Everlasting

chapter 1 : Leaving home

Ethan's brother's loud knocking jolted him out of his early morning research. He winced as his brother's metallic banging reverberated through the door.

"I'm up!" he called out, "Just give me a minute."

Ethan had been awake for hours, unable to sleep. The black veins beneath his skin looked unnervingly real. His brother's impatient knocking made it impossible to concentrate.

"Coming!" he called out, pushing open the door.

"Happy Birthday, big brother!" Keith exclaimed, throwing confetti in Ethan's face.

Ethan sneezed as he shook off the confetti, trying to keep a straight face. "Thanks, Keith. That's quite a surprise."

Keith noticed Ethan's computer and asked, "What are you researching this early?"

"Just trying to make sense of my dreams, or rather, my memories," Ethan replied.

Keith frowned. "Mom said it's probably just stress-induced nightmares. You shouldn't get too worked up over them."

"But Keith, how can I dream about the inside of the ELC base and people I've never even heard of before? There has to be more to it than just stress."

Keith looked at Ethan with understanding. "I get it. It's confusing."

Ethan smiled at his brother, knowing he meant well. "Let's go upstairs for breakfast. It's my big day."

Keith's face lit up. "The day you can be recruited by the ELC?"

Ethan nodded, feeling conflicted. "Yeah, but it's a big decision. I know not everyone will support me."

Keith nodded supportively. "Whatever you decide, I'm proud of you."

Ethan felt a swell of gratitude for his brother. "Thanks, Keith. Let's go celebrate with some pancakes."

Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that his dreams held more significance than anyone realized. He was determined to uncover the truth, even if it meant taking risks.

Ethan and his brother climbed up the ladder from the basement, making sure to lock the door behind them.

They emerged from a hatch in the backyard, hidden beneath a realistic-looking rock. The area was surrounded by similar rocks, making it nearly impossible to spot unless you knew where to look.

Their father had used the underground space to hide his research, but now it served a different purpose. Ethan was planning to leave the next day, and he knew his mother wouldn't approve. Keeping it a secret was his only option.

Once they were inside, Keith nudged Ethan to get his attention. "I wonder what Mom is up to!" he said, clearly trying to let her know they were coming.

The living room was cozy, with an average-sized plasma TV, a gray English roll arm sofa, indoor plants, and family photos on the walls. Ethan's favorite was a picture of him and his dad goofing around in the cornfield behind the house. It reminded him of a time when he was truly happy.

Keith noticed Ethan's doleful expression and nudged him again. "Come on, let's go see Mom!" he said.

The kitchen smelled of pancakes and other delicious foods. Their mom was standing behind the granite countertop, wearing one of her favorite blouses and her curly strawberry blond hair down to her shoulders. She hugged Ethan tightly, her smile brighter than usual.

"Happy 18th birthday, my big boy!" she exclaimed.

Ethan grinned. "Did you make yourself all pretty just for me?"