One Day, I Just Disappeared
A story every day in 2024 - 3rd January, 3/366
Four years old
The first time I woke up invisible, I thought I was dreaming. I'd had lots of real-seeming dreams just like it. I played with my toys and it looked like they were moving about by themselves. I giggled. My voice was invisible, too.
Mum found me gone and panicked. Without thinking, I stood up saying, "I'm here," She turned around, sagged, a hand to her heart. She could see me. I looked down at my hands. I could see me, too. How...?
I ate toast with strawberry jam (no bits), wondering, was it another dream? Can you... awake-dream? It felt so real. At least I wasn't stuck invisible. Imagine if mummy couldn't see me again.
Six years old
Two years later, it happened again. I was thrilled. Full of mischief, wondering How long could I stay invisible for?
I followed Mummy while she looked for me, frantic.
When daddy called 999, I started to worry. How do I stop it?! Can I? Did I die and not notice?! I shouted, but couldn't make them hear me.
Helicopters and dogs searched. I sat in my room, sobbing. At last, I realised I could hear myself, and... yes, see myself. I ran to mummy and her bone-crushing relief. When asked where I'd been, I said "In my room". Daddy frowned.
Puberty
Growing up, it happened a lot. I learned to control it. It's a knack, like snapping your fingers, except I can't if someone is looking at me.
I caused trouble. I spied on people. I skipped school, soon realising it was easier to just skip classes. I haunted my brother's room until he got so scared daddy said we'd have to move. I couldn't explain how I'd done it, but I came clean. The "haunting" stopped. Eventually, Joey's bedwetting stopped as well.
Twenty-three years old
I "met" someone online. We lived on different continents. Neither of us had much money. No plane ticket, no problem! I skipped check-in, drifted through the airport, and ghosted onto the plane.
All went swimmingly until the engine failed.
My mother has no idea I died.
+ + + + + + + + + + + +
Word count: 366 - bang on the nose for the third day running!
* * * * Author's Note * * * *
As always - thank you for reading! I appreciate all engagement, and I try to reciprocate all reads. Please leave a comment to make it easy for me to do that. (Please don't leave a link unless you're taking part - see below👇 ) If you enjoyed it, the best compliment you can give me is to read another!
The story behind the story: I'm writing a story every day this year. The aim is one microfiction story every day, with a word limit of 366. This is the third one. It's not autobiographical.
A Story Every Day in 2024: You can read about this madcap adventure here and here, and, if you're joining me, the first list of prompts here.
You can read my first one here: A New Beginning
and my second one here: The Other Guy
Today's prompt: I didn't use a prompt today. I freestyled it!
If you are on this madcap yearlong escapade with me:
1. What prompt or inspiration are you using for today's story?
2. Please link to your story in the comments - I'm doing my level best to make sure I read them all.
Comments (14)
Your MC evanesced! Yay! Someone else understands, lol.
Hahahahahahahahahaha I know that's sad but me being me, I found it funnyyyyyy!!! On the bright side, now they can authentically haunt their brother 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ugh!!! Those long distant relationships will kill ya every time! lol.
Wow dark and karma hit like a b@@@. great one
Talk about a punch to the gut at the end!
WOW!!! Goodness me and WOW LC! Brilliantly done! I loved the ending in particular, but my favourite piece was the haunting of her brother. Exactly what I'd expect from an older (?) sister! Super enjoying your microfiction challenge, LC! Can't wait to see what comes next!
Oh god. What a jolly!
I have to say, your storytelling prowess is amazing! This tale's blend of the supernatural and the emotional journey of a person who is intermittently invisible is captivating. The evolution of their experiences, from amusement to concern, and finally to the dramatic event at the end, is gripping.
Could you imagine? That'd be a horrible way to go
You're off to a fabulous start for your 365 microfictions this year... Intriguing read... sad ending... poor Mum!
I used one of Alexander McEvoy's today and had fun with a different zombie-type story. I loved this one, L.C.! Here's the link to mine: https://vocal.media/fiction/somehow-he-was-still-not-dead
This is the first one I've read, so you will be catching me up soon. Excellent concept and well written.
That was a tragic ending. Three stories 362 to go. It’s nice to know I will be reading a story of yours every day this year. 🥰
Sheesh! That's an abrupt ending 🤣. Fun story though for sure 😊