My brother passed away a few months ago. Jamie was his name. Two years my senior, he was constantly watching out for me and ready to crack jokes when things felt too difficult. However, that was prior to the mishap. Jamie and his buddies went to a party one evening, but they never returned home. It didn't matter that he wasn't at fault for the crash. My entire world fell apart the instant my parents received the call.
It didn't feel like the new beginning they had promised when I moved to a new town and a house that felt more like someone else's than mine. All I could think to do was run.As I gazed out into the strange neighborhood, the rain seemed to reverberate that loneliness, tapping continuously against the window. All of the houses appeared so...
ideal. well-kept, freshly painted grounds. Everyone appeared extremely well-groomed. There was a part of me that wished I could enter that world as well, where nobody asked questions and nothing ever harmed. However, I was unable to. Not quite yet. I was startled out of my reverie by the creak of the entrance door. "Hey Ava, are you able to assist with the boxes inside?" Mom said in a kind yet strained tone. I followed her inside and turned away from the window. The smell of pine cleaner and cardboard filled the house. Not quite the cozy aroma of a location I could create myself.
For a while, we worked in a type of silence that seemed to go on forever. Before he yelled out to me, I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I failed to notice the boy standing across the front yard. "Hey, new kid!" Startled, I turned. Leaning against a tree, he appeared to own the entire street as he stood right at the edge of the driveway. His manner of standing gave the impression that he was taller than he actually was. His smile was the type that never quite made it to his eyes, and his hair was dark and a bit too long. It wasn't a smile that gave you a sense of security."
Yes?" I returned the call, not sure if I should be anxious or interested. He said, "Name's Kevin," as if it would have any significance for me. "I just wanted to see how the new neighbors are doing. "Don't worry," he continued, his eyes sparkling with a smugness I could already feel, "I'm not dangerous."I simply shuffled awkwardly from one foot to the other without immediately responding. Kevin spoke loudly enough for my parents to hear without waiting for me to finish speaking. Not many people stay here for very long, you know.
People in this area can be—well, let's just say that they have their own preferences. For a brief moment, his smile wavered, and I felt cold. "You'll figure it out, though." He turned and left before I could respond, his movements purposeful. He gave me a final look over his shoulder, a look that was half challenge, half pity, before I watched him leave. I dismissed it. It was just a local youngster, most likely overburdened with free time. But like a splinter that wouldn't come out, his words stayed with me.
To get away from the noise of unpacking inside, I went outside to the backyard the following day.The sun was low in the sky and the rain had stopped, giving everything a drab, golden light. The yard was much calmer and the house was smaller than the one we had left behind. I just needed a break, and my parents were still very busy.I heard footsteps behind me at that moment. I turned to see Kevin standing at the fence's edge.
He was still dressed in his school uniform, which consisted of a simple hoodie, faded pants, and sneakers that appeared to have seen better days. He seemed to be attempting to make a decision as he watched me intently. With my hands in my pockets, I stepped back. "What are you looking for?"Kevin waved dismissively and said, "Calm down." Just wondering if you'd like to take a neighborhood tour.
Since you're the new kid and everything, you know. People in this area can be a little... strange, so it's helpful to know who they are. Trying to sound firm even though I wasn't sure I was, I hurriedly answered, "I'm good." "I don't require a tour." I thought I saw something cold flash in Kevin's eyes as his smile intensified. I stepped back as he moved a few paces closer. "Adjust yourself. But please let me know if you need anything.
This neighborhood isn't what it seems, as I mentioned.I was unsure of how to interpret him. There was something strange about the way he spoke, but he was behaving like any other nosy neighbor. My gut twisted at something. Even though I wasn't ready to put my trust in him, I couldn't get rid of the impression that I had just met someone with ulterior motives. "All right. I murmured, "Thanks," hoping he would get the message and go.
But rather than leaving, Kevin stayed, looking around the yard as if mentally sketching something out. Then he spoke again, almost as an afterthought, with a slightly softer but still sharp tone.Moving to a new location must be difficult, you know. Particularly when you have... things to handle. I scowled. "What are you discussing?" Kevin shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "I can tell even if you don't say anything. I am aware of when individuals are fleeing. Believe me. I felt as though he could see straight through me for the first time when he stared at me intently.
I didn't respond. How could I respond? He was unaware. Nobody was aware. I also had no intention of telling him.He remarked nonchalantly, "I'll see you around," then pivoted on his heel and left. I was left alone with my thoughts as he vanished back to his house, his footsteps echoing in the solitude. For a long time, I stood there, allowing the silence to cover me like a blanket. Kevin's comments stuck with me, a chilly reminder of what I was unable to avoid.
I didn't come here merely to get away from a neighborhood. That was nothing compared to what I was fleeing from. Something that nobody could possibly know. I wasn't prepared to deal with it. The days that followed passed quickly.I was too exhausted to give any thought to the small village where I was supposed to be establishing a life, and my parents were too busy unpacking.
In a week, school would begin, and I had no idea what to anticipate. The idea of being encircled by strangers was oppressive. I had no idea where to start. However, Kevin then began to appear at the most strange moments, such as when I was walking to the mailbox or taking out the trash. His eyes had the same sparkle in them all the time, as if he knew something I didn't. I was keeping something from everyone.
I initially believed I was having hallucinations.However, it was evident from his persistent presence, his inquiries, and his remarks about "dealing with stuff" that Kevin was the type of person who could sense weakness. With him so close and observing me, I wasn't sure how long I could keep my secret hidden. I could feel the truth pressing in deeper and the barriers surrounding me becoming weaker every time I saw him. There was nowhere else for me to go, so I wanted to escape and hide. Then everything fell apart one afternoon.
