Night's Warmth

Chapter 18 - Back To University

The weekend passes by. Still no updates or leads on both the serial killer and Gab's past. I tried contacting Chief Porter but he said he's very busy with the serial killer case. Meanwhile, Gab has been taking frequent naps, trying very hard to remember more about his past.

Thanks to our little snow forest trip, I've been reminded to take breaks from time to time while I'm finishing most of my projects. But at the same time, I can't help but think about what happened right after that; His sudden vision. What if the person who was trying to kill him in his vision is... the serial killer?

...

Nah, they wouldn't target such a large and muscular tiger like Gab. He'd quickly overpower the killer. He was still very strong despite being badly injured, what more could he be strong if he's in his healthy state?

I pause as I remember the serial killer specifically kills their victims with a knife. Could it be... that the serial killer might actually have something to do with Gab's injuries? I'm probably overthinking it. There's no wa-

"Alex?"

"GAH!'

I feel a large familiar paw resting on my shoulder, causing me to snap out of my trance. I quickly turn to Gab and he lets his paw off my shoulder. He also jumps a bit from my reaction and he looks at me apologetically.

"I-I'm sorry, Alex."

I shake my head. "I-It's okay."

He stares at me with concern. "Alex? Are you okay? You've been standing still at the doorstep and looking down on the ground for about 5 minutes now."

I then remember that it's Monday today and my university is still holding face-to-face classes despite the chaos unfolding in the town. I get interrupted again by Gab's voice.

"Umm... Have you been thinking about many things lately?"

I sigh deeply. "Yeah.. I kept thinking about that vision you had when we were walking back from the snow forest. You said that you were about to get slashed by a person. And coincidentally, the serial killer here kills people using a knife. I know I'm just overthinking it, but I think the serial killer has at one point been involved with your injuries."

I can see Gab getting taken aback by my response. He then thinks for a moment before sighing.

"It might be possible, but I can't see why the killer would target me."

I guess he also has the same thoughts as mine. I suddenly feel his paw resting over the top of my head and he proceeds to ruffle my hair.

"Don't worry about it. It's all gonna be fine, hehe.." Gab smiles brightly.

I take a deep breath. "T-Thanks..:

I pick up my bag and we say goodbye to each other as I head outside.

The bright atmosphere quickly turns to a cloudy and dim one. The town feels more uneasy to say the least. The once noisy parts of the town tone down to more quieter ones filled with whispers and little chatter. I can see patrol officers roaming around the area as I make my way to the university. Thankfully, the police seem to do a good job with guarding the premises as I don't see any reporters flocking the gates, though we have to go through lines of bag inspections just to enter the building.

The hallways are filled with students gossiping and talking about the serial murders. Some crack jokes, while some are genuinely afraid of what might happen next. I make my way to my classroom and I immediately see something off; Lucas is quietly sitting at his seat, looking and acting very... lethargic.. This isn't like him. He's a very lively person. Whenever I go to class, he'd sit on desks, laughing and chatting with fellow classmates. After putting my things on my seat, I rush to Lucas.