A SILENT LOVE

CHAPTER 4

Days passed with no sign of my sister waking up, and despite my relentless efforts, every lead seemed to turn out pointless. Even though my searches seemed futile, I remained determined.

One day, as I was returning from the cafeteria with a snack, I spotted David and my friend Fredrick, an archaeology student, in the parking lot.

At first, I tried to ignore them, but David's scolding tone as he spoke to Fredrick caught my attention. Fredrick, known for his attitude, was annoyed, but David's frustration seemed unusual. Why was David so upset with Fredrick?

Suddenly, a thought struck me. I recalled a day when David and I had walked together on my way to class. When I offered to help him find someone, he insisted he could manage alone.
Was Fredrick the person David was searching for? If so, why was he so secretive about it?

Curiosity piqued, I watched David storm off, leaving Fredrick fuming. I approached Fredrick, trying to seem casual.

"Hey!" I waved as I neared him.

"Hello," he replied, his tone sharp and resentful.

"I just saw the tail end of your chat with David," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"What was that about?"

Fredrick's expression hardened. "Oh, nothing. Just family drama."

At the moment, I was stunned to know they were siblings, but why couldn't David tell me last time?

I pressed on, curiosity getting the better of me. "You seemed pretty upset. Is everything alright?"

Fredrick wasted no time venting his frustration.

"It's infuriating having an overbearing brother! Every decision I make, he's there, making it impossible to enjoy anything. I can't stand him sometimes."

I tried to calm him.

"Maybe he's just looking out for you because he cares," I suggested.

"Are you taking his side now?" Fredrick snapped.

"I shouldn't expect you to understand. You used to complain about your sister always hovering over you. Maybe you're just grateful because David helped you out."

His reaction was more intense than I expected.

"I'm not taking sides, Fredrick. I just-"

"Whatever," he cut me off, abruptly walking away.
"I've got better things to do."

His outburst was unexpected. I had touched a nerve. Fredrick stormed off and was left standing there, puzzled.

Fredrick's reaction was linked to something deeper, leaving me more intrigued than ever.

Over the next few days, I shadowed Fredrick to learn where he lived, then turned my attention to finding out where David worked.

That morning I  decided to tail David, I left early, surprising my father.

"Going somewhere special?" he asked.

"Just picking up something from a friend before classes," I replied with a reassuring smile.

"Alright, my little angel. Be careful out there," he said, kissing my forehead.

As I left, my dad reminded me, "Remember to come home early to check on your sister before the nurse leaves!"

"I'll be back on time, I promise," I assured him, feeling a pang of guilt as I rushed out.

Before classes I followed David to his workplace, a cozy bookstore, and then hurried.

The day dragged on, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Fredrick and David.

During the break, I gathered my courage and sought out Fredrick in the cafeteria.

"Hi, can we talk for a minute?" I asked.

"Sure," he replied, disinterested.

"I wanted to apologize for the other day," I said.

"Alright," he responded curtly.

We talked for a while, and I managed to rebuild some rapport. As we were about to part ways, I casually mentioned, "It was quite a coincidence that David showed up."

Suddenly, Fredrick's demeanor shifted. He stuffed food into his mouth and avoided eye contact.

"Yeah, well, coincidences happen."

He walked away quickly, and his last words were, "See you around."

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Classes ended, and I returned home and checked on my sister. As I  looked at her I felt a renewed resolve to uncover the truth.

As night fell and it was time to rest after a long day, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was closing in on a secret that would change everything.