Echo of Shattered Reality

Prologue

Walking by the roadside with a grey-colored school bag on his back and both hands in his pants pockets, he thought about the incident that took place at school:

"A guy had slipped on the stairs while running during the lunch break, broke his nose, and everyone started gathering around to find out what had happened. The teachers quickly rushed him to the hospital."

It had rained yesterday, so there was a cold breeze in the air today. Some potholes were still filled with water, and the trees looked greener. The weather seemed clear, but it could start raining at any moment. It was that time of year between summer and winter when the sky often poured rain on people, whether they liked it or not. Sometimes it felt like someone had left the tap in the sky running, and other times, it seemed like no one had bothered to turn it on.

While heading home after school, he stopped at a convenience store, looking around and thinking about what to buy for the cat. There's a stray cat that lives nearby; she's black with a white spot on her stomach, white paws, and a little white spot on her head. He always feeds her. His parents don't allow pets in the house, so he can't take her home, but he always tries to stay in touch with her, feeding and petting her whenever he can.

The convenience store is a small, familiar shop nestled between buildings, with a faded green and white sign above the entrance that reads "Home Mart" The glass door, slightly smudged from countless hands passing through, has a bell that jingles softly whenever someone enters. Inside, the store is brightly lit with rows of neatly stocked shelves, offering everything from snacks and drinks to basic household items.

After browsing the shelves, he picks up a small can of cat food from the pet supplies section, which is tucked away in a corner near the back of the store. The can is labelled with a picture of a happy cat, and he feels satisfied knowing it's something the cat will enjoy. He takes the can to the counter, where the store owner rings it up with a friendly nod. After paying, he tucks the can into his school bag and heads back outside, Then He finds the stray cat and give her the treat.

He notices the old, broken vending machine near the convenience store, where the cat has made her home. The vending machine, with its faded colors and cracked glass, sits next to the cat's cardboard box. It's a spot where she often curls up, finding shelter under the machine's shadow.

As he opens the can of cat food, he walks over to the vending machine, where the cat is already waiting, as if she knows this is their usual spot. He kneels down beside her, placing the can on the ground near the base of the vending machine. The cat eagerly starts eating, her little pink nose dipping into the food.

While she eats, he reaches out and starts patting her, running his fingers through her black fur.

"You like this spot, don't you? "

he says softly.

"This old vending machine is your little hideout. I guess it's not so bad, huh? Keeps you safe and dry, at least."

"I wish I can take you to my home, but you know if I do... we both will be homeless then" [chuckles after it]

The cat purrs contentedly as he continues to pet her, the broken vending machine standing quietly beside them, a silent witness to their daily ritual. He smiles, feeling a sense of peace in this little corner of the world, knowing that even in this rundown spot, he and the cat have found a small bit of happiness together.

As the cat finishes her meal, he notices the sky beginning to darken. The clear weather from earlier is quickly giving way to thick, grey clouds rolling in overhead. The breeze has picked up, carrying with it the scent of impending rain.