ENIGMA

[VOL-1] CHAPTER-8: CHASING SHADOWS:THE MIDNIGHTS QUEST

"That's what I saw in my dream," Aiden continued, his voice trembling with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "I remember I clicked a picture of it, but it was just a dream. What's happening?"

Sara, her gaze steady and looked into Aiden's eyes. She seemed almost concerned as she asked, "Are you sure about this, Aiden?"

Aiden nodded, his expression fraught with bewilderment. "I'm a hundred percent sure," he affirmed, "This is so awkward. I mean, how is this possible?"

Sara, showing a remarkable calmness in the face of the inexplicable, suggested that they sit down to make sense of the situation. She asked Aiden if he wanted something to eat, her concern for his well-being evident in her kind gesture.

Aiden, still grappling with the surreal connection between his dream and the photograph, replied with "The cafeteria isn't open yet."

Sara took Aiden's hand and began to lead him in the direction of her dormitory. Aiden couldn't help but inquire, "What are you doing, Sara?"

Sara's voice was reassuring as she explained, "We can grab something to eat from my dorm. It's not much, but it's better than waiting for the cafeteria to open."

Aiden, his stomach grumbling, decided to follow Sara into her dormitory.

As they entered Sara's dorm, the ambiance felt cozy and inviting. A hint of lavender-scented candles lingered in the air, adding a soothing touch to the atmosphere. The dorm room was comfortably furnished, with an assortment of cushions and a small dining table that suggested a welcoming space for conversations and shared meals.

Sara navigated her way to a compact kitchen area and began rummaging through a cupboard filled with snacks and a few quick meal options.

After a brief search, Sara retrieved a few snacks and microwavable meals, offering Aiden a friendly smile. "I hope this will do for now," she said, her voice carrying a warm, comforting tone.

As Aiden recounted the dream, Sara listened intently, her eyes focused on his every word.

Aiden continued, "I didn't just see the mannequins. I interacted with them. I touched one, and it felt real. And then I took a picture of the whole scene."

Sara, her expression a mix of intrigue and concern, inquired, "What happened next in your dream?"

Aiden hesitated, his voice quieter as he revealed, "I woke up. It felt so vivid, like it wasn't just a dream. And then I checked my phone, and that picture was there."

Sara's dorm room felt cozy and inviting, a stark contrast to the surreal revelations that had unfolded. As Aiden settled into a chair, his mind still reeling from the unexplained connection between his dream and the photograph, Sara took charge. She moved with a sense of purpose, preparing a simple yet comforting meal-a bowl of ramen. Aiden watched her, a blend of shyness and gratitude washing over him. Hunger had gnawed at his stomach; he had skipped breakfast and the ramen smelled tantalizing.

As she placed the bowl of ramen before Aiden, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. He took a tentative bite, savoring the flavors that danced on his taste buds. It was delicious. Aiden's initial shyness gave way to an appreciative smile, and he spoke softly, "Thanks for making this for me."

Sara, ever practical, replied matter-of-factly, "Yes, no worries. I believe we should not throw food away. If you don't want to eat it, give it to someone who will."

With a touch of hesitation, Sara opened up about her own experience, sharing, "I was unable to finish the full ramen last night. It's good to know it still tastes good."