Abandoned Tracks

Chapter Seven: A Day Of Modern Discoveries

The morning sun bathed the room in a warm glow, casting playful patterns on the wooden floor. Alex rolled over, feeling a sense of renewed energy and purpose. Today, he decided, they needed a break from the intense search for clues.

"Good morning," Alex greeted, shaking off the last vestiges of sleep.

"Good morning, Alex," Ethan replied, his contemplative gaze shifting to a smile.

After washing up, they headed to the kitchen for breakfast. The simple act of preparing and sharing a meal felt strangely comforting, grounding them both amidst the mysteries they were trying to unravel.

As they ate, Alex suggested, "How about we take a break from searching for clues today? We could go shopping. You need more clothes, and I could use the distraction."

Ethan nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. "That sounds like a good idea."

They finished their breakfast and got ready to leave. Alex's car, an old but reliable model, sat parked outside the cottage. They climbed in, and as Alex started the engine, a thought occurred to him.

"You know, Ethan, I think you'll look great in modern clothes," Alex said with a grin.

Ethan chuckled. "We'll see about that."

The drive to the nearest mall took them through winding roads and picturesque landscapes. As they approached the sprawling complex, Ethan's eyes widened in awe.

"Is this a... mall?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.

"Yeah, it's a mall. Have you never seen one before?" Alex asked, amused.

"No, never. This is incredible," Ethan replied, his eyes darting around, taking in the vastness of the building.

They walked inside, and Ethan's amazement only grew. The cool air conditioning was a welcome relief from the summer heat, and the sheer size and variety of shops left him speechless. As they approached an escalator, Ethan hesitated, staring at the moving stairs in confusion.

"What is this?" he asked, pointing.

"It's an escalator. It helps you get to the upper floors without having to use stairs. Here, I'll show you," Alex said, taking Ethan's hand.

Ethan looked apprehensive but followed Alex's lead. Alex stepped onto the escalator first, then gently guided Ethan, holding his hand to steady him. Ethan's initial apprehension turned into amazement as they smoothly ascended.

"This is amazing," Ethan said, a childlike wonder in his voice.

Alex smiled. "Yeah, it's pretty convenient."

As they strolled through the aisles, Alex picked out a blue shirt and handed it to Ethan. "Try this on. I bet it'll look good on you."

While Ethan went to the changing rooms, Alex continued browsing. His eyes were drawn to an outfit that had a distinctly vintage vibe—a cream-colored shirt with high-waisted trousers. He decided to try it on, curious to see how it would look.

In the changing room, Alex put on the outfit and examined himself in the mirror. There was something eerily familiar about his reflection. It was as if he had seen himself dressed this way before, but he couldn't quite place when or where. Lost in thought, he didn't notice Ethan approaching until he spoke.

"Alex, what do you think?" Ethan asked, stepping into view.

Alex turned and was momentarily speechless. The blue shirt fit Ethan perfectly, accentuating his lean frame and enhancing his striking features. "You look amazing, Ethan," Alex said, genuine admiration in his voice. "You really suit modern clothes."

Ethan smiled, his eyes lingering on Alex. "And you look like you stepped right out of the 1970s. It's... fitting."

They spent the next hour browsing and trying on clothes, enjoying the simple pleasure of shopping together. At one point, Alex noticed that some of the mall staff and other shoppers were giving him strange looks. He realized they couldn't see Ethan and probably thought he was talking to himself. He chuckled to himself, deciding not to let it bother him.

After their shopping spree, they headed to a nearby café. The cozy, rustic interior had a charming, old-world feel to it. They ordered drinks to go and carried them back to the car.

As they sipped their drinks in the parking lot, Ethan turned to Alex. "So, tell me about your family."

Alex took a deep breath, a shadow passing over his face. "I was an only child. My parents died when I was young, so my grandmother raised me. She was the best, always taking care of me and making sure I had everything I needed. I recently graduated, but she passed away shortly after. I couldn't bear to stay in the house with all those memories, so I moved here, looking for some peace."

Ethan listened intently, a sympathetic expression on his face. "I'm sorry for your loss, Alex. It sounds like you were really close to your grandmother."

Alex nodded, a wistful smile on his lips. "Yeah, we were. She was my rock."

Just as Alex was about to ask Ethan about his own family, they arrived back at the cottage. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over everything. The peaceful evening contrasted sharply with the mysteries and uncertainties they faced.

They unloaded their purchases and headed inside. Alex felt a sense of calm wash over him, despite the day's events. The cottage, with its cozy interior and tranquil surroundings, had become a sanctuary for both him and Ethan.

As they settled in for the evening, Alex couldn't help but feel a growing bond with Ethan. Their shared experiences and the strange, almost fated connection between them made him believe that together, they would eventually uncover the truth.