Eternal Echoes: A Dance with Darkness

Not only was I already running on very little sleep, but life decided to throw me a curveball when Easton returned. He left me with a whirlwind of perplexing questions, particularly about a mysterious locket. My best friend had kept her relationship with Easton a secret from me for five years before suddenly revealing the truth. Needless to say, I have been on an emotional rollercoaster since I woke up that morning.

The events of that day had left me feeling drained and overwhelmed as if my nerves were completely fried. Little did I know, things were about to become even more complicated.

Sara and I stayed hidden in my room away from my parents. It’s not that I didn’t get along with my parents, it’s just I didn’t want to be wrapped up in whatever was going on with them. My parents had their suspicions that I could hear their thoughts, especially since as a toddler, I didn't realize they weren't speaking aloud. However, I quickly learned not to comment on their internal musings. This unspoken understanding created a sense of distance between us, leading me to feel that our relationship was strained. It wasn't necessarily negative, but rather a result of our conflicting personalities.

My mother worked as a secretary, and my father is a mechanic who owns his own shop. I have an older brother named Will, but no one has heard or seen him in over a year. He did not get along with my parents at all. Our mom could be quick and rash, sometimes over-emotional, while Will was calm and always kept situations from escalating. I admired my brother for his ability to wear his heart on his sleeve.

The last time I spoke to Will was the night he moved out. He was upset because he didn’t want to leave me behind, but he felt he had no other choice. He urged me to go with him, but I couldn’t bear to leave everything familiar to me, especially Sara. It's not easy for someone like me to make friends, let alone find someone who truly understands the weight I carry.

When I expressed my reluctance to move away, he struggled to comprehend my feelings and continued to encourage me to go with him. Will was overwhelmed with guilt for leaving me behind, but the challenges he faced with my parents became too much for him to bear, which contributed to his decision to leave.

After Sara and I finished our conversation, we decided to leave my house and go exploring at our favorite shops before stopping for a bite to eat. While in town, we were at the bookstore, thumbing through novels when my phone began to ring.

As I rummaged through my purse in search of my phone, I noticed a shiny object lying next to it. Despite my phone's insistent ringing, I was drawn to the gleaming item and reached for it.

“How did this get in my purse?” I murmured to myself as I pulled the locket out.

“You stuck it in there before we left the house,” Sara replied mindlessly as she grabbed a book to read its summary.

“I don’t remember doing that.”

She didn’t respond to my statement, keeping her face buried in the book.

I placed the necklace back in my purse, not giving it another thought. Looking at my phone, I saw that my mother had called. It was strange she was calling so soon after we left but she could wait. Letting out a sigh, I started, “We need to leave soon…” I told Sara, “I’m starting to get a headache from this crowd.”

“Ok, I’m starting to get hungry anyway.”

We started dressing in our coats, gloves, and scarves before venturing outside, making our way to our way favorite little restaurant. Upon entering, Sara and I brushed off our feet on the rug by the door and took in the cozy atmosphere. The restaurant was relatively empty, as it was not yet dinner time.

A small group of teenagers occupied a booth in the back, chatting animatedly by the window. Meanwhile, three individuals sat at the bar, leisurely enjoying their meals and sipping on coffee while engaging in light conversation.

Sara and I made our way to a table at the center of the diner, placing our coats, scarves, and gloves on the back of our chairs.

A waitress walked up to us, asking if we wanted our usual, and we were more than happy to say yes!

While we were getting settled at our table, someone walked through the entrance, causing the entire atmosphere to shift. A sense of unease crept over me, yet I found myself strangely calm amidst the anxiety that gripped me.

Sara's eyes flitted nervously around the room, avoiding eye contact with someone. Her cheeks flushed with color as she repeatedly glanced behind me, growing increasingly agitated before my eyes.

"What's the matter?" I asked, preparing to turn and face whatever had caught her attention. In truth, a sense of fear began to grow in me as well.

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.” She responded, looking down at her hands.

I shrugged my shoulders relieved I wouldn’t have to face whatever was making her nervous. Hopefully, it isn’t Easton, I thought to myself. Then I realized, I couldn’t hear anyone once again today. Maybe he is here… I grew increasingly concerned for my friend as a surge of emotions washed over me.

Strangely, I felt a sense of security, yet my heart began to race and my face flushed. Butterflies violently fluttered in my stomach, causing a mix of anxiety and nausea.

I glanced at Sara, who could clearly see the fear in my eyes as I silently mouthed, “I can’t hear anything,” to her. Her eyes widened and quickly shifted to the area behind me. “What’s wrong?” I whispered quietly to my friend.

Her true answer caught me off guard as she whispered, “There is a very hot guy sitting behind you… He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he entered.”

My face was still flushed as the waitress interrupted our awkward conversation by bringing us our food. My heart was still racing, and the whole situation was unnerving. I made a conscious effort not to look behind me, resisting the urge with every fiber of my being. Sara's frequent glances at the mysterious person only fueled my growing curiosity. The suspense was becoming unbearable.

Midway through our meal, the waitress approached the table where the "hot" guy was seated, asking for his order. The man responded, but I couldn't hear his words because I recognized the voice. My heart sank as chills ran down my spine.

This cannot be real, I thought to myself. Sara noticed my sudden stillness and became worried.

“Ember? Are you feeling alright?”