ECHOS OF UNSEEN

Chapter 1: The Quiet Life.

Eliot Sanderson sat behind the counter of Stillwater's small library, their fingers lightly tapping the edge of a worn-out book. The library, with its high wooden shelves and the soft rustle of pages, was a sanctuary from the bustling world outside. For Eliot, it was more than just a place to work—it was a haven for their introspective musings and a world where time seemed to stand still.

The bell above the door jangled softly. Mrs. Parker, one of the town's older residents, shuffled in. She always had a kind smile and a stack of books, which she meticulously organized before checking out.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Parker," Eliot said, their voice soft yet warm. "How's the reading going?"

"Ah, you know me. I'm always lost in a good story. But I heard something strange today." Eliot looked up from their book, curiosity piqued. "What’s that?"

"It's about Mark, you remember Mark, don’t you?" Mrs. Parker’s eyes, usually so bright, were now clouded with concern.

"Yes, of course. He’s at college now. What about him?" Eliot asked, trying to keep their tone neutral despite the growing worry in their chest.

"Well, some folks say they saw him wandering near the edge of town," Mrs. Parker said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "They say he looked... different, like he didn’t quite recognize where he was."

Eliot frowned. "That doesn’t sound like him at all. He was always so confident, so determined."

Mrs. Parker nodded. "That’s what I thought too. But you know how things are in Stillwater. We have our share of odd happenings."

Eliot tried to brush off the unsettling feeling growing within them. "I’ll keep an eye out for any news from him. Thanks for letting me know."

As Mrs. Parker left, Eliot’s thoughts drifted to their friend Mark. They two had grown up together, sharing a love for books and deep conversations about the meanings of life. The idea of something happening to him unsettled them deeply.