Lost in Memoria

Recognition of Change

In the heart of Lumeria, towering skyscrapers of glass and steel reach towards the heavens, their sleek facades reflecting the vibrant hues of neon lights that paint the cityscape in a kaleidoscope of colors. The streets below bustle with life, a symphony of honking cars, murmuring crowds, and the occasional whir of futuristic vehicles gliding effortlessly along magnetic tracks. Pedestrians move with purpose amidst a labyrinth of shops, cafes, and stuff, their conversations blending with the melodic strains of street performers and the occasional hum of automated delivery drones.

In a secluded corner of Lumeria's bustling café district, Ethan sat alone at a small, dimly lit table, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. Around him, the city's vibrant energy buzzed, but tonight felt distant, almost irrelevant to his swirling thoughts. The bitter taste of the coffee failed to distract him from the gnawing frustration that had plagued him for weeks.The girl he used to know, Aria, who had vanished from his life without a trace, now appeared. They had once been inseparable, sharing laughter under the neon-lit skies of Lumeria, their dreams intertwined like the intricate pathways of the city. But now, he was a ghost in her memories, a haunting absence she couldn't comprehend.

As Ethan was lost in thought, a familiar voice called out, snapping him out of his reverie. "Hey, Ethan!". Ethan looked up to see his friends Xander and Raphael approaching, their easy smiles contrasting Ethan's serious demeanor. Xander, with his tousled blond hair and easygoing charm, clapped Ethan on the shoulder. "You looked miles away, mate. What's on your mind?" Raphael, always impeccably dressed with an air of sophistication, joined in with a grin. "Yeah, you've been sitting here like a statue. We thought we'd lost you to the pigeons."

Ethan chuckled softly, grateful for their presence. "Sorry. Just thinking about something." Xander raised an eyebrow, his blue eyes curious. "Want to share?" Ethan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Remember Aria?" Xander and Raphael exchanged a glance, their expressions turning serious. "Yeah," Raphael replied quietly. "What about her?"

Ethan sighed, struggling to put his thoughts into words. "I saw her again last night. At least, I think I did. It's like she's not the one we used to know." Xander furrowed his brow in concern. "That's... weird. Ethan, are you sure it was her?" Ethan nodded slowly. "I know it sounds crazy. It was Aria, I'm sure. It's just the eyes were empty"

Raphael placed a comforting hand on Ethan's shoulder. "Maybe you should take it easy, Ethan. Sometimes memories play tricks on us." Ethan looked at his friends and smiled. "Maybe you're right. It's just unsettling, you know?" Xander nodded sympathetically. "We get it. If you need anything, we're here." Raphael smiled reassuringly. "Absolutely. Now, how about we hang out with the others? I'm sure they can be a help." Ethan managed a small smile, touched by their support. "Yeah, that sounds good."

Together, the three friends walked towards their hidden place, the warm afternoon sun casting long shadows on the cobblestones. As they chatted and laughed, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that something mysterious lingered beyond his grasp—like a puzzle waiting to be solved in the winding streets of their European-inspired city.