Eryn's earliest memories were of tears and frustration, his wails echoing through the foster home as his caregiver struggled to soothe him.
"I don't know what to do with you, Eryn," his foster mother said, her voice laced with desperation. "You're so different from the other children. You cry for hours, and nothing seems to calm you down. I've tried everything - rocking, feeding, singing. But nothing works. I'm starting to think there's something wrong with you."
"What do you mean?" Eryn's foster father asked, his voice gruff. "He's just a baby. Babies cry."
"But not like this," his mother replied. "This is different. And what about all the strange things that have been happening? Doors opening by themselves, objects moving on their own... it's like he's somehow causing it."
Eryn's cries only grew louder, as if in response to their words.
As he grew older, Eryn began to realize that he was indeed different. He could sense things before they happened, and move objects with his mind. But his powers were unpredictable and often scary.
"Hey, Eryn, what's going on with you?" his step sister, Sarah, asked one day. "You're always doing weird stuff. Like, remember that time in math class when the pencil just flew out of your hand? And what about the time the lights flickered when you walked into the room? It's like you have some kind of superpower or something."
"I don't know," Eryn replied, feeling a surge of fear. "It just happens. And I don't know how to control it. Sometimes I get these feelings, like something's going to happen, and then it does. And sometimes things just move on their own. It's scary, Sarah. I don't know what's happening to me."
"I'll tell you what's happening kid" Their dad said as he walked passed them"You are a freak who belongs with the local himbiginbees who have also lost their mind".
"Knock it off dad", Sarah said as she reached out for the milk and continued to make breakfast.
Eryn's mother looked up from her book as he walked towards the door. "Hey, where are you headed?"
"I'm going to play some basketball with my friends," Eryn replied, not breaking stride.
His mother nodded, setting her book aside. "Okay, have fun. But don't be late for dinner."
Eryn nodded, already halfway out the door. He quickly grabbed a sandwich from the table, shoving it into his mouth as he headed out.
As he walked to the basketball court, Eryn felt a sense of freedom he hadn't experienced in a long time. He was finally doing something he loved, something that made him feel normal. He pushed aside the strange occurrences that had been happening lately, the unexplained movements and sensations. He didn't want to think about it now. He just wanted to play.
When he arrived at the court, his friends were already there, warming up. They nodded at him as he approached, and Eryn returned the gesture.
As they started playing, Eryn lost himself in the game. He forgot about his troubles, forgot about his powers. He was just another kid on the court, running and jumping and laughing.
But as the game wore on, Eryn started to feel it again. That strange tingling sensation in his fingers, like they were buzzing with electricity. He tried to shake it off, but it only grew stronger.
Suddenly, the ball flew out of his hands, soaring through the air. Eryn's friends stared in amazement as the ball swished through the hoop, a perfect shot.
Eryn felt a rush of fear. What was happening to him? He didn't know how to control it, but his friends just cheered, pounding him on the back. "Nice shot, Eryn!" they exclaimed.
Eryn smiled, trying to hide his unease. Maybe he could learn to live with this, to use his powers for good. Maybe he didn't have to be afraid of himself.
As Eryn walked off the court, sweaty and grinning, a guy approached him. He was tall and lean, with messy brown hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Hey, you're Eryn, right?" he asked, holding out his hand.
Eryn took it, feeling a firm handshake. "Yeah, that's me."
"I'm Luke," the guy said, smiling. "Nice game out there. You guys killed us!"
Eryn chuckled. "Yeah, we were on fire today. But you guys put up a good fight."
Luke nodded. "Yeah, we did. So, what's your secret? You guys have been dominating all summer."
Eryn shrugged. "I don't know, man. We just click, I guess."
Luke grinned. "Well, whatever it is, it's working. Maybe we can get some tips from you guys next time."
Eryn laughed. "Yeah, sure thing. We'll give you some pointers."
Luke suddenly grinned mischievously. "You know what? I bet I can beat you to the cafe down the street."
Eryn raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? You think you're faster than me?"
Luke nodded. "Definitely."
Eryn laughed. "Okay, sure. Let's see who gets there first."
And with that, they both took off, racing each other to the nearby cafe. They sprinted down the sidewalk, weaving past pedestrians and laughing.
Eryn could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he ran. He wasn't sure if he was going to win, but he was having a blast trying.
As they approached the cafe, Luke pulled ahead, his long legs carrying him faster than Eryn could keep up. Eryn burst through the door just behind him, grinning.
"Ha! I won!" Luke exclaimed, holding up his arms in triumph.
Eryn chuckled, panting. "Yeah, yeah."
They collapsed into a booth, still laughing and catching their breath, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped them, making their mouths water.
The cafe was bustling with activity, the sounds of lively chatter and clinking cups filling the air. Eryn and Luke took a moment to catch their breath, looking over the menu to decide on a drink.
"I'm getting a mocha," Luke said, closing his menu. "How about you?"
Eryn hesitated, unsure what to choose. "Hmm, I'll have a... latte, I guess."
Luke nodded, flagging down a waitress to take their order.
As they waited for their drinks to arrive, they continued to chat, discussing everything from school to their favorite TV shows.
Eryn felt a sense of ease with Luke that he hadn't experienced with many people before. It was like they'd known each other for years, not just minutes.
Their drinks arrived, and they sipped their lattes and mocha, savoring the rich flavors.
"So, what do you like to do for fun?" Luke aske
Eryn thought for a moment before responding...
His face dropped as he realized he didn't have a fun life. He didn't have any hobbies or interests outside of school,and basketball and he didn't really do anything exciting.
"Uh, well... I don't really do much, to be honest," Eryn admitted, looking down at his latte. "I just kind of exist, I guess."
Luke's expression changed from curiosity to surprise, and then to understanding. "Hey, that's okay," he said, putting a hand on Eryn's arm. "We can fix that. I can show you some of the things I like to do, and maybe you'll find something you enjoy."
"Like what?" Eryn asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
Luke grinned. "Well, I love to explore the city, find new hidden spots and secrets. And I love music, I play the lyre. Maybe you can join me sometime?"
Eryn's eyes widened, intrigued by Luke's suggestions.
"That sounds amazing," Eryn said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I've never really ventured out much, I've always stuck to what I know."
Luke nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! There's so much to see and discover. And I know all the best spots. We can start with the sacred mountain of Aconcagua, it's said to hold spiritual powers."
"And what about music?" Eryn asked, curious about Luke's talents.
Luke smiled, his eyes sparkling. "Ah, music is my passion. I've been playing the tarka and Lyra since I was a kid. Maybe I can teach you sometime?"
Eryn's face lit up with a smile. "That would be amazing, I've always wanted to learn how to play an instrument."
The sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the adobe buildings. Luke leaned in "Hey, want to sneak out tonight and light some trees?" he whispered.
Eryn hesitated, looking torn. "I'd love to, Luke, but I promised my family I'd meet them for dinner tonight. We're having a traditional asado."
Luke's face fell, but he quickly recovered. "No worries, I understand. Family is important. Maybe some other time?"
Eryn nodded, feeling a pang of dread. He wasn't looking forward to seeing his parents, who had made it clear they didn't approve of his choices.
When he arrived at his family's home, the tension was obvious. His parents barely acknowledged him, and the conversation was strained.
"Eryn, we need to talk about your school performance," his father said gruffly. "Your grades are slipping, and you're not taking your studies seriously enough."
Eryn felt a surge of defensiveness. "I am trying. But it's hard when I don't enjoy the subjects."
His mother sighed. "You need to focus, Eryn. Your education is important. What will you do with your life if you don't study?"
Eryn felt frustrated. Why couldn't his parents understand him? He didn't want to follow the traditional path, but they couldn't accept that.
"I'll figure it out" he said quietly. "Can we please just drop it?"
"Dad, stop being a jerk," she said bluntly. "Eryn's trying his best. Can't you just support him for once?"
The room fell silent, with Eryn's parents looking shocked and Eryn feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.
"Sarah, don't speak to your father like that,"
But Sarah stood her ground. "No, Mum, someone needs to tell him to back off. Eryn's not doing anything wrong."
Sarah's words hung in the air, and for a moment, no one spoke. Then, their father slammed his fist on the table.
"How dare you, Sarah! I'm just trying to help Eryn make something of himself."
Sarah stood her ground. "You're not helping, Dad. You're suffocating him. Can't you see that?"
Their mother tried to intervene, but Sarah cut her off.
"No, Mama, I won't be quiet. Someone needs to tell Dad the truth."
Eryn pushed his chair back and stood up, his appetite suddenly gone. "I'm not hungry anymore," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
His parents and Sarah were still arguing, but they paused, looking at him with concern. "Eryn, sit back down," his mother said, but he shook his head.
"No, I'm going to my room," he said, turning and walking away from the table.
The argument started up again as he left the room, but Eryn tuned it out. He couldn't deal with it anymore. He just wanted to be alone.
He went to his room and closed the door behind him, leaning against it to block out the sound of his family's fighting. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm himself down.
He walked over to his window and looked out, watching the stars twinkling in the night sky. He wished he could escape, just leave everything behind and start fresh. But he knew that wasn't possible.
With a sigh, he turned away from the window and sat down on his bed, running his hands through his hair. He didn't know what to do anymore.