Ethan Hess stood between the wooden shelves of his bookstore, organizing books. His shop was nestled in a quiet corner of the city, a place where few people passed by, and he cherished this tranquility, especially in these uncertain days.
Since Detective Jason Smith's visit earlier that afternoon to ask about Ray Quinn, Ethan had sensed a subtle unease. Though Jason's tone was calm, the questions he posed had raised Ethan's guard. He had casually responded to inquiries about Ray, carefully omitting that they occasionally dined together. Now, Jason's questioning echoed in his mind, and the stillness of the bookstore felt heavy, as if carrying an invisible tension.
Ethan arranged the books neatly on the shelf, mulling over whether he should maintain some distance. Though he and Ray were not particularly close, Ray possessed certain qualities that intrigued him, qualities that made it hard for Ethan to ignore his friend's enigmatic side. But now, the involvement of the police hinted at secrets Ray might be harboring.
"Troubled, Mr. Hess?" a gentle voice suddenly broke through Ethan's thoughts.
He looked up to see Alina Smith standing by the bookshelf, a faint smile on her lips. It was her third visit to the bookstore—not quite a regular, but she seemed to be growing fond of the peaceful atmosphere and Ethan's quiet demeanor.
"Something on your mind?" Alina asked, casually picking up a book and flipping through its pages with a touch of lighthearted curiosity.
Ethan smiled wryly, setting the book in his hands down. "Do I look troubled?"
She shrugged playfully. "Why else would you be staring into space, so much so that you didn't even notice me walk in?" With a teasing glint, she added, "Doesn't seem like something a focused bookstore owner would do."
Ethan chuckled softly, replying nonchalantly, "Just some recent things on my mind. I'm wondering if I should stay out of it."
Alina's gaze shifted slightly, though her tone remained light. "Oh? I didn't think someone as calm as you would hesitate."
Ethan gave a faint smile. "Maybe it's this bookstore's atmosphere—it teaches you to observe quietly without getting involved."
Alina nodded, her eyes drifting back to the pages she was skimming. "Sometimes, keeping a distance can make you miss out on something worthwhile."
Her words resonated, and he fell silent, considering the advice.
Sensing his thoughtful pause, Alina didn't press further. She returned to flipping through the book, the sound of turning pages clear in the stillness of the shop. This rare moment of peace seemed to bring her comfort.
After a while, Alina closed the book with a gentle smile. "Honestly, this bookstore is such a relaxing place. It's rare to find a spot like this in a noisy city."
Ethan nodded softly, his expression warming. "It's certainly quiet here. I like it that way."
She smiled in agreement, her tone touched with nostalgia. "After going through some things, you really start to appreciate a place like this. Somewhere quiet to unwind—it's hard to come by."
Ethan noticed the hint of understanding in her eyes and said quietly, "Everyone needs a safe haven. This bookstore became one by chance. You're always welcome here."
Alina nodded, offering a slight smile at his words. "By the way, I don't even know your name yet."
Ethan hesitated for a moment before replying, "Ethan Hess."
"Ethan… a poetic name," she murmured, smiling thoughtfully. "It suits this place."
Ethan returned her smile with a calm expression. "Maybe. But it's just a name. Running this bookstore—that's what I genuinely enjoy. It's a break from the noise of life."
Alina nodded, appearing to appreciate his words. She glanced around at the shelves with a gentle expression, then said softly, "My name is Alina Smith. I won't keep you. I'll definitely come by again."
Ethan watched her leave, and as the bookstore returned to its previous silence, a faint restlessness lingered within him. He found himself replaying the brief exchange in his mind, contemplating its meaning.
Alina pushed open the café's glass door and spotted Alex Lin waiting for her in a corner. He waved with a smile, a look of anticipation on his face as though he'd been eager to talk.
"Alina, over here." He stood up and pulled out a chair for her, his face lit with warmth.
Alina nodded in thanks and sat across from him. After a brief pause, Alex spoke first, his tone laced with caution. "You've been… so distant lately. You even left your old job. I'm genuinely worried."
She stirred her coffee, keeping her gaze low. "I just needed time to think about my future."
Alex frowned, confused. "You used to love that job. Why quit all of a sudden… Alina, it feels like you've changed. You've been so distant with me."
Hearing this, Alina looked up and offered a faint smile, masking the turmoil within. "I haven't changed. Just needed a new environment to reflect on a few things."
He leaned in slightly, his tone earnest. "You know, no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you. Alina, if there's anything troubling you, you can tell me. I don't want you to bear it alone."
Her expression faltered for a moment, a slight wavering in her resolve. She knew Alex's concern was genuine, but after experiencing the harshness of the apocalypse and his betrayal, her trust had been shattered—something Alex would never truly understand. Taking a steadying breath, she replied calmly, "I know you care about me. I just need some time to sort things out."
Alex didn't press further. Instead, he gently took her hand, his eyes full of affection and concern. "Then I'll wait. Take all the time you need. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."
Alina pulled her hand back, offering him a small, reluctant smile. "Thank you, Alex." Yet in her heart, she knew their relationship would never return to what it once was.
Alina gently pulled her hand back, lowering her gaze to her coffee cup, tracing the rim with her fingertip. Despite sensing her distance, Alex maintained his warm smile, as if he would stand by her regardless of her attempts to keep him at arm's length.
"Alina, I remember you used to work overtime every weekend," he said, laughing softly as he tried to bridge the gap between them. "You said it felt like a calling. But now you've left that job so suddenly. Is there some new plan?"
She looked up, a complicated emotion flashing briefly in her eyes. "Maybe. I just… want to start over, look at the world from a different perspective. I used to take so much in my life for granted."
Alex's expression softened with a touch of sadness and resignation. "Alina, no matter how complicated your world becomes, if you look back, I'll still be here."
Alina nodded slightly, working to keep her composure. "I know. Thank you."
They fell silent for a moment before Alex looked down, seeming to consider something. He spoke quietly, "Alina, I want you to know—I would never hurt you." His voice was calm but resolute, as though this admission could bridge the chasm between them.
Her heart tensed at his words. She knew she could never be truly honest with Alex about her experiences and the tangle of emotions she harbored. The memories from that devastated future, his betrayal at a crucial moment, and the pain of death could not be so easily erased. She forced a small smile, directing her gaze out the window as if interested in the scene outside.
"Alex, please let me have some time to process things alone," she finally said, her tone calm and distant yet gentle enough that it was hard to refuse. "When I'm ready, I'll come to you."
He looked into her serene eyes and sighed with a gentle, understanding nod, trying to respect her choice. "All right. I'll wait for you. I just hope you find the answer that truly brings you peace."
Alina nodded, but inside, a bittersweet pang lingered. She knew Alex's feelings remained genuine, but that irretrievable past and his unawareness of the world she'd seen had left a mark on her heart. Whatever happened, this connection had already subtly shifted.
Noticing her more relaxed demeanor, Alex shifted to a lighter topic. "By the way, I recently joined this organization called the Stellar Foundation. They're focused on charitable work, really a great group! You know me—I can't stand sitting idle, and a friend recommended it, so I figured I'd give it a shot."
Alina's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise at the name "Stellar Foundation," but she simply listened quietly, not letting any reaction show.
"They do all kinds of stuff, from education to healthcare outreach. They're helping a lot in underprivileged areas. I thought you might be interested in an organization like this. You've always been passionate about social issues."
Though feeling a rising unease, Alina kept her expression calm, offering a gentle smile. "It does sound like a worthwhile cause. Maybe I'll take a look sometime."
Alex nodded with a hint of pride. "I'll introduce you to some members next time. They're a genuinely dedicated bunch. Unlike other organizations, everyone here is genuinely driven by the cause."
She gave a slight nod, though internally, her suspicion was mounting. Stellar Foundation—a name not unfamiliar in her memory. Even at this point in time, the organization existed. She paused, then casually asked, "Is the Foundation hosting any events soon?"
"They are!" Alex said enthusiastically. "They're organizing a free clinic and delivering supplies to a few impoverished counties. I really admire their straightforward approach—and they have plenty of financial backing, too."
Alina nodded lightly, concern deepening in her heart. She maintained a polite smile but spoke no more, knowing full well that this surface-level charity work might be hiding something darker.
A moment later, Alex's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, apologizing, "Sorry, I have to take this call."
Alina nodded, watching him step aside to answer, her gaze drifting back to the window. Her brow furrowed slightly as the name "Stellar Foundation" echoed in her mind. In the future, this organization would be at the heart of numerous dark events, yet now, it operated discreetly under the guise of charity.
When Alex returned, his relaxed smile gave no hint of trouble, as if the call had been a pleasant diversion. "Sorry about that. Something minor from the Foundation." He smiled at her, lifting his head slightly. "Next time there's an event, I'll be sure to take you along."
Alina reined in her emotions and nodded, a mild smile masking her inner turmoil. "All right. Though I'm not fully prepared yet—I might be a bit tied up for a while."
Alex didn't seem to mind. "No problem. You can join whenever you're ready. Just helping out there has brought me so much fulfillment. It's amazing how good it feels to make a difference, even in small ways."
A faint trace of bitterness rose within her, and she replied softly, "Yes, finding people with a shared purpose is truly rare."
His eyes softened, and he said quietly, "Alina, if you need anything, just let me know. We're a team, aren't we?"
Alina nodded, concealing her complex emotions beneath a gentle smile. She recognized that tone; in the future, he had been just as genuine, wrapping his intentions in warmth. But she knew that in the face of an apocalyptic future, these beautiful moments were heartbreakingly fragile. Taking a deep breath, she tried to stay focused on the present.
When his phone buzzed again, he glanced at it with a quick apology. "Alina, sorry, the Foundation needs me for a last-minute meeting."
She smiled understandingly. "Go ahead. Don't keep them waiting."
As he rose, he offered her one last smile. "When things settle down, let's go somewhere to unwind."
Alina nodded, watching his hurried departure, her thoughts tangled. Once his figure disappeared around the street corner, she lowered her gaze, murmuring to herself, "I hope this path doesn't lead you astray."
She watched until his figure faded, already calculating her next steps. His words had not only raised her guard but also offered her a crucial opportunity—the Stellar Foundation. In her future, the organization had masked sinister intentions behind charitable acts, and Alex had once been drawn into it, setting off a chain of disasters that ultimately destroyed them both.
After a moment of thought, Alina formed a plan. She could use Alex's connection to get close to the Foundation, gathering information and uncovering the organization's true agenda. In this second chance, she would get her answers before any catastrophe could unfold.
"Next time there's an event, I'll take you with me." His parting words echoed in her mind, presenting her with a perfect way to infiltrate the Foundation without raising suspicion. Outwardly, the group appeared to be a genuine charity, with kind-hearted members. But in the future she had seen, the Foundation was at the center of countless schemes.
Looking at the pedestrians passing by, Alina steeled her resolve. "This time, I'll uncover the Stellar Foundation's true face."
The next time she saw Alex, her determination would be unwavering. She knew she was embarking on an uncertain and dangerous path, but for the sake of the future, she was ready to take that risk.
Ethan Hess was absorbed in organizing the books on his shelves, the bookstore's soft, warm light casting gentle shadows over the pages. Suddenly, the door opened with a faint creak, and a tall stranger walked in. Ethan looked up, frowning slightly. The man wore a dark coat with the brim of his hat pulled low, concealing much of his face and making it hard for Ethan to read his expression.
"Hello, welcome," Ethan greeted him politely, resuming his task.
The man paused at the entrance, his gaze sweeping around the bookstore, as if he were familiarizing himself with the place. He took slow, steady steps forward, exuding a subtle sense of pressure that made Ethan's breath hitch.
"This place is very quiet. Just the way I like it," the man said in a low voice, his tone carrying an undercurrent of something unsaid.
Ethan glanced at him, smiling faintly. "Yes, the bookstore is always quiet. Feel free to browse if there's something you're looking for."
The man didn't respond. He moved slowly between the shelves, his fingers gliding over the book covers as if he knew them well. After a few moments, he stopped in front of Ethan, speaking in a quiet tone. "I've heard that the owner here knows how to uncover hidden truths."
Ethan's expression flickered with surprise but quickly returned to its calm composure. He smiled coolly. "I'm afraid I don't understand. I'm just a bookseller. Hardly a person of such capabilities."
The man's lips curved into a slight smile, his gaze as deep as a hidden well, as though he could see through Ethan's facade to something concealed within.
"Just a bookstore owner?" the man said slowly, his voice echoing like a whisper from the depths. "Everyone has two sides, don't they? Some know far more than they show." His words seemed casual, yet they carried an unsettling hint.
A chill crept over Ethan's heart, but he kept his composure. "True enough," he replied softly. "But I think you may have come to the wrong place, sir. My bookstore holds no secrets. If you're looking for a good story, I can recommend a few titles."
The man chuckled softly and then slowly removed his hat, revealing a pair of intense, dark eyes, as though gazing into a haze of unseen secrets.
"Ethan Hess, an old friend of yours sends his regards." With that, the man turned and left, his silhouette vanishing into the night.
Ethan watched him go, feeling a surge of restlessness. Almost instinctively, he called out, "Wait!"
The man paused briefly at the door, glancing over his shoulder with a faint, mocking smile before disappearing into the darkness with unhurried strides, as if unconcerned about being followed.
Ethan moved to step outside, but he hesitated, stopping at the threshold. The man's words felt like a barbed hook, lodging deep within him. His carefully buried past was being unearthed, bit by bit.
Standing at the entrance, the cold night air brushed against him, sharp and unyielding. Silence enveloped the street, leaving only the sound of the wind and his own rapid breathing. Looking down, he noticed a faint, almost imperceptible footprint left by the stranger—a silent reminder that those shadows had never truly disappeared.
"An old friend…" he murmured, his gaze hardening. He knew this was only the beginning, and what lay ahead could very well pull him back into the world he'd hoped to leave behind forever.