In this area, the lights never come on, there are no visitors, and it's always dead silent. The houses stand empty without residents, and no one wants to buy a home here.
Twelve-year-old Luke Campbell suffers from loneliness - he has no friends, an...
"Good evening. A shocking development in our local news tonight as 12-year-old Simon Green has been hospitalized with a serious case of poisoning. Simon, a student at a local school, fell critically ill this morning after consuming tea at his residence, which was later discovered to contain a toxic substance. According to reports, his family immediately rushed him to the hospital upon noticing his sudden illness.
Authorities are now deeply involved in the investigation, trying to piece together how the poison entered Simon's drink. The absence of any identifiable fingerprints on the tea mug has complicated efforts to identify a suspect. However, law enforcement officials are convinced that this incident was no accident and suspect foul play. They are actively pursuing leads to determine who might have deliberately targeted the young boy.
Simon's condition still remains critical, and medical professionals are working tirelessly to stabilize him. Meanwhile, the community has been left in shock and disbelief over the apparent attempt on the life of such a young and innocent individual. Parents and residents are expressing concern and demanding answers as the search for the perpetrator intensifies.
In response to the incident, local authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, assuring the public that every effort is being made to ensure justice for Simon and his family. As this investigation unfolds, we will continue to bring you the latest updates on Simon Green's condition and the ongoing search for those responsible. Stay tuned for further developments on this developing story."
Young and innocent individual! Luke just couldn't stop laughing out loud. Simon is one of Jack's best friends and a prominent bully in the school. These journalists have to lie sometimes - that's the part of their job.
However, deep down the boy understood the recent unfortunate incidents in the town may be closely connected. Danger could be lurking in every corner and nobody knew who would be the next victim.
***
Luke walked along the autumn streets, his steps crunching softly and silently on the carpet of fallen leaves. The trees now wore hues of amber, ochre, and crimson, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers against the gray sky. The wind was blowing gently from everywhere.
The boy passed small houses with candles and pumpkins in the windows. It was quiet but for distant laughter and music. The street lamps made long shadows on the ground.
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Dark Lanterns Lane was ahead. Luke walked a bit faster but felt a bit anxious too for unknown reason. The air got colder and the sky darker as he rushed.
He was almost there.
***
"Bobby Clarkson's house burned down completely a few days ago." That was the first thing Luke shared with Aliya.
"Aren't you indifferent to it?"
"It's not just about Bobby. Remember those threats to Jack? There are too many coincidences. And recently Simon was poisoned in his own home. And all these guys are my classmates."
"That's good!" Aliya suddenly laughed.
"What... What?" Luke was very astonished by her reaction. "What could possibly be good about bad things?"
"You hate your classmates, don't you?"
"Um..." The boy didn't immediately find out what to respond. "That's not what I mean. You see, in our town, hardly anything ever happens—maybe an occasional car accident, very rarely. Almost nothing of those would be front-page news. And suddenly all the incidents at once, and what's more interesting — no traces or fingerprints. No evidence that could point to a potential criminal. It's like he's invisible. But that's just impossible!"
Aliya simply listened calmly, her face showing no signs of surprise or horror at what she had found out, as if she didn't care at all or had heard such things not for the first time. It didn't match her angelic appearance—such a sweet girl with light hair in a white dress should have been horrified by the news.
"Luke, you shouldn't worry about those who cause you pain. They fully deserve what happened to them."
"But what if I'm next? What if the criminal comes after me? We don't even know who it is!"
"Why fear something that hasn't happened yet? And why assume the criminal will target you specifically? All three victims - Simon, Jack, Bobby - come from wealthy and influential families. I suspect revenge is at play here, considering everyone knows their parents are far from innocent and have plenty of enemies. I don't think the same can be said about you."
"Aliya, I think you're gloating."
His friend smiled warmly and called him over to play a tabletop game, mahjong. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she set up the tiles on the table. "Hey, let's play Mahjong together!" Aliya exclaimed cheerfully, patting the seat next to her. Luke hesitated at first but couldn't resist her infectious enthusiasm. Sitting down beside her, he grinned back and eagerly joined in, ready for a fun game.
