The next morning dawned clear and crisp, with the sun casting its golden rays over the town. Alaric awoke feeling refreshed and eager to continue his ordinary life, or at least as ordinary as it could be. He slipped out of bed and dressed quickly, his thoughts lingering on the red cross from the day before. He had worn it throughout the night, and its presence had become a comforting reminder of his father's love and protection.
As he made his way to school, Alaric felt a sense of normalcy that had been elusive for some time. He greeted his neighbors with a casual wave and exchanged pleasantries with the local shopkeepers. Today, he felt more like a typical teenager navigating the daily grind of school life.
On his way to school, he encountered his friends, Hiro and Kenji, who were waiting for him at their usual meeting spot. They greeted him with their usual banter and enthusiasm.
