Discovering Level 29

## Discovering Level 29: The Class of Melancholy

I've spent a lot of time trapped here. I haven't been here as long as most, only for about 5 years, but I have seen a lot. Obviously, I was in Level 0 first. I ended up in a classroom where I was tested and given homework, which I quickly did to avoid trouble, then went on my way. I've been to Level 20, Level 2, Level 6, Level 9, and even Level 11, but I have never seen a level quite like Level 29. Level 29, or the Class of Melancholy is a very, very misunderstood level.

Honestly, it isn't even the level itself that's being misunderstood. It's the Spectres. That's what I prefer to call them. I don't like calling them an entity. It implies that they are nothing but another monster that's bent on harming humans, and that isn't true or fair. The Spectres have tried to tell others, but none of them listened. They didn't *really* listen. They only wanted information and things to document.

They didn't care about the Spectres or even take a second to consider how they may be feeling. I could hear the pain in their voices as I walked past. The agony in their screams. They're screaming for help, but no one can hear them. I hear them loud and clear, though. They're miserable. They're trapped in that room and they don't understand why. Some of them can't even accept that they've died. When I first walked in, all of the sounds stopped in an instant.

I froze at the door, but I could feel all of their eyes on me. They were watching me and very distrustful of me. They didn't know my intentions and they had no way to. I quietly asked if anyone was there, but there was no reply. I knew there was. I could feel them and I heard them. I wanted to help them and I wasn't leaving without trying. I looked around in silence for a while, seeing nothing, then to be as respectful of them and their space as possible, sat in the very corner of the room with my back against the wall.

I had a small jacket on and a Backpack, so I slowly removed them before taking everything out of my Backpack and placing it on the floor. I wanted them to see that I was no threat to them and even endangered myself by backing myself into a corner. I sat in silence for about 15 minutes, then once again, I tried speaking to them. I told them my name and where I'm from, then explained how I ended up here.

I explained that I could hear their cries from the halls and it filled me with pain. I came here because I wanted to try to help, to try to understand what they went through. That's when I saw it. A large shadow materialized above the desk. I stared in shock and fright for a few moments, then I composed myself. I was only in as much danger as I put myself in. These spirits are in serious pain and I knew that. I wanted to help them so badly, but I didn't know how.

I decided to try to speak to them again. I told them I put my things out to show them that I'm not a threat and was no danger to them. I told them my name a second time, as well as where I'm from, then I asked what their names are. They only gave me one and it appeared in the floor that was melting underneath me. It said "Mary". I smiled and said that her name was beautiful. I stayed there for two hours just speaking with them, but it began to get very, very hot and the Spectres starting acting strangely. They weren't trying to hurt me, but they kept coming closer and screaming. I didn't know why, until I saw the desk erupt into flames.

The door flew open and I knew what was happening. The classroom was about to go back up in flames and they were trying to tell me to leave. They were trying to save me from sharing the same fate as them. I can't free them. That much is clear, but I can still visit and I intend to. I've gone back to Level 29 3 times already and I'm going back tomorrow. I can't stay away and they don't want me to. They look forward to our small amount of time together just as much as I do.

I wish the others weren't so close-minded when it came to the entities. They aren't all bad or evil. Some of them are just so lonely and in pain. Sometimes, all they want is someone who understands, someone who listens to them. They just wanted a friend. All of these wanderers, even the kinder ones, they still have their judgements. About how others are choosing to spend their time here or if they have more things than someone else. I'm being judged because I'm friends with a group of entities who I spend most of my time with now. I don't care. I was never happy here until I found Level 29. I guess, all I wanted was a friend as well.

Who knows, maybe one day I won't decide to leave when the fire breaks out again. I'll stay there and let it burn me alive, then I can always be with my friends and they can always be with me. We'll do the same things we do now and I won't have to leave. Not ever. I don't want to end my life, but I would be content with that outcome. Happy even. One day, my ghostly friends. One day, we'll no longer need to part.
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