The following morning, the rain had stopped, leaving behind a world washed clean and shimmering under a pale sun. Kai stood at the bus stop, the cold air biting at his cheeks. He clutched his worn leather satchel, the weight of Anya's journal a constant reminder of the secrets it held.
He was on his way to a new school, a fresh start after years of being the quiet, bookish kid at the back of the class. He hoped this change would bring some relief from the whispers, a chance to find a sense of normalcy.
As he waited for the bus, a group of boys sauntered past, their laughter echoing through the crisp air. Their easy camaraderie made Kai’s stomach churn. He’d never been good at making friends, always preferring the company of books and the solace of his own thoughts.
“Hey, new kid!”
A voice startled him, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see one of the boys from the group, his eyes a warm hazel, his smile genuine.
“Ethan,” the boy introduced himself, extending a hand. “I’m in your English class. You new here?”
Kai took Ethan’s hand, his own surprisingly steady. “Yeah, just moved in,” he said, trying to sound confident. “Kai.”
“Nice to meet you, Kai,” Ethan said, his smile widening. “You look a little lost, you need help finding your way around?”
Kai hesitated, unsure if he wanted to burden this friendly stranger with his anxieties. But Ethan's kindness was disarming, his presence a warm light in the otherwise dreary morning.
“Actually, I think I’m okay,” Kai finally said, a small smile gracing his lips. “But, maybe we could grab lunch sometime, if you’re not busy?”
Ethan’s smile broadened, his eyes twinkling. “Definitely. I’d like that.”
As the bus pulled up, Kai felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this new school, this new town, wasn't just a chance for a fresh start. Maybe it was a chance to find something more, something brighter, something that could help him navigate the weight of Anya's soul.
He took a seat near the back of the bus, watching Ethan walk towards the front, his laughter mingling with the bustling city sounds. Kai felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. He didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, he felt a sliver of hope, a flicker of light in the darkness.
YOU ARE READING
The Boy Who Carried Her Soul
FantasyA haunting tale of love, loss, and reincarnation, where the line between life and death blurs. Anya, a spirited girl with a heart full of dreams, was tragically taken too soon. But her soul, bound to the boy who loved her most, found a new life with...
