. Clutching at her chest in an effort to calm herself only intensified the fear coursing through her.
"Little fox!" Alice called out urgently, anxiety lacing her voice. "Where is this place?"
The fox had already jumped down from her shoulder and stood on a rock in front of her, smiling calmly. "This is your Inner Maze, the place you truly need to confront."
"A maze?" Alice's eyes widened. "How can I get out?"
The fox turned its head, a complex light flickering in its eyes. "If you want to leave, you must face your own fears and confront the past you have never dared to touch. Only then can you find the exit."
Alice glanced around; something seemed to be stirring deep within the cave. Her steps faltered for a moment, but ultimately, she took a deep breath and decided to follow the fox's guidance. "Alright, I will face them," she whispered, her voice still tinged with fear, but she knew that this was the only way she could escape the maze.
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