The Young Pursuit

7.1 The Compassion

A quaint coffee shop near Alliance University. Two students, Ethan and Liam, sit across from each other.

Ethan: "Liam, there's something unsettling about Mason. Every time I see him, he's always trying to get close to others. It's more than just wanting to be friends; it feels like an obsession."

Liam: "Obsession? I've noticed he's pretty keen on joining every group and event. Maybe he's just trying too hard to fit in."

Ethan: "It's more than just fitting in. Remember when he was tailing Olivia and her friends? It was borderline creepy."

Liam: "Ah, that. Yeah, that was off. But maybe he just has social anxiety or something."

Ethan: "I wish it were that simple. Last week, I overheard him saying, "Why do they get all the attention and not me?" It sounded bitter."

Liam: "That's intense. But come on, he's not harmful. Just overly eager, maybe."

Ethan: "I hope so. Remember the gathering at Luke's place? Mason was trying hard to impress Olivia with his car. She laughed it off, and I heard him mutter something about "showing them."

Liam: (Pauses) "That's worrying. What are you getting at?"

Ethan: "There was an accident last night. Keya got hit by a car, and the driver left the scene. Witnesses think it might have been Mason's car."

Liam: (Gasps) "Are you suggesting...?"

Ethan: "I can't say for sure, but given his behaviour, it wouldn't shock me if he acted out. The police are looking into it, but nothing concrete links him yet."

Liam: "This is spiralling. We should talk to him."

Ethan: "And say what? We need evidence before making any accusations. Let's keep an eye out and be cautious."

Liam: "Alright. But Mason has been unpredictable lately."

A few days later. Ethan and Liam are back at the coffee shop. Mason walks in, visibly anxious.

Mason: "Hey guys, mind if I join you?"

Liam: (Nervously) "Sure, Mason. Sit down."

Ethan: "How have you been, Mason?"

Mason: (Anxiously) "Just the usual stuff, trying to make friends, you know?"

Liam: (Sarcastically) "Still chasing people around?"

Mason: (Hesitating) "What do you mean?"

Ethan:(Directly) "We know about Keya, Mason. And the car."

Mason: (Shaken) "I don't know what you're talking about."

Liam: (Firmly) "Stop pretending. We've heard things, seen things. It's a matter of time before everything comes to light."

Mason: (Desperately) "You have no proof!"

Ethan: "Not yet. But we won't let you harm anyone else."

Mason: (Emotionally) "You don't get it! I just wanted to be accepted, to have friends!"

Liam: (Soothingly) "Mason, it's never too late to change, to seek help."

Mason: (Tearfully) "I never wanted any of this to happen."