Rain lashed against the school bus windows, mirroring Ethan Walker's mood. Waterlogged streets gleamed outside, a relentless reminder of his monotonous routine. At 17, Ethan felt trapped in familiarity. School, friends and family—everything was predictable.

The bus door swung open, releasing warmth and exposing him to the cold outside. " Bye Ethan '', Lena said as she waved at him. Ethan smiled, waving back at her and grabbing his backpack as he stepped into the downpour. Raindrops pelted his hoodie as he sprinted toward home. Thoughts drifted to his upcoming math test, part-time job at the local bookstore and uninspiring college prospects.

Ethan turned onto Elm Street, passing Mrs. Jenkins' bakery. Sweet aromas wafted out, comforting constants in his life. He exchanged pleasantries with Mrs. Jenkins, who pressed a warm chocolate chip cookie into his hand. "Stay dry, Ethan."

"Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins. You too."

Mrs Jenkins was a good woman and Ethan knew this. But ever since her husband died she was never the same. She had blamed her husband's death on herself, when it wasn't her fault.

After pocketing the cookie, Ethan continued his sprint. Raindrops danced around him, filling the brief silence. As he turned onto Elm Street's quieter stretch, a low voice pierced the rain's patter.

"Hey, Ethan!"

Ethan spun around, searching. A hooded figure stood under the nearby thrift store's awning.

"Who's there?" Ethan called, rain dripping from his nose.

The figure stepped forward, revealing it's piercing green eyes. "You're hard to miss, Ethan Walker."

Ethan's unease spiked. "Do I know you?"

The stranger smiled cryptically. "Not yet."

Suddenly, the figure vanished into the rain. Ethan had not seen this stranger before and he wondered how he knew him. " Maybe a friend of his parents perhaps ". But he wasn't too sure. Something about that guy was off and Ethan could sense it.

Ethan blinked a couple of times, questioning his sanity. Shaking his head,he shrugged off the issue and quickened his pace, rushing through the rain-soaked streets, just to reach home on time.

The familiar porch light of his family's two-story house welcomed him with warmth and comfort.

Ethan rushed in sensing his Mom had already began making dinner.

Inside, the aroma of his mother's cooking enveloped him.The warm air arising from the heat inside the house was amazing. Ethan shed his wet jacket and boots in the foyer. He greeted his dad, but he was seemingly engrossed in the TV, onlynodding to his greetings.

Ethan further progressed to the kitchen to see his Mom, and his Mom noticed him. "Hey, Ethan. How was your day?" his mother asked.

Ethan forced a smile. "Fine. Just tired." He wasn't actually tired, but he actually had the previous event in his mind.

Upstairs, Ethan changed into dry clothes, his mind racing. Who was that mysterious figure? Why did they know his name? The memory sent shivers down his spine, as he progressed to the window.

Gazing out the rain-streaked window, Ethan sensed an inexplicable shift. Something was off, like the quiet before a storm.

His room, once a sanctuary, now felt suffocating. Ethan's thoughts swirled with questions and unease, but after deep thinking he decided to lay in bed.