Elianna's POV

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The night air was cool and crisp as we walked into a café near the university. The place was cozy, with a warm ambiance created by the soft lighting and rustic decor. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, adding to the café's inviting atmosphere. For a moment, I felt at ease, ready to enjoy a simple meal with my friends.

We found a corner table by the window, offering a view of the street outside, illuminated by twinkling lights. We settled into our seats, the buzz of conversation from other patrons creating a comforting background noise.

Cleai was looking at the menu "What's everyone having? I'm thinking of trying the pasta, pizza and their chicken."

Takaw talaga.

"I'll have the same. I could use some carbs after all the sun today." Tarah said, scanning the menu.

Jaeala grinning "I'm going for a burger and fries. I need to fuel up for tomorrow's class."

Faye smiling softly "I'll just have a salad and a smoothie. Need to keep my energy up."

"I'll just have a sandwich." I said

As we waited for our food, I gazed out the window, my thoughts drifting. The sight of a man feeding a young boy at a nearby table caught my attention. He was smiling tenderly as he offered the child a spoonful of ice cream. The scene triggered a wave of memories, taking me back to a painful time in my life.

The man's gentle demeanor and the boy's delighted laughter transported me to a distant memory. I could almost see my brother's face, his eyes bright with excitement as I took him to the park near our home. He was only seven, and his world was full of innocent wonder. My heart clenched at the thought.

"Eli, are you okay? You seem miles away." Cleia asks as she notices me.

Snapping back to the present, forcing a smile "Yeah, just got lost in thought. The day's been long." I answered

"Maybe you're just tired from all that sun. We'll get some rest soon." Jae teasingly said.

Flashback

I was at the park, holding my brother's hand as we walked along the paths lined with blooming flowers. He was full of questions, his curious eyes taking in everything. It was our special day, a brief respite from the dangers of our world.

I was smiling and said, "Look, there's a swing set. Do you want to go?"

Ethan excitedly answered, "Yes! Can you push me really high?"

His laughter echoed in the air as I pushed him on the swing, his joy contagious. For a moment, all was right in the world. But then, the peace shattered.

Enemy: "How sweet? Too bad it has to end." he whispered while positioning himself.

I was shocked when I heard a gun shot straight to my brother's chest. He fell on the ground from the swing. I cried and shouted my lungs out asking for help.

The park, once a place of joy, became a scene of horror. The last sound I heard was his faint, terrified cry.

End of Flashback

The memory faded, but the pain lingered. My hands trembled, and my vision blurred with unshed tears. I clenched my fists, trying to steady myself. The sight of the man and the boy had reopened old wounds, and it was hard to breathe.

Cleia leaned closer, concern in her eyes "Eli, what's wrong? You're shaking."

My voice was trembling "I just... I saw something that reminded me of my brother. I miss him so much."

Jae reached out to hold my hand "We're here for you. Just breathe, okay? It's going to be alright."

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. Just know we understand." Faye said and smiled. Her smile is so comforting.

Tarah quietly held my back "We've all lost someone. You're not alone in this."

Our food arrived, but my appetite was gone. I picked at my sandwich, my mind replaying the painful memory over and over. The café's warmth felt suffocating, and I longed for the cool night air outside.

The man's kindness to the boy, even though I didn't know him, had stirred something deep within me. I didn't see his face clearly, but the way he cared for the child struck a chord. He seemed like a good person, and a part of me wanted to believe that there were still good people in the world.

Cleia tried to lighten the mood "Let's focus on the present. Tomorrow is our first real day at the university. It's a fresh start for all of us", she said.

"Yeah, and who knows? Maybe we'll even enjoy it." Jae said.

Faye nodded "We should. It's a new chapter, and we deserve some happiness."

"Let's just take it one day at a time. We'll get through this, together." I said with full of encouragement.

Eli, taking a deep breath, finding strength in their support "You're right. It's a new beginning. I need to let go of the past and focus on what's ahead."

After dinner, we stepped out into the cool night air. The stars were visible, twinkling against the dark sky. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. The memory of my brother was still there, but it no longer felt as overwhelming.

Cleai, smiling "This place is beautiful. I think we'll like it here."

Jaeala playfully bumping my shoulder "And who knows, maybe we'll meet some interesting people along the way."

Faye laughed softly "As long as they're not trouble."

"Or too nosy. We need to keep a low profile." Tarah added.

"We'll handle it. Together." I said, I felt a glimmer of hope.

We got back home, the cozy lights welcoming us back. I felt a sense of relief as we stepped inside, the familiar surroundings comforting. We gathered in the living room, chatting and laughing, the earlier tension fading away.

As I sat with my friends, I realized that this was our chance to heal and start anew. The pain of the past would always be a part of me, but I wasn't alone. We had each other, and that was enough to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Cleai stood up, "Alright, let's get some rest. We've got a big day tomorrow."

Jaeala yawned, "Yeah, let's make sure we're ready for anything."

"Goodnight, everyone." Faye said and stormed out of the living room.

Tarah heading to her room "Night. See you all in the morning."

"Goodnight. And thank you." I felt a sense of peace because of them.

As I lay in bed, I thought about the man in the café. Even if I didn't see his face, his kindness left an impression on me. I wanted to find him, to know more about him. Maybe he was just a stranger, but for a moment, he reminded me that there was still goodness in the world.

The darkness of the past would always be with me, but I was determined to find light in the present. Tomorrow was a new day, a new beginning, and I was ready to face it with hope and resilience.

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