Chapter 3 PREMONITIONS

ANNA

Existence after death... Not for the deceased, but for the ones who were still alive. Was there any? Saying it was challenging. I had repressed myself so much that I was certain I would become a lifeless doll that couldn't be moved.

Since my phone kept ringing constantly, I must admit that I had a strange urge to turn it off. I refrained from doing it, though. If there was an outside world, it was the only way to communicate with it. It pleased me to feel comfortable in my home regardless of what might happen to me in the future.

I was still in shock. Even though the agony was severe, I didn't feel it completely. I was waiting for the sadness to engulf me and pull me down. I suppose I could say that I was still in denial as well, but I wasn't ready to put Marco behind my thoughts.

I detested my heavy eyelids because they were causing me to want to sleep but I didn't want to fall asleep; I didn't want time to pass, so I barely raised myself off the ground-yes, I was on the ground-and made my way to my bedroom.

Why did I feel so tired? Why did my body language seem so far from me and unresponsive? I hardly ever went upstairs. However, the shock was twice as severe as what I had witnessed in front of my eyes-our room, our bed, and our universe...

I was suddenly unsure of whether it was a dream or reality, whatever that reality could be. And the moon was turning the surrounding environment into black and white, giving the impression that I was watching an old movie rather than it being in full color. But since I was here, I had to play the lead role. The clouds were so near to the ground that I almost felt their strength and icy presence crush me. The trees seemed shrouded in a hazy mist, and as I got closer, they took on a spooky appearance. At that point, the show started.

One tree took my shape, and another one was Marco's. What would take place next was clear to see. We had entwined hands, and then they broke apart.

"No, Marco, stay!" I yelled in a harsh voice at the top of my lungs. I attempted to get him to grasp my hand. But as I turned to look, his arm turned to dust, and he was already gone. Why would you want me to endure that suffering once more? I was already aware of my past, if this was it. I didn't feel at ease with it, but let me accept it on my terms!

How were dreams trapped within dreams even possible? Actually, these were nightmares creeping into the depths of my mind. Gruesome pictures of people? I wasn't able to do much for them because they were all quickly approaching danger.

Lightning struck a toddler, a bus full of children flew off a bridge and into the river. A woman tried to move her car off the railroad tracks before the train hit, a man getting killed in a robbery, all resulted in tragedy. Did I have the power to prevent or to stop these from happening?

Once more, the dreadful mist was engulfing me. This time, the pain vanished.

The beach... I loved the beach. I also adored the sea. But the waves had abducted him. Was there any reason I could still adore it? I sensed some musical notes and a feeling of peace that I hadn't experienced in a while. Was that a trumpet? Or a trombone; but as I drew closer, a man I instantly recognized stepped in front of me.

The saxophonist who performed at our wedding, Enzo. Hold on a second, I was really at my wedding! I waved at him, but he didn't seem to recognize me. He performed at many weddings, so... I suppose the past affected the present? Or was it the future? What exactly was I doing here?

As I listened to him perform, I was so calm. But as I got a better look, I froze, my feet in what I thought was burning sand. However, it was so chilly that my blood stopped flowing through my veins. The wind tore my bridal dress, and there were bloodstains everywhere.

Except for Enzo, nobody intervened as I was collapsing. How come my husband wasn't doing it? I stared in horror as I reached out to grab Enzo as Marco was making his way toward the turbulent sea.

It appeared as though a tornado was about to devour him. What was he doing? "Marco, wait! Come back, my darling, or you'll drown!" but my words would not come out. They got stuck in my throat. My voice had vanished, and Marco had too.

And everything changed completely. Was this all in my head? Perhaps it was the overwhelming remorse about allowing him to leave. That might be the case. All I needed to do was wake up. I was confident Marco would be here. He had never let me down before. He wouldn't begin right now.

I didn't know how to stop the sights I was seeing since they were so overwhelming. I found myself on the plane, terrified, alone myself, and with no one around. Only me...

People then showed up one by one. I was awaiting Marco's arrival. I could ask him to exit the aircraft. He could trade tickets with me. He had done it before. That was how he boarded this plane. I could save him. Oh my God, I could save him!

Marcos's name was not on the ticket I was holding, though. I tried to decipher it, but I couldn't; it was all so foggy. My eyes, my perspective. Finally, there were cries and shaking. I took out my phone and dialed Anna, but paused for a moment. Anna was me, wasn't I?

A briefcase on my knees, a blue-navy suit, a white shirt, and a lot of yelling, including mine. I was on board this aircraft that was crashing, but I was flying as Marco this time.

Then everything came to an abrupt end. I assumed I would drown in the ocean. Although my entire body hurt, I was Anna again, and I felt relieved. I was still alive. The tranquil setting and the company were both pleasant. Enzo Buonaurio? How did he end up in my dream?

He was clinging to me like a hazy ghost in a frantic attempt. He was tearing through me and slamming into a corner of one of my deadly dreams when I finally pulled him back, saving him from the jaws of death. I placed my palm on my burning lips.

"Anna, I don't apologize for this" His raspy voice jolted me back to reality, a reality in which I also discovered him-our reality.