Echoes of Yesterday

Part 26 - Confronting Shadows

The air felt electric with anticipation as we gathered in Theo's dimly lit garage, the only light coming from a single bulb hanging overhead. 

The atmosphere was thick with unsaid words, each of us aware that we were on the precipice of something monumental. Eric paced back and forth, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, while Theo and I exchanged nervous glances.

"We can't keep dancing around this," I said, breaking the silence. "We need to know what Maya knows." Eric stopped pacing, running a hand through his hair.  

"Let's keep it casual," Theo suggested, leaning against the workbench. "We can invite her for ice cream or something. A safe space where she won't feel attacked.

"Eric nodded slowly, his expression still troubled. "That could work, but we have to be careful with our questions." 

We decided to text Maya, suggesting we meet at our favorite ice cream shop, a cozy place that felt like a second home. The three of us waited anxiously, each of us lost in our thoughts as we checked our phones repeatedly, half-hoping for a quick reply. 

It felt like we were gearing up for a storm, unsure of what the clouds would bring.When Maya finally responded, her message was brief: "Sure, I'll be there in a bit." 

My stomach knotted with a mix of relief and apprehension. As we arrived at the shop, the familiar scent of waffle cones and freshly churned ice cream filled the air, but it did little to ease my anxiety. We chose a booth in the back corner, away from prying eyes, and fidgeted with our menus, trying to keep the mood light as we waited for Maya to arrive.

She walked in just a few minutes later, her expression brightening when she spotted us. 

"Hey, guys!" she called, waving as she approached. But as she sat down, I noticed the slight hesitation in her smile, the way her eyes darted around the shop before settling on us. Something felt off, and the tension in the air tightened around us like a noose.

The air was heavy with the sweet scent of waffle cones and melting chocolate as we settled into a booth at the ice cream shop. The clatter of spoons against bowls and the laughter of families filled the space, creating a bizarre contrast to the weight hanging over us. Maya sat across from Eric and me, her gaze fixed on the colorful array of flavors behind the counter.

"Thanks for coming, Maya," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Eric was fidgeting, his fingers tapping against the table, the tension radiating between us palpable.

"Yeah, I mean, I guess I was wondering why you wanted to meet here," she replied, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"We just wanted to talk about everything," Eric said, leaning forward, his expression earnest.

 "About what happened in the woods. We need to understand what we saw."

Maya shifted in her seat, her expression guarded. "I already told you guys everything. It was dark; I don't know what we saw."

"But you were so sure it was Tristan," I pressed, feeling the need to break through the wall she had built around herself. "Why? What made you so certain?"

Her eyes darted away, and for a moment, I caught a glimpse of something raw—fear, regret, perhaps even guilt. "It was the ring," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.