Nine Days Before The Event
After the call, Jacob invited Emma to meet him at the town hall library the next morning.
Jacob woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. After a refreshing bath, he decided to bring a Hydrangea—a popular flowering plant known for its large, colorful blooms. He knew it was a small gesture, but he hoped it would make her smile.
A few minutes later, Emma arrived at the library, her presence brightening the room. She was wearing a rose-colored jacket that made her look even more beautiful than usual. Jacob couldn't help but feel a little awkward as he tried to keep his composure. Emma noticed his expression and called his name, snapping him out of his thoughts. Without thinking, he handed her the flower.
"Oh Jacob, thank you so much!" Emma exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "How did you know Hydrangeas are my favorite?"
Jacob grinned, trying to play it cool. "Well, it's a common ability every boy has," he joked.
Emma laughed softly, "Oh! Luckily Billy didn't have that kind of ability." They both shared a lighthearted moment, their laughter easing the tension.
As the conversation shifted, Emma's tone grew more serious. "Jacob, I don't know much about Alfred or his background. But... are the rumors true?"
Jacob's face grew tense. "Well, Emma, the police never had a clear explanation, but it might have been due to the experiment."
Emma nodded, looking concerned. "I did some searching online, and it says that his father was a scientist at South Tech Corp, working on quantum physics."
"Yeah, I heard that too," Jacob replied. "But back then, Alfred and I were just seven years old, so we don't really know what happened."
Emma leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "Where was Alfred when it happened?"
Jacob's expression darkened as he remembered. "He was with me at my house. When the news broke, Alfred was so emotional that he ran straight to his home. Seeing his parents' bodies... it destroyed him."
Emma reached out and placed a comforting hand on Jacob's arm. "I'm so sorry, Jacob. He's lucky to have you as a friend."
Jacob blushed slightly. "Yeah, well, he's lucky to have you as well," he said with a shy smile.
Emma returned the smile, her eyes warm. "Jacob, I'm going to my mother's house for seven days. When I come back, I'll have a special surprise for you."
Jacob's excitement was evident. "Oh, sure! I'll be waiting for it."
After parting ways, Jacob felt a mix of anticipation and worry. But just as he was about to settle in for the evening, his phone buzzed. It was Alfred. His voice was urgent, almost panicked.
"Jacob, come to my room fast. I found something important on the internet. You need to see this."