The chilling wind howled outside as the moon shone brightly, casting a silver glow over the landscape. The night was peaceful, but within Kevin's heart, a storm raged. It had been five months since the terrifying incident, and though time had passed, the weight of it still clung to him like a shadow. His thoughts were consumed by John—mysterious, unsettling John, whose presence had shifted the dynamics of their home.
Elena, his wife, had grown increasingly attached to John in these months. The bond between them had strengthened to the point where Elena treated John like her own child. She had even tried to persuade Kevin not to tell his father about the boy, sensing that John was a threat in Kevin's eyes. But Kevin neither agreed nor outright refused her request. He couldn't deny that John was an enigma, a potential danger. And yet, for the sake of Elena, he couldn't act impulsively.
He had waited for five months for his father to respond to the situation, but the silence from him had been deafening. Now, Kevin had a plan—a way to send John away without causing Elena too much pain. It was time for a new session at the boarding school, and John, looking younger than his mysterious origins suggested, would fit in perfectly. Kevin would enroll him there, and by doing so, create a safe distance between them.
Sitting alone in his study, Kevin poured himself a glass of brandy. The burn of the liquor offered a fleeting reprieve from the turmoil in his mind. He was an expert in ancient architectural structures, a researcher whose mind was once sharp, but now, he could barely focus on his work. The presence of that strange coffin in the attic, and the strange energy emanating from John, had dulled his intellectual pursuits.
After finishing his drink, Kevin walked quietly to his wife's room. Elena was sitting on the bed, peacefully reading a book, her expression calm, yet she seemed miles away in thought. Kevin hesitated, not wanting to disturb her, but the weight of what he had to say pushed him forward. He sat down beside her, his voice soft as he spoke, "Deer, you're looking so beautiful tonight."
Elena glanced at him with suspicion. "Why the sudden compliment?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You don't need to flatter me unless you have something to ask."
Kevin couldn't help but smile at her playful suspicion. He reached out and gave her cheek a light pinch, and she shot him a mock-angry look, though he could see the faint blush rising on her face.
He didn't want to ruin the mood by bringing up John, but he had to confront this issue. The boy was a hidden threat, and his mere existence troubled Kevin deeply. He thought of the coffin again, its cold surface burned into his mind. With a deep breath, Kevin firmed his resolve. "Deer," he began carefully, "John has learned all the basics. Don't you think it's time he explored the world outside? It could help him deepen his understanding."
Elena's playful expression faded, replaced by seriousness. She knew where this was going. Kevin had never truly accepted John, and she could sense his unease around the boy. "Do you want to separate us by sending him away?" she asked, her voice quiet but tense.
Kevin shook his head. "No, deer. I just think he needs to make friends, to explore new things. Who knows, maybe while doing this, he'll recover his memories."
Elena was silent for a moment, considering his words. She had thought about John's future too. He was different, special, and she had long wondered how to give him a normal life while also protecting him from whatever secrets his past held. She had once decided to handle it herself, but now, hearing Kevin's suggestion, she wasn't so sure.
"Okay," she said slowly, "what do you suggest we do?"
Kevin's mood brightened, though he kept his expression calm. "The new school term is starting soon, and I think enrolling John in a boarding school would be perfect. He looks young enough to fit in, and while he's there, he can learn everything he needs. He'll make friends, and maybe, he'll find happiness."
Elena thought for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. But we need to find the best school for him. Why not send him to the same school our daughter attends?"
Kevin's smile widened. His plan was working, but he couldn't let her see his relief. "That's a good idea," he said, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. "He'll be safe there, and he'll have the chance to grow. It's the best option for all of us."
Elena gave him a small smile, but as she returned to her book, Kevin couldn't help but feel the weight of his decision. John may have been going to school, but Kevin knew the boy's mysteries wouldn't stay hidden forever. Something dark was lurking beneath the surface, and sooner or later, it would rise.