ROSETTA

ROSETTA CHAPTER 6: VOICES IN THE DARK

{Xander Thompson – November 13th, 2017}

The moon hangs low in the sky as I walk home, casting a silvery glow on the quiet streets. It's late, and the world feels eerily still, but my mind is anything but calm. Thoughts of Rosetta swirl in my head like a storm, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm meant to do something about it.

*"You're really going to get yourself into trouble with this, you know,"* the voice in my head chimes in, its tone sharp and mocking.

I pick up my pace, hoping to outrun the thoughts. "I'm just trying to help her. I can't ignore what's happening."

*"Help? You barely know her. What do you think you're going to accomplish? You have your own problems to deal with—school, basketball, your future,"* it replies dismissively. *"And let's not forget, Alicia's right there. She's into you."*

Frustration builds within me, and I grip my backpack tighter. *"Alicia's great, but I don't know if that's going anywhere. Rosetta needs someone. I can't just walk away."*

*"You're playing the hero, and it's going to burn you. Alicia has her life together. Why not go with her? You like her, don't you?"*

I stop by a lamp post, leaning against it to catch my breath. *"I get it. Alicia's smart, driven, and maybe even perfect for me. But there's something about Rosetta that pulls me in. What if she's in real trouble?"*

*"Trouble that's not your business. You're stepping into a mess that could ruin everything. You've got a shot with Alicia. Why chase problems?"*

I let out a frustrated sigh, staring up at the starless sky. *"I know you're probably right. But I can't just ignore Rosetta. I feel like there's something deeper there. I don't even know if I want to explore it, but it's hard to shake this feeling."*

*"Listen, I may not be your biggest fan, but Alicia is the better choice. She's got everything going for her—athletic, smart, with a future ahead. Why waste time with the bad stuff? You've got practice tomorrow and schoolwork piling up. Let's focus on what matters."*

I shake my head, letting out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. The argument in my head doesn't bring any clarity; if anything, it adds to my confusion. Part of me knows the voice makes sense, but another part feels compelled to do something for Rosetta.

As I start walking again, my pace slows, and the darkness wraps around me like a heavy blanket. The voice goes quiet, but the tension lingers in the air. I'm torn between doing what feels right and what's practical.

*"What if you regret this later?"* the voice whispers, now more concerned than mocking.

*"I'd rather regret trying than doing nothing at all,"* I reply softly, feeling the weight of my decisions press down on me.

I know this internal struggle is far from over, and I just hope I can figure out what's best before it's too late. The night feels endless, but somewhere in the shadows, I know I need to find a way to reach Rosetta—no matter the cost.