Evander frowned, worry clear on his face. He leaned in closer, the playful tone in his voice vanishing.
— Zeph, are you sure you didn't see anything? Maybe that's what knocked you out. — He laughed nervously, but his laughter died when he noticed the seriousness on my face.
I stared at him, trying to organize the chaotic thoughts in my head. The memories of the alley were still blurry, but one thing was clear: that was not normal.
— Evander, this isn't a joke. I... I don't know what happened, but it wasn't something natural. — My voice trembled, but the truth in my words was undeniable.
Evander sighed and ran a hand through his blond hair, clearly searching for something to say.
— Zeph, relax. It's just some dumb video someone made. — He tried to sound reassuring, but the uncertainty in his tone wasn't helping.
I knew he was wrong. I stood up suddenly, nearly knocking over the tray in the process. My heart raced, and a chill ran down my spine.
— Zeph, what are you doing? — Evander asked, now confused and worried.
— I need to think. I need... I need some time. — The words came out rushed, almost desperate.
Evander frowned, standing up to follow me.
— Time for what? You're not alone in this, you know? — The sincerity in his voice was evident, but I knew keeping him close was dangerous.
I looked at him, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes. He was my best friend, but if those people learned more about me, they would definitely come back. And I couldn't risk getting Evander involved.
— Evander... thank you for everything. But this... I need to deal with this on my own. — My voice was firm, but the weight of the decision felt like it was crushing my chest.
Without waiting for a reply, I left the room, ignoring his protests. I went down the stairs quickly, my mind swirling. The morning wind hit my face as I opened the front door, its chill contrasting with the fire still burning inside me.
The sky was clear but cloudy, as if the storm had left its mark. As I walked down the wet streets, each step echoing on the damp sidewalks, the feeling of being watched returned.
Even without looking back, I knew this was just the beginning.
As I walked through the still-wet streets, the sensation of being watched grew stronger at every corner. The wind seemed to whisper my name, cold and impersonal, while Evander's house faded into the distance. I pulled my hood up, trying to shake off the paranoia creeping in.
— It's just in your head, — I repeated to myself, trying to calm down.
When I finally reached the main street, the sun broke through the clouds, blinding me for a moment. I didn't stop. I kept moving, trying to lose myself in the crowd that was starting to fill the sidewalks.
I got home when the sun was already high, but the streets still carried the scent of the previous night's rain. I hesitated for a moment in front of the door, taking a deep breath before turning the handle. The familiar creak of the door welcomed me, but something was different. The living room was too quiet, almost heavy, as if the air were charged.
— Zephyr! — my grandmother exclaimed when she saw me, quickly walking toward me. — Where have you been, my boy? — She approached and placed her hands on my shoulders, as if she needed to confirm that I was really there. — We were so worried when Evander called, saying you weren't coming home last night.
I tried to smile, but it came out more like an apology.
— I'm fine, Grandma. It was just... a complicated day. Evander took care of me.
— Complicated how? — my grandfather insisted, crossing his arms and giving me an inquisitive look. — You're not one to skip coming home without warning, Zephyr.
I lowered my gaze, feeling the weight of their concern.
— I just got really tired on the way and passed out. Evander found me and took me to his house. He really looked after me. No need to worry.
— Tired or sick? — my grandmother placed a hand on my forehead, as if checking for fever. — You're still warm! Zephyr, you need to take better care of yourself. You can't just... disappear like that.
— I know, Grandma, I know. — I held her hands, squeezing them gently. — I'm sorry for worrying you.
Grandpa sighed and shook his head, his expression softening slightly.
— Well, you're here, and that's what matters. But you need to be more responsible, boy. You already gave us a scare once... — He didn't finish the sentence, but I knew he was referring to the time after the accident that took my mother's life when they went to the hospital to adopt me and I ran away.
My grandmother let out a heavy sigh and gave a small smile.
— I'll make you some soup. That'll warm you up. Sit down and rest while I do that.
She disappeared into the kitchen, and the silence between me and Grandpa was comfortable but carried something unspoken. I took the moment to gather my courage.
— Grandpa, can I ask you something?
— Of course, kid. What is it? — he replied, sitting in the armchair next to me.
I looked at my hands, nervous.
— Why did you decide to adopt me? I mean... did you know my mother before?
Grandpa frowned as if he hadn't expected the question. He scratched his beard before answering.
— No, Zephyr. We didn't know your mother before the accident. We got information about you through social services. They told us you didn't have any close relatives.
— Then why me? — I insisted, more curious than accusatory.
Grandpa leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
— Because we saw something in you. A strength... even after everything that happened, you were still a boy so full of life, so special. Your grandmother and I knew we couldn't let you grow up without a family to take you in.