The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 1 (Part 2)

     As the sun ascends, life falls into its familiar cadence. Much like the undulating waves of a tranquil sea, the clouds meander, unveiling the radiant cerulean sky. For Denis, it's just another ordinary day—no shifts, no significant milestones to mark the hours.

     In the lavish second-floor living room, Denis sprawls on a yoga mat, engaging in rigorous crunches that test his core strength. Flipping over, he transitions into push-ups, his body glistening with the sheen of sweat. Amidst his exercise regimen, a familiar chime disrupts the quietude. Denis halts, rising to retrieve his phone from the TV console, curiosity piqued by the interruption. What could have drawn his attention away from his workout?

"Denis... hey? I'm sorry. You know you're still my friend, right?" Drew messaged.

"What's going on? Is everything okay?" Denis replied, swiping the sweat from his brow.

"This is just a temporary situation. Don't stress about it," assured Drew.

Drew's cryptic messages left Denis perplexed.

"What do you mean? Can you explain?" Denis inquired, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"My girlfriend is, let's say, jealous about our bond. She wants me to block you," Drew confessed.

Denis felt a pang in his chest as the gravity of the situation settled in. Losing a friendship due to a jealous partner? Unthinkable. "What??" Denis shot back hastily. "You can't be serious, man," he typed. "After everything we've shared, you're really going to do this?? Come on, be real with me right now!"

"I'm sorry, Denis. She's concerned you're getting too much of my attention," Drew explained calmly through the text.

"What on earth? Drew, we're just 'friends,' alright?? Just friends!" Denis rebutted, his thumbs pressing firmly on the phone screen.

"I'm being upfront, man. She's really mad," Drew added.

"Well, I'm mad she's manipulating you!" Denis texted, frustration evident in his words as a groan escaped his lips.

"Denis, I'm sorry," Drew replied.

And with a finality, "This person is unavailable on Messenger" appeared. The curtain falls on a once cherished friendship.

Denis lowered his phone with a mix of emotions in his eyes. "Damn it," he grunted.

     Denis steps into the shower, seeking solace after a draining morning. The water cascades, enveloping him in its warmth as he begins to cleanse himself. Pausing under the drizzle, he stands still, eyes closed, lost in a world of his own making. What tumult of emotions might be swirling within Denis at this moment? Such depths of contemplation are beyond mere speculation.

     As the shower continues its steady flow, tears mingle with the water, tracing a silent path down Denis' face. Each droplet merges seamlessly with the running stream, their quiet descent marking a poignant moment of loss. With a heavy heart, Denis bows his head, grappling with the stark reality of a severed friendship. How cruel fate can be, he muses in the solitude of the bathroom.

     Later, descending the staircase, Denis joins his parents, Michaela and Robert, at the dining table for lunch. Seated among familiar faces, he picks up his utensils and hungrily digs into his meal. Take it slow, one might advise, but his rapid consumption betrays a lack of heed. It appears as though he is indifferent to the world around him, devouring his food with a voraciousness that belies the turmoil within.

"So, Denis, how are things with you and Drew?" Michaela inquired, her curiosity painted across her face in a gentle smile.

"Screw Drew," Denis scoffed, his words laced with frustration as he chewed thoughtfully.

"Oh? What's happened between you two?" Michaela probed, her concern evident in her voice.

"Oh? Nothing? As if he didn't block me on Facebook because his toxic, manipulative girlfriend is being jelly!" Denis vented, his words rushing out in a torrent of emotion.

"Hah, kiddo. Sometimes you just need to move on," Robert advised, giving a reassuring pat on Denis' shoulder.

     As Denis savours a portion of Mechado stew, a whirlwind of emotions brews within him, fueling his creative drive. The urge to draw surges through him like a current, leading him back to his sanctuary—the bedroom. Retrieving his drawing tablet, he embarks on an artistic journey, sketching a scene depicting himself and Drew within a circle with a cross, pouring his raw emotions into the creation. Would this artwork serve as a conduit for his feelings, garnering attention and appreciation in the digital realm?

     With the passage of days and nights, the heavy burden that once threatened to engulf Denis gradually lightens until it fades into insignificance. One afternoon, a Manghihilot named Celeste pays a visit to Denis' abode. Celeste possesses an enchanting allure with her flowing, curly locks that never fail to mesmerize. Her skin bears a rich almond hue, a common trait in their locale, harmonizing with her deep, expressive brown eyes.

While Robert appeared eager to proceed with the upcoming interaction, Michaela's expression morphed into one of scepticism, her furrowed brows exposing her doubts.

"Please, come in, Celeste," Robert warmly welcomed, stepping aside to usher Celeste into their home.

     In the downstairs living room, Denis, Michaela, Robert, and Celeste congregate, settling into the sturdy wooden chairs. Celeste deftly retrieves a cigarette, lighting it and drawing in a deep drag. A cloud of thick, grey smoke billows forth, directed with intent towards Denis' face. What peculiar ritual was unfolding?

     Placing a calming hand on Denis' head, Celeste closes her eyes in a moment of focus. Denis sits motionless, his gaze flitting anxiously from side to side as he awaits her next move. With a gentle gesture, Celeste lifts her palm from his head.

"Your duwende friends are pleased. Good fortune shines upon you. Their favour rests with you," Celeste announced with an air of nonchalance.

"Oh?" Denis nodded as he listened.

"That's wonderful, my boy!" Robert beamed, offering a thumbs-up in playful agreement, his smile reflecting the shared joy in the room.

     However, Michaela remains silent, reluctant to engage in the ritual. Eventually, in the afternoon, she approaches Robert as concern weighs heavily on her mind. As Robert meets her gaze, a serene smile graces his features, acknowledging his wife's presence.

"Robert," Michaela called out, standing before Robert.

"Yes, Michaela?" Robert responded.

"I don't believe seeking a Manghihilot's intervention to alleviate Denis' sorrow is appropriate. It goes against our religious beliefs," Michaela asserted, her brows furrowing with worry and conviction.

"Oh," Robert responded with a slow nod, his gaze drifting downwards.

"It's basically witchcraft, Robert!" Michaela emphasized, her voice tinged with concern and conviction.

"Michaela," Robert began, but his words hung in the air as Michaela remained silent, prompting him to address her again. "Ella, listen. Denis will be okay, trust me."

Michaela averted her gaze and just nodded.