Trapped in his personal hell

 WRITING PROMPT: Your best friend recently died. His funeral was yesterday, but today you just saw him in the street. Approaching him you ask how was he still alive, and he responds; "how do you know me, no one was supposed to remember."

When friends help you to overcome something, how much can you trust them? Can you believe if they had the power, they would decide to not meet you ever? 

Friendship is love. The purest form It pains me to think I have lost this bond forever. I can't meet him or talk to him. I'm lost without him.

Friendship is a special kind of bond that cannot be replicated, and when it is lost, it is a great loss. It is an unconditional and selfless love that enables two people to connect emotionally, providing comfort and support.

I SAW HIM ON THE STREET TODAY, EVEN THOUGH HIS FUNERAL WAS YESTERDAY!
"HOW DO YOU KNOW ME? No ONE IS SUPPOSED TO KNOW?" He said that when I ARRIVED.
I could feel the chill in the air and the sadness around him. I told him, "I remember you." He smiled and disappeared into the night.
I couldn't process his words as I was shocked to see him. Later, when I did, I retorted, "What the hell do you mean by that?"
"It means you're not supposed to see, talk to, or remember me. They told them they would erase each and every memory of mine from your mind, he replied
I'm sorry," he said sadly. "But it's the only way to keep you safe. I hope you understand." He took a step back and disappeared into the darkness.
I was surprised to find out who I was speaking to. Why would my best friend willingly take my memories with him? The only thing that connects me with him. Who are 'they'?
I ran back to his house, to talk to our angel, his mom. When she opened the door, she didn't recognize me. I was stunned and asked her how she could not recognize me.
"Now who are you?" She inquired without humor. I instantly paled when I remembered Shirish's words. His statement was not just for me, but also for his existence. I was crying.
With much strength,
"Do you have any children?" I asked
She blew her mind when she asked that question, and for a moment I thought, I couldn't believe what I was thinking. The door was slammed violently as she closed it on my face, tears streaming down her face. I was dumbfounded.
I wept as tears flowed down my cheeks. I questioned if my life had been cursed if the alternate reality had revealed its true nature. A wave of panic engulfed me, making it difficult to catch my breath. I desperately yearned to escape this overwhelming anguish and bring back my beloved best friend.
Suddenly, I sensed a sensation on my face. What could it be? Blood? Oh my goodness! And within moments, I was awake. Shirish stood beside me, holding a bucket and looking terrified. I recognized that expression all too well. I was in serious trouble. These nightmares relentlessly plagued me, leaving me without control over my imaginary world.

They refer to it as "PARACOSM." It's an incurable condition that varies in intensity from person to person. And with this dream, the cycle started again. It was time to confront the source of my fear, or rather, my innermost instincts. This time, I didn't feel anything. It all began suddenly. I needed to rediscover myself, again. And I knew Shirish would support me in overcoming these challenges, again. I drew strength from the support of Shirish, and I decided to take the plunge. I was determined to face my PARACOSM and be triumphant. I had faith in myself, and I was ready to take on the challenge.

 

It is the world you've created. But sometimes, when you can't bear it, it triggers you. Welcome to your personal hell. You try to escape, but it's inescapable. You can only keep facing it, hoping it will get better someday. But until then, it's the world you must endure.

 

(A paracosm is an imaginary world created by an individual, containing its own geography, history, and inhabitants. It is usually created during childhood and can be revisited throughout life. It can provide a sense of comfort and security, but it can also prevent an individual from facing reality and tackling difficult tasks.)