When I opened my eyes, I saw the familiar surroundings of Evander's room. The walls were adorned with illustrations of bands, games, and scenes from old movies, a mix of the colorful and carefree world that was my friend's life. I blinked a few times, trying to adjust my vision to the room, dimly lit by a lamp in the corner.
— Finally, sleepyhead. I thought you were never going to wake up — said Evander, who was sitting next to me with a glass of water in hand and a smile that hid his concern.
I felt the weight on my body, as if the simple act of breathing required effort. I tried to get up, but Evander was quick to place a hand on my shoulder.
— Take it easy, champ. You're exhausted. — He placed the glass on the nightstand and adjusted the blankets covering me. — No need to try to be a hero right now.
— What... what happened? — I murmured, my voice hoarse. I ran my hand over my face, feeling my forehead still hot and sweaty.
— You passed out halfway. And the rain... — Evander hesitated, looking at the ceiling for a moment before continuing. — Well, I knew you wouldn't make it home in that weather. So I went out to look for you. Found you on the ground, almost freezing. Had to carry you here.
The last thing I remembered was the alley, the rain, and... the wind. I rubbed my temples, as if that could push away the confusing memories.
— I caused trouble for you... — I started, but Evander interrupted me with a hand gesture.
— Trouble? Zeph, are you kidding? Who took care of me when I came back from that school trip all sick? I think you carried me to the infirmary, remember? — Evander laughed, trying to lighten the mood. — Now it's my turn. We're a team, remember?
My gratitude was interrupted by a thunderclap outside, followed by the sound of rain hitting the window. My body stiffened instantly, and my heart raced. I closed my eyes, trying to control my breath, but the image of the accident came like a wave, overwhelming and inescapable.
— Zeph... — Evander called gently, sitting next to me on the bed. — It's okay. You're safe here. I won't let anything happen to you, okay?
I opened my eyes, meeting Evander's calm gaze. I wanted to believe those words, but the fear seemed rooted deep within me.
— I just... hate the rain — I admitted, my voice almost a whisper.
— I know — Evander replied. — But you know what I think? You're stronger than you think. You've been through a lot and you're still here, right?
I looked away, feeling the weight of those words. I wanted to believe I was strong, but what I was fighting within me was bigger than I could understand.
Evander smiled and grabbed an extra blanket, throwing it over my shoulders.
— Now, you're going to rest. Tomorrow, we can talk about everything, if you want. — He smiled again, that smile that seemed to bring warmth even on the coldest nights. — And I promise I'll keep an eye on things. I won't let anything scare you.
As Evander turned off the main light and settled on the couch next to me, I closed my eyes again, trying to focus on the calm presence of my friend. Despite the storm outside, I felt a spark of comfort growing inside me.
But deep down, one question lingered: what really happened in the alley?
When I opened my eyes again, the sunlight was already seeping through the slightly open curtains of Evander's room. The brightness seemed like a cruel contrast to the chaos still echoing in my mind. The storm from the previous night had passed, but something inside me remained restless, like an electric current that wouldn't dissipate.
The sound of footsteps from downstairs and the aroma of toasted bread pulled me back to reality. I took a deep breath, trying to ignore the pain radiating through my muscles. Every movement felt like a reminder that something extraordinary – and frightening – had happened.
I slowly sat up on the bed, the mattress sinking under my weight. Fragments of what happened in the alley swirled in my mind like a whirlwind: the wind, the men, the threatening words... Evander. They wanted something related to him. That idea repeated like a mantra, but I still couldn't understand why.
The sound of a soft creak made me lift my gaze. The door to the room opened, revealing Evander balancing a tray with coffee, bread, and fruit. He entered with that carefree smile that always seemed to light up any room.
— Ah, the king finally woke up! — he joked, placing the tray on the nightstand. — I had them prepare a hearty breakfast for you. Just don't fantasize, okay?
I tried to smile, but the weight still hung over me, like a shadow that wouldn't dissipate.
— Thanks, Evander... really. You didn't have to do this.
He shrugged and sat on the edge of the bed, resting his elbows on his knees. His gaze was casual, but I could see the concern hidden behind that easy smile.
— Zeph, stop it. You'd do the same for me without thinking twice. We're a team, remember? — He winked, trying to lighten the mood.
I nodded slowly, but something inside me wouldn't let me rest. I was hiding something important from him, and it was eating me up inside. I wanted to tell him everything – about the men, the wind, the energy that exploded out of me like a living force. But how could I explain something I didn't even understand?
— You seemed restless while you were sleeping. Did you dream about something? — Evander asked, handing me a cup of coffee.
I hesitated, holding the cup for a moment before bringing it to my lips. The warmth of the liquid was comforting, but not enough to calm the storm inside me.
— Just... old nightmares. Nothing much. — The lie came out weaker than I expected.
Evander raised an eyebrow but didn't press. He always knew when to back off, giving me space to talk in my own time.
— Alright. Well, if you want to talk, I'm here. But for now, eat something. You look horrible, man.
I couldn't help but laugh a short laugh. Evander's laid-back way always had a way of calming me, even when I felt like the world was falling apart around me. I grabbed a piece of bread and started eating slowly, while he grabbed his phone and began scrolling through something.
— Oh, by the way, Zeph... — he said, without looking up from the screen. — Did you see this?
He turned the phone toward me, and my heart stopped for a moment. On the screen, a shaky and grainy video showed the alley. It was unmistakable: the whirlwind of wind, the men being thrown around like rag dolls, and then their frantic running, fleeing in panic. It was all there, captured by some nearby security camera.
My blood ran cold.
— This... where did you get this? — I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
— It's everywhere, man. Someone posted it last night, and now it's going viral. Check out the comments... — He swiped the screen, showing a flood of messages. Some called it a miracle, others special effects, and many "monster."
I carefully set the cup back on the table, trying to control the tremor in my hands. The feeling of being exposed was suffocating.
— This isn't good... — I murmured, staring at the coffee on the tray as if it could give me some answer.