One day, Evelyn’s world had just changed. It was like a switch had been flipped in her head. She was generally alone with her thoughts. But then every time someone challenged her, whether just joking or sincerely, this adrenaline rushed through her veins and a pounding began in her head that basically forced her to try with all her might. She’d first noticed it in pastry class, when they had to make mini pies. She’d chosen cherry, and as she looked around her, this anger began coursing through her that she’d never felt before in her life. Her fingers moved quicker, and quicker, until she was the first one done with her pies. They got their grades later that week posted online, and she made a high score, one she’d normally be happy with. But it wasn’t the highest in the group. She’d suddenly felt like she was being stabbed in the stomach. Something like what she imagined contractions felt like to a laboring woman. They wrapped around to her back and throbbed, causing her to double over in pain. Tears sprung to her eyes. It had faded, along with a weird guilt for not doing her best, but she was concerned about what she’d experienced. She went to the doctor who ran all kinds of tests, ultrasounds, blood scans, etc. But nothing was found. It kept happening though, and she began to eat less, sleep less, and in general be less upbeat. And that was all just within the span of a month.

She was about to go back to the doctor and demand more tests, when she got an email invitation to some castle. It was bizarre, but she decided to set her appointment with the doctor for a few days after this trip. She called her dad to tell him where she was going, in case this was some freaky ‘To Catch a Predator’ type deal and nothing legit, and packed up a bag. She drove her red and silver smart car up to the place, smiling at how pretty it was, and wondering exactly how the person who sent the email knew what they did about the recent change in her life. 

She was wearing her hair in a messy bun, with some grey Victoria Secret sweatpants and a black tank top with a black hoodie over, and bag slung over her shoulder. She looked around, as if awaiting someone to greet her, before taking a deep breath and approaching the door to the giant place. [b]”Um…”[/b] she breathed hesitantly before knocking on the door with the knocker.