Lacey (ENGLISH versions)

flashback and new friends

In the tranquility of the early morning, as the first rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, I found myself alone in my room, reminiscing about my life in Chicago. Memories surfaced, bright and sweet like bursts of sunlight in a sea of nostalgia.

I recalled the bustling streets of the city, its majestic skyscrapers reaching towards the endless sky. Joyful laughter echoed in my mind, mingling with the enticing smells of neighborhood pizzerias. My friends and I, inseparable, roamed the cobblestone sidewalks, exploring every corner of that vibrant metropolis.

But among those vibrant memories, crept the shadow of deep sadness. The worried look of my parents, the anxious murmurs floating in the air, heralded the beginning of a dark period. The decision to move to Texas had been a heartbreaking blow, violently ripping the roots of my life, plunging me into an ocean of uncertainty.

Yet, even amidst this turmoil, a glimmer of hope persisted. An unwavering faith in the future, in the possibility of finding a new home, a new family, where the blazing deserts of Texas stretched as far as the eye could see.

As I rose, ready to face another day in this new world, I knew the road would be fraught with obstacles. But I was determined to overcome each hurdle, to embrace every challenge with the same resilience that had carried me through the tumultuous streets of Chicago. For even though the scenery had changed, my spirit remained unchanged, imbued with strength and courage, ready to confront the unknown with unwavering determination.

In a vibrant flashback of memories, I found myself sitting on the edge of the park fountain, surrounded by my friends. The soft lights of the street lamps bathed our small group in a warm and intimate atmosphere.

"Have you heard about that new rock band that just released an album?" Jake asked, his enthusiasm palpable in his voice.

"Yeah, I listened to some of their songs on my brother's vinyl. It's pure madness!" Adam replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Not bad, but nothing beats the classics. You know, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones..." Sarah chimed in, asserting her opinion with confidence.

"And what about that movie that's a hit right now? I heard it's terrifying! We should all go see it together this weekend." Emily suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Oh no, no way! I'm too much of a scaredy-cat for that. Did you see me last time at the movies? I jumped at every scene!" Tim admitted, his cheeks slightly flushing.

These moments of carefree youth were etched into my memory, witnesses to a time when each day brought its share of discoveries and simple pleasures. And even though time had passed since then, these memories remained intact, like glittering stars in the sky of my thoughts.

As the sun reached its zenith and the heat began to intensify, I decided to explore the village a little more. Guided by insatiable curiosity, I set off, walking along dusty streets and dilapidated houses.

Around a corner, I spotted a small group of teenagers engaged in lively discussion. Curious to meet new faces in this strange place, I approached them with a shy smile.

"Hi! I'm Lacey," I said, trying to break the ice.

The teenagers turned to me, their eyes scrutinizing my silhouette with a curiosity mixed with interest. After a moment of hesitation, one of them, a girl with fiery hair, waved me to join them.

"Hi Lacey! I'm Julia. Welcome to our little lost corner," she said with a warm smile.

I joined their group, and soon we found ourselves immersed in lively conversation. We talked about everything and nothing, exchanging anecdotes about our lives and experiences in this isolated village.

Despite our differences, I felt that we had something in common, a bond that transcended our backgrounds and individual stories. We were all strangers in this strange village, trying to adapt to our new environment.

As we walked together, laughing and chatting like old friends reunited after a long time, I realized that even in the most unlikely places, one could find human warmth and camaraderie. And with these new friends by my side, I knew that I would never be alone again in this strange and mysterious world.

As Julia mentioned the rumor about the Sawyers, a clamp of tension tightened around my heart. I suddenly remembered that Sawyer was also my last name. Yet, I kept my outward calm, skillfully hiding my turmoil behind a facade of indifference.

"Really?" I said, trying to sound as detached as possible. "That's rather strange. I mean, cannibals? These are just village rumors, aren't they?"

Julia nodded slowly, but I could see in her eyes that she wasn't entirely convinced by my words. "Yes, that's what everyone says. But you know how rumors are... They often have a grain of truth."

I nodded, swallowing my own anxiety. If only they knew, I thought. If only they knew that I was part of that family, that I carried that name. But I kept my secret buried deep, fearing the consequences of its revelation.

We continued our conversation, but a grim voice echoed in my head. The Sawyers, a family of cannibals. It was a reality I knew all too well but desperately tried to hide from my new friends.

As I converse with my friends, they introduce me to a young girl with blonde, curly hair, dressed in a hippie style. Her brown eyes sparkle with a curiosity, and her cheeks are dotted with freckles. A birthmark adorns her forehead, adding to her singular charm.

At that moment, something happens within me, a feeling I've never experienced before. My heart races, and my cheeks flush as I feel irresistibly drawn to this young girl. It's unsettling, shocking even, in a time when social norms are rigid and unforgiving.

I struggle against this new sensation, desperately trying to conceal my emotions behind a mask of indifference. But deep down, I know that something has changed irrevocably. For the first time in my life, I have fallen in love, and it disrupts everything I thought I knew about myself and the world around me.