Chapter 1: The Weight of Memories

Mia's eyes wandered out the window, her gaze drifting across the rolling hills and dense forests that surrounded her small town. The sunlight danced through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground below. It was a beautiful sight, one that usually brought her peace.

But today, the tranquility of the scene was lost on her. Mia's mind was a jumble of emotions, her thoughts consumed by the memories of her past.

She thought about her parents, who had passed away in a tragic accident when she was just a teenager. She remembered the pain, the grief, and the overwhelming sense of loss that had threatened to consume her.

Mia's eyes dropped, her gaze falling on the old, worn-out journal that lay open on her lap. The pages were filled with her thoughts, her feelings, and her dreams. It was her sanctuary, her confidant, and her best friend.

As she read through the entries, Mia was struck by the realization that she had been living in a state of emotional numbness for years. She had built walls around herself, walls that had protected her from the pain of her past but had also prevented her from truly living.

Mia's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone buzzing on the bedside table. She hesitated for a moment before getting up to answer it.

"Hey, Mia," her best friend, Sarah, said, her voice cheerful and upbeat. "What's up? You've been MIA for days."

Mia smiled, feeling a pang of guilt for neglecting her friend. "Hey, Sarah. I'm sorry. I've just been dealing with some stuff, really sorry I kept you on hold".

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Sarah spoke up again. "You know I'm here for you, right? Whatever it is, you can tell me,I'm ever ready to listen to you and help in any way I can ."

Mia's eyes pricked with tears as she felt a surge of gratitude towards her friend, one who had always been there for her even before her parents passing . "Thanks, Sarah. That means a lot to me" ;Mia said.

As Mia continued to talk to Sarah, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing in her life. She felt a void, a sense of emptiness that she couldn't quite explain.

Little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would change her forever.

As Mia chatted with Sarah on the phone, she couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness.

Sarah, who was worried about her friend who has been lonely then decides to hook her up with a guy. "Hey Mia" ;Sarah said, I've got u a blind date, and trust me, you would love him even at first sight. No No No, Sarah not again ; Mia then said.

Just trust me on this one Mia;sarah said.

Sarah's persistent pleading finally wore her down, and Mia agreed to a blind date with a guy Sarah had been raving about.

"I'm telling you, Mia, he's perfect for you!" Sarah exclaimed. "You'll love him. Just give him a chance."

Mia sighed, feeling a sense of trepidation. "Okay, fine. But if this is a disaster, I'm blaming you."

Sarah squealed with excitement. "I'll pick you up at 7 pm. Be ready!"

Mia hung up the phone, feeling a sense of dread wash over her. She got ready for the date, trying to push aside her doubts. She put on a flowy red dress, her long, dark hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Her bright green eyes sparkled with a hint of wariness as she checked herself in the mirror.

Sarah who was already down stairs by the time she was done, saw Mia walk down the stairs looking so beautiful despite her dressing so simple. She saw the concern look and her friends face, and tried cheering her up by praising her looks. "You look so beautiful as always my friend" Sarah said with a smile, and Mia couldn't help but let out a little chuckle revealing her beautiful smile afterwards. "You always flatter me Sarah", Mia said and then took her hands as they both then walk to the car;Mia's car that is.

Sarah then directed her to the restaurant where she was to meet with her date, then bid her good bye as she then board a cab back to her home. "Text me when you are home Mia, and don't hold back any gist" Sarah said with a laugh which then made Mia chuckle out a little, "sure love, I will tell you all once am back", Mia then said as they both then waved good bye.

Mia, then enters the restaurant and according to Sarah's description, her date was to be seated at number 8.on sighting him, she then walks towards him. As she met the guy, Alex, at the restaurant, Mia's fears were confirmed. He was arrogant, self-centered, and completely uninteresting. He dominated the conversation, barely letting Mia get a word in edgewise. He talked about himself, his job, his car, and his favorite sports team, without showing any genuine interest in Mia's life or passions.

Mia tried to make polite conversation, asking him questions and pretending to be interested, but she couldn't wait to escape. She checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time, willing the hands to move faster.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Alex glanced at his watch and announced that he had an early meeting the next day. Mia breathed a silent sigh of relief as they parted ways, promising to "catch up soon."

Mia was thankful that she finally got away from Alex, now she just has to go home, have a good night sleep and forget all that had happened tonight. As she drove home, feeling grateful for the quiet darkness of the night, Mia's car suddenly sputtered and went off. She was stucked at the side of the road, her heart racing as she realized she was stranded in the middle of nowhere.

She got out of the car, trying to catch her breath as she looked around. The darkness seemed to press in around her, making her feel small and vulnerable. The trees loomed above her, their branches creaking ominously in the wind.

As she stood there, she heard a loud noise in the woods, like something was moving through the underbrush. Mia's heart skipped a beat as she realized she wasn't alone.

Suddenly, the noise grew louder, and Mia saw a pair of glowing eyes staring back at her. She tried to run, but her feet felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot.

The eyes drew closer, and Mia felt a sense of terror wash over her. She tried to scream, but her voice was frozen in her throat.

Just as all hope seemed lost, a figure burst from the woods, tackling the creature to the ground. Mia stumbled backward, her eyes fixed on the scene before her.

The figure and the creature rolled around on the ground, snarling and growling. Mia's heart was racing as she watched, her mind struggling to process what was happening.

Suddenly, the creature let out a defeated yelp and slunk away into the darkness. The figure stood up, his chest heaving with exertion.

Mia's eyes locked onto his, and she felt a jolt of surprise. He was tall, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features. His dark hair was messy and unkempt, and his white shirt was torn and bloody.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the heavy breathing of the mysterious stranger.

Then, without a word, he turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Mia shaken and confused.

As she stood there, trying to process what had just happened, Mia realized that she had no idea who the stranger was or why he had saved her. But as she looked down at her hands, still shaking with fear, she knew that she would never forget the stranger who had saved her life.