MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN.

CHAPTER 7

Jake's POV - A few days later.

It had been a few days since I arrived at Miss Peregrine's home, and I was still trying to wrap my head around everything I had experienced. The strange and wonderful peculiar children were starting to feel more like family, but there was still so much I didn't understand. Every day brought new revelations about their abilities, their pasts, and the dangers that lurked outside the loop.

This morning, I stood by the edge of the garden, watching the sun filter through the leaves of the ancient trees. The world outside felt both distant and menacing, like a monster waiting to pounce. I took a deep breath, trying to absorb the calmness of my surroundings, but my thoughts kept wandering back to the hollows. The creatures were a constant reminder that danger was never far away, no matter how idyllic our sanctuary seemed.

"Hey, Jake! Want to join us for a game of tag?" Emma called, her voice ringing through the air like a bell. I turned to see her skipping over, a spark of energy that was hard to resist. The others were behind her, faces lit with excitement, ready for whatever mischief we could conjure up.

"Oh- okay." I replied, letting the momentary thrill wash over me. I had been feeling a little out of place since arriving, but games like this helped me blend in.

As we started to run, I felt a rush of freedom that I hadn't experienced in a long time. The laughter and shouts echoed around me, and for the first time since I had come here, I felt almost normal. But then I caught sight of Enoch, lingering at the edge of the garden, arms crossed, watching us like a hawk.

"What's his deal?" I murmured to Emma as I slowed down, trying to gauge his mood.

Emma glanced back at Enoch, then shrugged. "He's just... Enoch. He doesn't play much. I think he thinks it's silly or something." Her tone was light, but I could sense the underlying concern. "He can be a bit intense."

"Intense is putting it mildly," I said, watching Enoch's expression harden as he observed our game. "Does he ever join in?"

"Not really," she replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "He's been through a lot, like all of us. I think he just struggles with letting go of the fear. He feels responsible for everyone, which can make him... well, grumpy."

I could understand that. The weight of responsibility was something I was all too familiar with, but I couldn't help but feel frustrated by his refusal to join in. "It's a shame. He's missing out on so much," I said, shaking my head.

Emma smiled softly, her eyes brightening with determination. "Maybe you can help him see it differently. You're new here, and sometimes a fresh perspective can change things. You've brought a lot of life back to this place."

"Me?" I asked, surprised. "I'm just trying to fit in."

"Exactly! You're doing great. Just keep being you," she encouraged, and I felt a swell of warmth at her words.

I watched as Olive raced past me, her laughter ringing out like music. She darted toward Enoch, arms outstretched, a playful grin on her face. "Come on, Enoch! You can't just stand there! Join us!"

He shook his head, his expression a mixture of irritation and amusement. "I'm not interested in playing games," he replied, his voice low and firm.

"Why not? You'd be good at it!" she insisted, her fiery spirit refusing to back down.

Enoch's lips twisted into a reluctant smirk, but it quickly faded. "It's not my style, Olive. You know that."

I could see the frustration in Olive's face as she huffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "You can't keep hiding forever, Enoch! We need you!"

The tension in the air felt palpable, and I couldn't help but want to intervene. "Maybe he just needs some time," I said, stepping closer to Olive. "We all do things differently."

"Time is exactly what we don't have!" she shot back, exasperated.

Enoch's eyes darkened slightly, and I could feel the storm brewing beneath the surface. I wanted to step in and diffuse the situation, but I didn't know how. "Let's just enjoy the game, okay?" I suggested, trying to lighten the mood. "We can use all the players we can get."

Olive turned back to me, her expression softening. "You're right-" She flashed me a smile and darted back to the group, leaving me to face Enoch.

I took a deep breath and turned to him, feeling the weight of his gaze. "You know, you could join us. It doesn't have to be all serious."

He regarded me with a steady look, and I could sense the conflict in him. "It's not that simple, Jake."

"Isn't it?" I countered, trying to keep my tone light. "It's just a game. It's meant to be fun. You should give it a shot."

"Fun isn't always the answer," he replied sharply, and I could feel the chill in his voice.

"Maybe not, but it helps!" I shot back, frustration boiling beneath my skin. "You can't keep living like this, Enoch. We're all trying to find a way to cope with what happened, and we need each other for that."

His gaze softened slightly, but he remained firm. "I can't risk putting anyone in danger, especially someone new."

"I get that," I said, my voice low. "But isolating yourself won't protect us either. You'll miss out on what makes this place special."

We stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills, and I could see the struggle in his eyes. I wanted to reach out, to break through the wall he had built around himself, but I wasn't sure how.

Finally, he sighed, looking away. "Maybe one day."

I nodded, accepting his answer for now. "That's all I ask. Just one day."

As I turned to rejoin the others, I felt a mix of hope and disappointment swirling inside me. I understood Enoch's fears, but I also knew he couldn't keep hiding. None of us could.

The game resumed, and I let myself get lost in the laughter and shouts of my new friends, trying to forget the heaviness that lingered in the air. I was determined to help them all find their joy again, even if it meant pushing against the darkness that threatened to consume us.

And maybe, just maybe, I could show Enoch that life was worth living, even when it was scary. Just maybe, i suppose.