In a luxurious meeting room within the government headquarters, where giant screens surround the walls displaying daily news and data, the newly appointed president of the country, Norman, sits at the head of the table, surrounded by his assistants and advisors. The faces of those present appear confused and tense, but they all know that today's meeting holds special significance. A major change in the country may be on the horizon.
At that moment, Nolan Foss, the renowned scientist known for his advanced and controversial theories, enters, carrying a briefcase full of papers and documents. The hearts of everyone flutter with a sense of anticipation.
Norman, raising his hand to draw attention: "Welcome, Nolan. I appreciate your presence, especially since we are very busy these days. But it seems that what you bring today will be of utmost importance."
Nolan approaches the table, opens his briefcase quickly. His gleaming eyes reveal a deep thinker, wearing a mask of calm, while his heart beats with anxiety. He arranges the documents on the table systematically and begins to speak in a calm and factual tone.
Nolan, confidently: "I know you are busy, but what I am about to present today could change the course of our history. The scientific aspects I am working on now are not mere speculative theories, but a logical foundation based on evidence."
He takes a deep breath and begins to speak about the unexplained phenomena witnessed around the world in recent years.
Nolan, continuing: "As you know, since strange phenomena began appearing on the surface of the earth, along with the emergence of superhuman abilities in some individuals, we have found no traditional scientific explanation for this confusion. But I have arrived at something profound: there is a mysterious force, an ancient legendary entity, that has caused these phenomena. It is something that was unleashed by Queen Iloria in the distant past."
The eyes of the attendees widen slightly, but one of the advisors cannot hold back his anger.
Advisor, interrupting: "What?! Are we back to these myths again? Do you have something more logical to say, or is all you have mere children's stories?"
Norman, in a low voice: "Let's listen to him. Continue, Nolan."
Nolan looks at the advisor firmly, then turns to Norman, as if expecting this objection. He continues his talk to present his findings.
Nolan, firmly: "I am here to present facts, not stories. And I am sure you have all noticed something strange in the earth's natural history: the meteors. The first meteor that fell to earth thousands of years ago was in the kingdom of Arcadia. And then, the last meteor to fall... was also in Arcadia."
Nolan continues passionately, while he notices the increasing tension in the eyes of the attendees.
Nolan, continuing: "Is this a coincidence? Why always in the same place? In the past, the meteor fell every 100 years, but since 1961, it has fallen every year. Then, this falling suddenly stopped ten years ago. This is not a natural event. This is something deliberate. Something stronger than any natural explanation we know."
He slams his hand on the table and then raises his gaze to the president, who seems to be starting to feel uneasy.
Nolan, continuing, with a stronger tone: "These phenomena are not coincidences. There is a hidden hand controlling all of this, and this ancient legendary entity is the source of the power. It was not just a random accident. The activation of this entity, unleashed by Queen Iloria, is what triggered all of these supernatural events."
His voice deepens, raising his eyebrows as if pointing to an unseen threat.
Nolan: "We all know that these meteors cannot be predicted. But what if the 'Morse' meteor fell again? The one that destroyed 'Arthilas' and wiped it off the map, erasing its past and present in an instant? What if it fell now, here, in the heart of our country? What would be our fate? We live in a time where unexplained natural phenomena are increasing, along with the danger they bring. Are we ready to face what the future might hold?"
Everyone looks at Nolan, their expressions gradually changing, a mix of fear and confusion evident on their faces. None of them had expected that talking about the ancient Morse meteor would reopen closed files or complicate matters further. But Nolan did not stop; he saw something in their eyes that made him continue with an even sharper tone.
Nolan, decisively, speaking directly to the president: "Finding this mysterious entity and studying it may be the solution to these phenomena that are accelerating in an alarming manner. If the meteor fell on Arthilas centuries ago and caused massive destruction, should we wait until we are shocked by another catastrophic collapse? These phenomena will not stop unless we know their source, unless we unveil this entity. This is not just a possibility; it is a threat that may be closer than we think."
His words are heavy, like raindrops in everyone's minds. The images Nolan painted for them were terrifying, but there was something about his words that made them question whether those words carried real scientific logic. Even the advisors who had rejected the idea began to feel some doubt.
Norman, in a deep voice, looking at Nolan with focus: "So, what are you suggesting? Do you want us to search for this mysterious entity around the earth?"
Norman sighs a little, wiping his face in weariness before continuing with a firm tone.
Norman: "The meteor series stopped ten years ago, and most likely the phenomenon has ended. Maybe they are just natural events unrelated to any mysterious entities, and I don't think searching for myths would be fruitful at this time."
He pauses for a moment, then addresses everyone with a decisive tone.
Norman: "Nolan, you are a brilliant scientist, I admit that, but you are still a scientist, and we are here to discuss practical matters."
Norman's words hang in the air like a heavy stone, their echo reverberating in the dark room. Nolan remains calm, but he notices a kind of mockery in the eyes of the attendees. The advisors seated around the table begin to squirm.
Advisor 1, impatiently, interrupts Nolan: "I agree with His Excellency the President, I won't believe this talk. Is that all you have to say? Myths and stories from bygone eras? Don't we have more important matters to focus on?"
His voice rises, and his anger intensifies, interrupting the other. Everyone can feel that the conversation is beginning to take an irrational turn.
Advisor 2, sarcastically, frowning, emphasizes his words: "I think what we need now is something more realistic than children's fairy tales. We're here to discuss matters that concern the future of this country, not waste our time believing in baseless legends."
The words are heavy, they vibrate in the air, leaving a trace of doubt in every corner of the room, as if everyone inside started to doubt the reality of what is being presented to them. And as Advisor 2 speaks, he bets on shattering every theory in the air with those direct words, as if he wants to strip those thoughts from everyone's mind all at once. But in reality, he was reflecting an internal fear, a fear of the unknown, the idea that legends might intrude into his world, a world that was used to facts only.
Nolan remains silent, but his heart begins to pound. He sees President Norman, who notices that his position is beginning to waver. This is not just one advisor; it is a group accusing him of madness, as though they are mocking his mind and the efforts he has put into years of deep research and thought.
Advisor 3, with a sense of disdain: "So, are we going to stop working on progress in this field or thinking about improving the economic situation and search for legendary creatures? If that's the solution, we don't need these useless theories!"
Nolan stands up, runs his hand across his face as if gathering his thoughts. He did not expect such a fierce attack on his theories. He knows that what he says is not just words. He has the evidence, but he feels like he's fighting a battle without soldiers.
Nolan, calmly, tries to calm the situation: "You don't understand... this is not just a legend. If you want to understand what's happening, you must learn how to intertwine reality with the unknown. This entity... is the reason for these phenomena. And if you close your eyes to this, you are risking everything."
But President Norman raises his hand to stop him, his gaze sharp and clear, signaling that it's time to put an end to this futile discussion.
Norman, calmly, with a slight smile on his face, but dissatisfied: "Nolan... enough. Your theories may be intriguing, but we don't have the luxury of time to keep sinking into these topics that won't lead to anything practical. We are at a critical moment, and we cannot waste time on your fantasies."
Everyone looks at Norman in silence, realizing that he has decided to end this lengthy debate. Nolan murmurs inaudibly, but he knows that the discussion is over now. He remains calm, even though his heart is screaming inside his chest. He knows that this opportunity may be the last chance to change the course of events, but the president has made his decision.
Norman, continuing: "If you truly want to serve this country, we'll transfer you to the city of Raimar, to the 'Gray House.' There, you will cooperate with our scientific research teams and work on other important tasks, far from these ideas that won't help at all. We cannot afford the luxury of thinking about myths, we need real solutions."
Nolan feels a shock deep in his heart, but his face only shows compliance. He knows the president doesn't leave room for maneuver. However, inside, he feels that if he can uncover the truth being spoken about, everything will become clear to everyone.
Nolan, in a low but firm voice: "If this is how you see it, I will accept it. But I will continue my search, even if it is out of your sight."
President Norman sighs deeply, seeing the determination in Nolan's eyes, but he must remain practical. The times the country is going through can't afford the luxury of pointless debates.
Norman, decisively: "Yes, I believe this is the most suitable way. But don't forget, Nolan, you're here to serve the nation. From now on, we need hard work, without wasting time on things that may be unrealistic."
Nolan sighs in silence, gathering his papers. Then he raises his head to find the president looking at him thoughtfully. What if Nolan is speaking the truth that everyone should know? But now, there is no time to reveal these secrets.
When the meeting ends, everyone gets up from their seats. The advisors exchange uneasy glances, but Norman remains silent. Everyone moves, and the car that will take Nolan to the city of Raymar is ready. There, at the "Gray House," Nolan will have to decide whether to continue his search or yield to the reality imposed by the president.
Aviline Area – In a small house located in the heart of the countryside, surrounded by vast green fields and farms teeming with life. Cows graze in distant corners, and farmers toil on their land.
The horizon in the sky is bathed in the orange of sunset, with the sun almost disappearing behind the hills, leaving behind a stillness that envelops the place.
Emma stood in the middle of the room, her eyes wide with shock, staring at her son, Ethan, who stood before her in his tattered clothes, his cheeks drenched in tears. His face was pale, his features filled with guilt and sorrow, as though life had stolen his joy.
Emma stepped toward him slowly, her heart pounding, her hand trembling slightly as she placed it gently on his shoulder, trying to touch the truth behind this situation.
Emma, with a trembling voice, but trying to stay calm: "Sorry for what? ... Don't tell me you threw the car wheel at someone again!?"
Ethan lowered his head further, tears pouring from him like a waterfall, as if he couldn't control himself. His tears splashed onto his chest, mixing deep sorrow with the remorse etched in his heart.
Ethan, in a broken voice, with a crushed heart: "No... it wasn't that... I... I lost the money you gave me..."
Then, Ethan's mind replayed the events that happened in the city.
Ethan had left the house, the cold breeze of the sunset brushing against his face, and the sun was setting peacefully behind the horizon, leaving a sky colored with sad shades of dark orange. The wind was rustling the trees on either side of the road, and the streets were almost empty, as expected at this late hour. He moved quickly, as if something heavy was pressing on his chest, while making sure to avoid the gazes of passersby. It seemed to him that the entire road reflected the inner turmoil he was experiencing, with fear growing with each step he took.
Then, on the corner of the street, three large shadows appeared, standing firmly, blocking his way. The movement was strange, as if the whole place had frozen, and his eyes caught sight of them in that critical moment. He suddenly raised his head and froze in place, unable to move.
Ethan, in astonishment: "K... Kevin?"
Kevin, the oldest among them, smiled a sly smile. He looked at his companions and laughed mockingly.
Kevin, in a sarcastic tone: "That kid was right, hehe, now I've got you!... Where do you think you're going, monster?"
Ethan tried to compose himself, taking a step back, trying to find an exit.
Ethan, in a steady voice: "Get out of my way, Kevin... I'm not in the mood to talk to you right now."
The second boy, short in stature and with features twisted by anger, approached and laughed.
The second boy, mocking: "Look, Kevin, this monster is trying to tell us what to do!"
Kevin, angrily: "Shut up... really funny. Come here!"
At that moment, Kevin lunged at Ethan, grabbing his arm and pulling him forcefully into the adjacent alley. Ethan tried to resist, but Kevin's grip was too strong.
Ethan shouted, "Leave me alone! Kevin! I didn't do anything to you!!"
The third boy, who had been silent the whole time, stood at the side of the alley, watching the scene with great concern.
The second boy, sarcastically: "What should we do with this little monster now? Hahaha."
After Ethan was dragged into the alley, Kevin stood in front of him, filled with hatred and jealousy. His hands were trembling, not from fear, but from a desire for revenge for a reason only he knew deep inside.
Kevin: "Hey, you filthy monster, where were you going just now?"
Ethan tried to catch his breath, gathering what little courage he had left, as he didn't want to appear weak in front of them.
Ethan, in a tense tone: "My mother sent me to shop, and also... I'm not a monster! Stop saying that!! Is it supposed to be funny?"
Kevin let out a cold laugh, looking at Ethan's eyes with a disgusting scrutinizing gaze.
Kevin, sarcastically: "Hah? Did you forget when we took that damned tape off your eyes? They're just like a monster's eyes!"
Ethan, hesitantly: "Th... that... anyway! What do you want from me?"
Kevin laughed maliciously, looked at his friends, then turned his gaze back to Ethan as if it were just a game.
Kevin, with a sinister smile: "You said you were going shopping... Hahaha. Give me the money you have!"
Ethan was trying to hold himself together, but he felt increasing pressure on his chest as his words came out broken.
Ethan, confused: "M... money? I don't have..."
Kevin's face suddenly changed, and violence was clearly evident in his eyes.
Kevin, angrily: "Hah? Do you dare lie to us?! You just said your mother sent you shopping!!"
In a moment of panic, Ethan decided to run. He took quick steps, trying to get away.
Kevin, in a fit of rage: "That damned monster! Grab him now!"
As Ethan ran through the alley, he stumbled over a piece of stone and fell hard to the ground.
The second boy, mocking: "Hahaha, do you think you can escape from us?"
Kevin slowly approached him, as if every step carried the weight of his hatred.
Kevin: "Come on, let's beat him until he gives us that damned money!"
The third boy, who had seemed hesitant from the beginning, looked at Kevin with a look of doubt.
The third boy, hesitantly: "B... but isn't he too small?"
His hesitation didn't sit well with Kevin.
Kevin, shouting: "Damn you, I'll do this myself, you cowards!"
The second boy, protesting: "I'm not a coward!"
Without thinking, the second boy rushed toward Ethan and kicked him violently in the stomach.
Ethan, screaming in pain: "Aaaagh..."
Kevin: "Yes! Hahaha! Well done! Aren't you going to give me the money now, little freak?"
Ethan, barely able to speak from the pain, said in a faint voice:
Ethan, in a trembling voice: "It... it's for my mom..."
Kevin exploded in anger, and without thinking, he attacked Ethan again.
Kevin: "Damn your mother!!!"
He began raining punches on him while Ethan endured the pain in silence, his eyes filled with tears. He didn't scream, didn't beg, he just endured the violent blows.
The third boy, growing increasingly fearful: "K... Kevin, that's enough, maybe..."
Kevin, mocking: "Damn, do you want to be a coward too?"
The third boy, opposing: "L... no, but... you look like a coward beating up a little kid like this!!"
The second boy, hesitantly: "You idiot!"
Kevin lost control and turned toward the third boy.
Kevin, angrily: "Are you calling me... a coward now?"
The third boy, terrified: "I... I didn't mean..."
Kevin didn't hesitate and threw a punch at the third boy, knocking him to the ground.
The third boy, in pain: "Aaaagh..."
Kevin, mocking: "Who's the coward now?!"
Then he turned back to Ethan, his anger still burning in his eyes.
The second boy: "Kevin, stop!"
Kevin, questioning: "Hah? What do you want?"
The second boy, trying to calm things down: "What Robert means is that we can take the money from him without beating him up like this..."
But Kevin wasn't ready to listen; the violence was consuming him completely, bringing back painful old memories. In his mind, he remembered the moment in the schoolyard, where he saw the girl he liked looking at Ethan with admiration, while he was just a shadow she didn't notice.
Kevin, with suppressed rage: "Every time I remember how he sits under that damned tree, holding his dirty books... drawing attention... I just want to smash him!"
The second boy decided to act quickly, approached Ethan, and took the money from his pocket.
The second boy, inspecting: "Hah? It's... only ten dollars?"
Kevin, growing angrier: "What? Give me that!"
Kevin grabbed the money from his hand and looked at it with disgust.
Kevin, sarcastically: "This damned monster was defending ten dollars the whole time? I'll make him regret wasting my time!"
But when he looked again, Ethan had disappeared. Robert pointed to the direction where he had fled.
Robert, hesitantly: "He ran fast when Stephen took the money from him..."
Kevin, angrily addressing everyone: "You idiots, why didn't you speak up? Damn it! Let's go now, maybe he'll come back tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Ethan was running nonstop, his breath heavy, tears streaming down his cheeks. He didn't know where he was heading, but he couldn't stop. In a moment, he stumbled again and fell to the ground. His body was completely exhausted, and his mind was in turmoil.
Ethan, in a broken voice: "Why... why... why is this happening to me?!"
As Ethan dragged his feet towards home, his face was soaked with tears, tears he couldn't stop despite his desperate efforts. The cold air touched his reddened cheeks, his clothes torn, and his body weighed down with bruises, but his soul was more wounded than the marks on his body.
As soon as he reached home, he opened the door quietly, as if afraid of disturbing his mother. Emma was sitting on the couch, holding a book in her hand, a slight smile on her face. But she immediately noticed something unusual in her son's expression.
Emma, with a deep sigh: "Is this what made you cry like this...?"
She looked at him with her tender eyes, gently brushing his hair.
Emma, in a warm voice: "Ethan, your eyes are the most beautiful I've ever seen in my life. They're jealous of you, maybe for other reasons too, so don't worry about what you've lost, whether it's money or material things, because your crying won't bring any of it back."
She paused for a moment, then added seriously.
Emma: "Did they do anything else to you?"
Ethan didn't respond immediately. Instead, he turned his face away, trying to hide the feeling of pain and shame.
Ethan, in a low voice: 'They... just hit me."
Emma paused for a moment, trying to process what she had heard.
Emma, with surprise and shock: "What!! They hit you? Where? Why didn't you tell me about this!?"
Without waiting, Emma lifted Ethan's shirt to see the bruises covering his back, those dark marks revealing the harshness of what he had endured.
Emma, with suppressed anger: 'Oh my God... Did they do this? Those boys? Well then, I'm going to scold them tomorrow!"
Ethan, quickly: "No! Don't do that, they're..."
But Emma didn't let him finish, interrupting him firmly.
Emma: "If their parents didn't teach them, I will! I was going shopping tomorrow anyway, we'll go to them."
Ethan fell silent for a moment. He didn't have the strength to argue with her. He just looked down at the ground, mumbling softly.
Ethan: "Okay..."
Emma smiled gently, trying to ease the tension.
Emma, affectionately: "Good job.
Come on, don't worry, we have enough food in the fridge. I'll prepare breakfast for you."
After 22 minutes, Emma was in the kitchen, skillfully cutting cucumbers and tomatoes, while Ethan sat on the couch, waiting. The sound of the knife cutting through the vegetables was the only thing heard in the quiet atmosphere.
Emma, with a slightly raised voice: "Come on, wash your hands and come sit down, the food is almost ready."
Ethan, happily: "Okay!"
Ethan quickly got up and went to the sink. When he returned, he saw his mother still busy cutting vegetables. He approached her with a broad smile.
Ethan, pleading: "Mom, can I help you?!"
Emma looked at him with sympathetic eyes, but she knew very well that he was too young to use the knife.
Emma, gently: "No, little one, it's dangerous. You could hurt yourself."
Ethan, with an innocent face: Just once, please!
Emma hesitated for a moment, but she gave in to his small request.
Emma, thoughtfully: "Hmm... Okay, come here."
Ethan approached eagerly, his eyes shining with joy. He carefully held the knife as Emma had taught him, but he wasn't an expert, and after a moment, he accidentally cut his finger.
Emma, in alarm: "See! I told you you'd hurt yourself!"
Emma quickly ran to the sink, washed his finger with cold water, then placed a small bandage on it. She looked at him with tenderness, seeing the sadness in his eyes.
Ethan, in a broken voice: "I'm sorry..."
Emma, with a gentle sigh: "It's okay, I'm not angry at you at all. This will be a lesson for you."
Emma looked into his eyes and took a moment to teach him a deeper lesson.
Emma, in a deep voice: "Remember well, Ethan... blood is not washed with blood, but with water."
Ethan, with an innocent face: "How can blood be washed with blood in the first place?"
Emma smiled and laughed lightly.
Emma, laughing: "You'll understand when you grow up."
She patted his head gently and pointed to the food.
Emma: "Now, come on, let's eat breakfast."
After they sat at the table, Emma gently bent over and placed the breakfast plate in front of Ethan. Despite the warmth emanating from the simple food... eggs, toast, and vegetables... the atmosphere in the room felt heavy with an invisible weight. Emma sat in the chair across from him, watching as he ate slowly.
Ethan looked at Emma for a moment, then whispered hesitantly.
Ethan, in a soft voice: "Mom... am I a monster?"
Emma stared at Ethan in shock. It was a question she hadn't expected, but it came from a deep place within his small soul, one that had been wounded far more than it should have. She reached out slowly to touch his cheek gently, feeling his tension as though this question was heavier than the world he lived in.
Emma, in disbelief: "...A monster?"
Emma studied him for a few moments, as if trying to carefully gather her words, then sighed as she bent down slightly to be at his eye level.
Emma, gently: "No, Ethan. A monster is someone who loses their humanity, someone who stops feeling, who hardens their heart so much that they no longer see or feel the pain of others."
She paused for a moment, her eyes filled with endless tenderness, trying to convey to him a deeper meaning that went beyond his current understanding.
Emma: "But you... you cry, you hurt, you feel. Monsters don't cry, my son. Monsters don't know love or kindness. But you, you carry a big heart, despite everything you've been through."
Ethan looked at her with eyes filled with confusion, as if the doubts within him were stronger than any simple words could erase.
Ethan, softly: "But I'm angry... they always call me those names... I want to hit them, I want them to feel what I feel."
Emma smiled sadly, understanding his inner struggle, and did not deny his feelings. She knew that anger was part of being human, but how one dealt with it was what set people apart.
Emma, understanding: "Anger is a natural feeling, Ethan. But remember... what anger does isn't the solution. It can turn you into something you don't want to be if you let it control you."
Emma stood and placed her hands gently on his shoulders, trying to convey a deeper message.
Emma, softly but firmly: "You are not a monster because you know the difference between good and evil. Monsters don't know. You're learning, and that's what makes you stronger than any monster you might face in your life."
Ethan bent his head slightly, thinking about her words, but the pain still lingered.
He knew there was an inner struggle ahead, but now he felt a small strength to begin that journey, a strength that came from knowing his feelings didn't make him a monster, but a human.
Ethan smiled faintly, despite everything.
Emma, in a calm voice: "Ethan, do you know why I insisted on going to face those boys tomorrow?"
Ethan paused for a moment, hesitant to answer. Inside, he feared what would happen. Emma looked directly into his eyes, trying to reach the depths of his thoughts.
Emma, contemplative: "Because the world, my son, isn't always a merciful place. Not everyone will be kind to you, and we can't change that. But you must know how to defend yourself, not by hitting, but with dignity."
Ethan glanced at her quietly, trying to absorb her words. Emma knew that his understanding of these ideas wouldn't be complete yet, but it was part of the journey he was about to take. She was only trying to plant seeds inside his weary soul.
Emma: "Life is not fair, Ethan, but that doesn't mean you give up on it. What others do to you is not what defines your worth.
You know who you are. I know who you are. So remember that value doesn't come from what you take or lose, but from what you do with what remains."
She moved her hand to gently touch his small hand, feeling the coldness in his body despite the warmth of the food.
Emma, in a low voice: "The ones who hurt you today are the same ones the world will hurt tomorrow. Don't let your anger be a weapon against you.
Because hatred is like a hole; the more you dig into it, the closer you get to falling in."
Ethan looked at her outstretched hand, then at her eyes. There was something in his eyes that he didn't understand yet, but he felt its effect. It wasn't about the boys who hit him, but something bigger, something that ran deep into a life he hadn't fully lived yet.
Emma, calmly: "Learn to forgive, not for them, but for yourself. Anger will eat you from the inside, while forgiveness is what cleanses the soul, just like water washes blood."
Ethan stayed silent, unsure of how to respond. He nodded slowly, surrendering to her words, which were too heavy for his young mind to fully grasp, but he felt something stirring inside him.
Emma, with a small smile: "Now, eat your food. The world will keep waiting, but it won't stop. You have to be ready always, because life will keep testing you."
They sat in silence after that, but the words echoed in Ethan's mind, following him like his shadow. This was the beginning of a long journey, one where he would face the world with all its cruelty and beauty, carrying the lessons from his mother that would remain with him in every step.
The next day...
Aviline – 3:25 AM
Ethan falls into a deep sleep, but nightmares invade his mind with intensity. Suddenly, a terrifying image forms before him… Emma is standing in the middle of a street in the heart of the city, her clothes and face distorted by bloodstains. Darkness surrounds the area, and the streetlights look faint, as though they pulse in rhythm with his trembling heartbeat. In her eyes reflects a deep pain and anxiety mixed with fear. Ethan tries to move, wanting to reach her, but his feet are rooted to the ground, as though they're trapped in an unforgiving gravity.
The closer he gets, the greater the mystery around him grows. His tears fall uncontrollably, as if his mind can no longer control the rising fear within him.
~ Change ~
Suddenly, the scene shifts rapidly. He finds himself in complete darkness, unable to see anything, but he can feel the moisture of the ground beneath him. A faint voice whispers in his ear, his mother calling his name, but her call is unnatural... a strange mix of worry and fear. Ethan tries to think clearly, but the darkness coils around him like a snake, and the whisper gradually turns into an alarming scream, growing faster until it almost shatters his mind. He cannot escape it, nor can he ignore it. It drowns him in a terrifying illusion, and he is powerless to break free.
Then, his vision starts to clear gradually... He is in the same place, the street where he saw his mother covered in blood. But now, Emma stands before him, unharmed, as if everything is fine. Yet he cannot move. The ground beneath him is cold and damp, as though he is trapped at the bottom of a well. He touches his face with his trembling hands, only to discover that his face is the one covered in blood, not his mother's. His body is covered with wounds and scars whose origin he does not recognize.
In a moment of madness, pain, and despair, Emma screams his name, her voice piercing the silence and hammering into his mind as if it were a warning of an impending end. At that violent moment, he awakens once more.
But this time, he is in his bed, the room dark as it was before, the sound has faded, but it lingers in his mind. The nightmare is over, but its mark remains alive within him. Ethan continues to breathe heavily, his hand covering his face as though trying to hide from something invisible. He wonders as he replays those horrific moments… Was it just a nightmare? Or is it a symbol of something greater that lurks deep within his reality?
Without thinking, Ethan suddenly rushes out of bed and hurries down the stairs to the kitchen where his mother was.
Emma, surprised: "E… Ethan? What's wrong?!"
~ Embrace ~
Ethan collapses into Emma's arms, an embrace full of worry and sorrow. His tears fall heavily, and his heart feels as if it will explode from the pain.
Emma, anxiously: "What's wrong, my little one? Are you okay?!"
Ethan, stammering: "I… I saw you in my dream... y... you were covered in blood... it was terrifying..."
Emma looks at him, her eyes filled with tenderness and pity, but she tries to reassure him.
Emma calmly: "Oh, my dear... it was just a nightmare. Nothing in it is real. Look at me, I'm here, and everything is okay."
~ Sigh ~
Emma takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm despite the pain in her heart seeing her child like this.
Emma: "You scared me. I thought something terrible had happened to you..."
Ethan continues to cry, his sobs cutting through the heavy silence in the room.
Emma: "Don't worry, my little one. Nightmares come and go, but they can't hurt us. Everything is fine now."
Ethan, while crying: "But... but... I saw you... covered in blood, it was so scary..."
Emma, with a comforting smile: "It's just a nightmare. None of that is real. I'm here, and nothing will happen to me. Okay? Don't think about it anymore."
Ethan, nervously: "Can I sleep with you tonight?"
Emma, tenderly: "Of course, my little one, as you wish. Come on, let's go."
She leads him to the bed, embraces him, and whispers in his ear while he tries to sleep. But inside, she wonders about the cause of these dark dreams, and why her son feels this embodied terror.