Abandoned Tracks

Chapter Fifteen: Unspoken Emotions

Ethan's voice seemed distant, as if it was coming from another realm. "Alex! Alex!" he called out, but Alex was lost in the vivid flashbacks of the 1970s. Ethan grew concerned and hurried closer, gently shaking Alex by the shoulders. "Alex, snap out of it!"

The touch jolted Alex back to the present. Blinking rapidly, he saw Ethan's worried face inches away. Relief flooded through him, and before he realized what he was doing, Alex threw his arms around Ethan in a tight hug. Ethan was momentarily startled but quickly wrapped his arms around Alex.

"Are you okay?" Ethan asked, his voice filled with concern.

Alex didn't reply immediately. He rested his head on Ethan's shoulder, feeling the warmth and security in his embrace. Ethan was a few inches taller, so Alex's head barely reached Ethan's shoulder. "I'm fine," Alex mumbled, his voice muffled. "I just... needed a moment."

"It's fine," Ethan said softly, his voice a soothing balm. "I'm here." Alex hugged him even tighter, drawing comfort from the closeness. Ethan's initial surprise faded, and his grip tightened, offering silent support.

Eventually, Alex pulled away, his face still a bit flushed. "Sorry about that," he said, avoiding Ethan's eyes.

"No need to apologize," Ethan replied. "You looked like you needed it."

Alex forced a smile and decided to change the subject. "I suddenly remembered my grandma," he said hesitantly, not wanting to reveal the strange experience he'd just had.

Ethan nodded understandingly. "It's okay. You don't have to explain. Just know I'm here for you."

Later, as they sat down for lunch, Alex couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in his mind. He decided to probe a bit. "Ethan, that purple pendant you have... who gave it to you?"

Ethan glanced down at the pendant, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It was a gift from someone."

Alex leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "Who?"

Ethan's smile widened. "My secret admirer."

"A secret admirer?" Alex repeated, feeling a twinge of something indescribable.

"Yes," Ethan said, reminiscing. "It was three years before I got on the train, maybe around 1971. I always felt like someone was watching me, but they never approached. They left this pendant for me in the library. I never found out who it was."

Alex's heart ached. He knew it was Adrian, the man whose feelings were poured out in the diary. "And you never tried to find out who it was?"

Ethan shook his head. "I figured if they wanted me to know, they would have told me. They didn't seem dangerous, just... distant."

Alex felt a strange mix of emotions. He admired Ethan's calm acceptance but also felt the weight of Adrian's unspoken love. "What year did you get on the train?" Alex asked, already suspecting the answer.

"October 1973," Ethan said, confirming Alex's suspicions. It was the same month and year of Adrian's last diary entry. Alex felt a chill run down his spine. There were too many coincidences, too many unanswered questions.

"Do you want to go back to the train to look for more clues?" Alex suggested, trying to piece together the puzzle.

Ethan shook his head gently. "We can take a break today. You seem a bit off. Let's just stay home and rest."

Alex nodded, grateful for the respite. The day passed in a blur of quiet contemplation. As night fell, Alex found himself lying in bed, lost in thought about Adrian and Ethan, the pendant, and the mysteries that surrounded them.

Suddenly, Ethan walked into the bedroom and plopped down on the bed beside him. Alex jumped slightly, startled by his sudden appearance. "What are you doing?" Alex asked, trying to mask his surprise.

Ethan grinned. "I'm sleeping here."

"But Mark isn't here tonight," Alex protested. "You can sleep on your makeshift bed."

Ethan shook his head. "Since you're not feeling well, I'll stay here with you. I want to make sure you're okay."

After a bit of back and forth, Alex finally relented. "Fine, but only for tonight."

They lay in silence for a while, the room filled with the soft sounds of their breathing. The quiet was comforting, yet Alex's mind was still racing. Finally, he broke the silence. "Ethan, do you have someone you like?"

Ethan turned to look at him, surprise flickering in his eyes. The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions and the promise of revelations. Alex's heart pounded as he awaited Ethan's response, the weight of their intertwined pasts pressing down on him.