Unfading Shadows [2]

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Dear Everyone,

I want to convey my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who took the time to comment on the last chapter. Your feedback touched my heart and had a profound impact. It not only boosted my confidence but also provided me with the motivation to continue writing.

I hope that you will continue to share your feedback because it holds immense value for authors like me. Maintaining a connection with readers and understanding their perspectives is essential. I genuinely value your opinions and consider them an integral part of my writing journey.

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Kaiden had been lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun's warm hug like a contented cat. His black shirt carelessly discarded nearby, revealing his sun-kissed sculpted body with six-pack abs on proud display, a testament to countless hours of dedication and hard work.

Earlier, he had tried to take a nap but found himself unable to sleep. So, he had went outside to catch some vitamin D and savor the gentle breeze.

As he sprawled there, lulled by the calm surroundings, an unexpected sound of someone vomitingbroke his tranquility. Frowning in concern, Kaiden listened closely, confirming the noise. Without hesitation, he followed the sound, which led him to theunexpected sight of Rayan, on his knees near a bush, clearly unwell.

Kaiden rushed over, placing a comforting hand on Rayan's back as he inquired about what was wrong. The sudden contact startled Rayan, as he had believed he was alone and unnoticed.

Rayan brushed Kaiden's hand aside, got to his feet, and turned to leave

"Hey, are you okay?" Kaiden asked with a hint of concern, his hand resting on Rayan's shoulder to prevent him from leaving. Rayan's eyes were red, though it was unclear whether it was from crying or the aftermath of vomiting.

Rayan silently shrugged off Kaiden's hand and wordlessly headed inside, making a beeline for the bathroom.

"Hey, wait," Kaiden called out in a hushed tone, cursing under his breath as Rayan walked on, seemingly deaf to his calls. Kaiden followed him, making an effort not to create a scene or draw unnecessary attention.

Rayan slipped into the bathroom, swiftly locking the door behind him. He stood before the dimly lit bathroom sink, trembling, and turned the tap, letting the cold water cascade into the basin.

Cupping his hands, he splashed the frigid liquid onto his pale face, the droplets mingling with tears that welled up in his eyes. He rinsed his mouth, desperately wishing he could wash away not only the lingering taste of bile but also the torment that had taken hold of his soul and seemed to clung to him like a shadow in the depths of despair.

The walls of the bathroom seemed to close in on him, the air growing heavy with despair. A suffocating darkness enveloped his thoughts, and he began to hate everything—the world that had abandoned him, the people who had hurt him, and most of all, himself. The weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future bore down on him, and it felt as if his very soul was unraveling.

Rayan's breathing became erratic, shallow gasps punctuated by sobs, as he descended into a full-blown panic attack. His heart raced, and a sense of impending doom loomed over him. He clung to the sink for support, tears streaming down his face, as the world around him blurred into a nightmarish haze. The darkness he had long embraced now threatened to consume him entirely.