Whispers of the Afterlife

Chapter 3: Betrayal

As Ethan and Lucas sat in the quiet stillness of the early morning, the first faint hints of sunset began to paint the sky in hues of red and pink. The vibrant palette is a contrast to the darkening blue of the creeping night sky.

The sun itself appeared as a radiant orb, slowly sinking towards the horizon. The world seemed to slow down as if nature itself paused to admire the spectacle.

"It's beautiful," Lucas murmured, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Ethan nodded, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, it is," he agreed, his eyes lingering on Lucas's profile.

For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the sun touching the horizon, creating a moment of perfect harmony, known as the 'golden hour'. Everything was bathed in a soft, warm glow. The clouds were set ablaze with color, creating a dramatic backdrop for the sun's final bow.

Then, as if on cue, a memory stirred within Lucas's mind—a fleeting glimpse of a familiar face, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. It was his girlfriend, her laughter dancing on the air as they shared a quiet moment together.

"I remember her," he said softly, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "She had the most infectious laugh."

Ethan's brow furrowed in curiosity, his gaze flickering with interest. "Tell me about her." He urged, his voice gentle yet insistent.

And so, as the moon continued its ascent, Lucas shared stories of happier times—of stolen moments and whispered promises, of love and laughter that had once filled his heart to overflowing.

As Lucas spoke of his ex-girlfriend, Ethan couldn't help but feel a pang of longing tug at his heartstrings. He listened intently, his mind filled with images of Lucas and his former flame sharing moments of intimacy and laughter. Though he tried to push the feeling aside, a subtle twinge of jealousy crept into his thoughts.

He found himself wondering what it must have been like to share such a deep connection with Lucas—to be the one who elicited that infectious laughter, to hold his heart in the palm of their hand. The thought stirred a mix of emotions within Ethan—longing for a connection he had yet to fully explore, and a hint of envy for the love that had once filled Lucas's life.

As the sun completely disappeared behind the horizon, Lucas's thoughts lingered on the memories of his girlfriend. The desire to find her grew stronger with each passing moment, fueled by a mix of curiosity and longing. He turned to Ethan, determination shining in his eyes.

"I need to find her," he declared, his voice tinged with resolve. "I need to know what happened that night."

Ethan's heart sank at the mention of Lucas's ex-girlfriend. Though he understood Lucas's need for closure, the thought of Lucas delving back into his past filled him with a sense of unease. He struggled to mask his feelings, forcing a weak smile.

"I understand," he replied, his voice strained. "But... are you sure it's a good idea? What if... what if it leads to more questions than answers?"

Lucas hesitated, the weight of Ethan's words sinking in. He knew the risks involved in searching for his girlfriend, but the need to uncover the truth was too strong to ignore.

"I have to try," he said finally, his voice resolute. "I need to know the truth, no matter what it takes."

And with that, Lucas set off along the riverbank, his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night. Ethan followed close behind, his heart heavy with worry and uncertainty.