Author's Note

This is the first recording I received. Please, forgive me if some things do not make sense. I could not describe all the sounds and environments well enough to form a whole picture. I have a few more, but I still need to write them down.

The Beginning

Alright. Let me start off at the beginning. My name is Ja-

Oh, wait, she says I'm not supposed to tell you that, as this recording is going to be public... She's telling me to choose an alias of sorts... Some name that nobody could ever link to me...

Oh! I've got it! John Smith! Oh, I always did like Tenant the best...

Anyway, where was I?

Oh yeah.

My name is John Smith. If you are reading this, then one of two things has happened. The first, is you think you have found a fiction book that is vaguely interesting. Good. I envy you with all of my heart and soul. You're lucky. But the other option...

You've been seeing things. Hearing THEM... Things that aren't quite right. People who seem... Off. If you have, then close this book down right now. Run. Run as far as you can. Don't stop until it's night. They can't follow you then. Then, read. Read this book.

This is my... Hers... Our account of what is happening.

The Reckoning Truth is here...

We only hope you can help us...

John

Let me begin by saying I did NOT mean to blow up Springfield High School, and I most CERTAINLY did not mean almost kill myself doing so.

Okay. Let's rewind a bit to this morning. THEN we can go on to what happened at school.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Fucking hell. I hate alarm clocks. Ugh, morning already? Faaaaaack...

Oh hey! I actually have a reason to say, 'good morning' to my parents! It's high school graduation! YES! Oh man, been waiting for this day for a long time... Okay, to-do list. First, take care of my morning ritual. Next, food. After that, I dunno. And finally, off to the ceremony! Yes! Oh man, I seriously cannot stress how happy I am today.

Hmm... Shower before food, or after...? Decisions, decisions... Meh, I'll do it before.

So! Shower's done. Now, for some food! Num num num num num...

Help me...

What? What was that? Was the TV left on last night...? Meh, I don't care. Oh, hey, we have Nutella! I FUCKING LOVE NUTELLA~! WOO! Chocolate toast, here I come!

Okay. Let's see... Food? Check.

Clothes? Don't stink, so probably clean. Check.

Deodorant? Check.

Speech? Check.

Yup! Looks like I got everything. Cool. Umm... Let's see... It's seven thirty, so I have fifteen minutes until I have to leave because school starts at eight, so what to do...? Guess I could practice my speech... Meh. Why not?

Man, traffic's rough today... What's with it all? I mean, yeah, it's Friday, but still... Bah, probably just overthinking it. How about some music? Awake music... Three Days Grace? Nah, too loud. Fall Out Boy? Only their new stuff, and I don't have that on a Playlist... Imagine Dragons? Sure. Umm... Oh, I always did like Demons.

Help me...

Gah, do I have something in my ears? I keep hearing things... Eh, probably nothing.

"Okay, class. Settle down!"

Of course, that didn't do anything. Honestly, not like you have control of us on a NORMAL day, Miss Jade. I mean, you're just... Too nice. And, since this day is anything BUT normal...

"Now, you all know what today is, right?"

No, I don't. Please, enlighten me, o wise and wonderful one.

"Today is graduation! Yay!"

No, really? May I ask what clued you in?

"Now, I know that some of you are scared,"

Bullshit. We're friggin' stoked that school's over.

"but you don't need to worry! I can personally assure you that absolutely nothing can go wrong!"

Way to mess it up, teach. Now I know somebody get's screwed. Just hope it ain't me...

"See, I remember when I was your age. I was so afraid! Graduation day was like a big bear, just roaring at me. And it was scary! Facing so many people and expected to give an inspiring speech? But when I got on the podium, I forgot my lines! I had to make it up as I went. And at first, I was terrified. But, the more I talked the easier it got. Eventually, I was even smiling! I can fondly look back on that day... Anyway, what I'm saying, is that it might seem scary, but you can do it!"

That's Miss Jade. Always trying to help. But, whether she gives good advice or not, her pudgy stature and round face make it hard to look at her and take her seriously. And that's not even taking her voice into account. It's high-pitched and squeaky, and she sounds like she's constantly breathing helium. Sure makes for some good jokes, though.

Help me... Please...

Okay. Who's calling me? Seriously, I keep hearing things this morning.

"Psst, Jackson, you say something?"

"Nah, man. Why?"

"Oh, just... Hearing things."

"Cool, cool."

Man, that was weird. It was like somebody was saying 'help', or something...

"Now, before we go any further, class, I want to announce that-"

Welp, now I tune out. Whenever she says she wants to, 'announce' something, she talks... And talks... And talks. She NEVER shuts up. And-

Help me... Please... It's dark... Where am I?

Okay. I heard that one... Someone's gotta be fucking with me.

"Yo, Jackson, shuddup. Trying to think here."

"Brah, I didn't say anything."

"...Are you sure?"

"Yeah, man. I don't know what you think you're hearing, but I never said nuthin'."

"Okay..."

Man, how weird...

Hmm? Oh, looks like she's just about done.

"And remember, don't ever stop learning!"

Oh, thank God, I thought she'd never finish. Alright, so, now I go to... Oh yeah, Math. Duh.

Man, I hate Math. But, I love my Math Teacher, Mr. Hofstadter. He's from some other country... Germany, Sweden, maybe? Always tries to be helpful, does a great job at teaching... But, his accent is really heavy. But, he loves his job, something you don't see in many teachers.

"Hokay, class. Today, we will be the going to the assembly. I be am expecting behavior that is good, ya? Hokay, let us go over with the rules."

Man, rules suck even more than math. If only I could just-

Help me... I hear voices... It cold and dark. Please! Save me!

What the absolute fuck? Am I like, daydreaming or something? That's gotta be it. I'll go to the bathroom, and splash some water on my face. Try to wake up some. I'll raise my hand.

"Mr. Hofstadter? May I use the restroom?"

"Yes. Go right the head."

Okay. Bathroom. Man, I hope I will be awake enough to complete the ceremony...

Okay. Now for that wa-

WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT, AND WHY IS IT MY REFLECTION?!