Eyes of destiny

Chapter 2 Dream

"Again, can't you slow down sometimes?!" Edo shouted, trying to keep up with his friend. "I'll be first again, Edo! Learn how to run properly already, how long do I have to wait for you?" The two young boys ran together, heading towards the abandoned factory, standing by the river as if forgotten by the whole world.

"Wait! Can't you see I'm barely breathing?" Edo gasped, dragging his feet sluggishly, struggling to catch his breath.

"Excuses, always just excuses," the other boy responded with a slightly mocking, yet childlike voice. His short blond hair waved in the wind as he sped up, as if propelled by the breeze his fast running generated. His green, crystal-like eyes gleamed, full of energy and joy, as if running required no effort from him. His clothes were tattered, dirty from hours of outdoor play, but a smile never left his face, no matter the conditions.

"Okay, we're here, Edo," the blond boy suddenly stopped, giving his friend a moment to catch his breath. "Our secret base! But, you know, we really need to come up with a name for it because 'secret base' sounds boring already," he said, a little disappointed, as if the lack of a new name had taken some of the magic out of the place.

Edo finally arrived, though at least ten seconds behind his friend. He gasped, barely able to stand. "Listen, slow down, will you? Who's going to take this place from us anyway? Who would want to go into an abandoned factory by the river? Let me breathe," he muttered irritably, wiping sweat from his forehead.

The blond boy glanced at him with slight dissatisfaction. "You were the one who suggested this place, and now you're mad that I run too fast?"

"What does my suggestion have to do with your speed, you idiot?" Edo retorted, but both boys looked at each other and, after a brief moment, burst into laughter. It was carefree, sincere laughter, the kind only children have. They had no idea of the harshness of the world around them.

The boys came from poor families. Edo was raised by his single mother, abandoned by her husband shortly after his birth. Yuki, for that was the name of Edo's friend, had strict but loving parents who had simply been unlucky in life and ended up in the worst part of town. Both boys were only children, and the only playground in the area was occupied by older kids who always bullied and beat the younger ones. That's why they searched for secluded places to play, and the abandoned factory had become their secret haven. It was full of interesting corners that sparked their imaginations, and the eerie atmosphere added an extra thrill to their games. The factory, as it was said, had been shut down years ago due to pollution of the river it bordered.

As they entered, sunlight pierced through the broken windows, reflecting off the dusty floor and walls, forcing the boys to squint their eyes.

"Damn, why's it so bright? Maybe we should smash the remaining windows with rocks? That would be fun!" Edo suggested, but Yuki quickly intervened.

"Are you crazy? Do you know what could happen if one of the glass shards hit us? That kind of glass could seriously injure us," Yuki replied with a slight anger in his voice, sensing that Edo sometimes didn't think about the consequences.

Edo nodded in agreement. "You're right, Yuki, sorry. So, how about hide-and-seek?" he asked, excited at the prospect of a new game, as hide-and-seek had always been his favorite.

Yuki sighed but smiled, seeing his friend's enthusiasm. "Alright, fine. But you're lucky I didn't suggest tag, 'cause I would have crushed you," he joked. The boys started laughing but quickly stopped, knowing it was time to begin the game.

"Okay, rock, paper, scissors," they said simultaneously, ready to decide who would hide.

"Yes! I won!" Yuki shouted with joy, flicking Edo on the forehead.