The Whistler In The Night

Chapter 29

After coming back from the gym, I headed to my room, had a quick shower, and then went to find Scarlet. As soon as she saw me, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.

"How are you, my birthday boy?" she asked with a bright smile.

I smiled back but felt a little uneasy. "I'm okay, but... look, there's something important I need to tell you." I hesitated, unsure if I should bring it up, but then I decided to just let it out. "I had a nightmare again... about him. L. But maybe it's just because I can't stop thinking about him."

Scarlet listened patiently, her face softening with concern. "It was probably just a regular nightmare," she said, stroking my arm gently. "You've been through a lot, Evan. Your mind's bound to play tricks on you sometimes. But today's your birthday, so let's forget about it, okay? I have something planned for us."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "A plan? What kind of plan?"

She grinned. "First, we're going to the movies. Then we're having dinner at a fancy restaurant. And after that... well, you'll see."

Her excitement was infectious, and I decided to push aside my lingering unease. "That sounds perfect."

Scarlet insisted on driving, saying, "You just sit and relax today."

She took us to the cinema, where we bought tickets for the new horror movie, Welcome To Derry. Even though it was supposed to be scary, I was actually having fun. We got some popcorn, settled into our seats, and let the film begin. But as the movie progressed, I started feeling uneasy again. Every time I glanced at the shadows in the dark theater, I thought I saw him. L's figure seemed to flicker in and out of the dim light, lurking just beyond the edge of my vision.

I kept telling myself it was nothing—just my imagination—but my heart was pounding. I didn't want Scarlet to notice anything was wrong, so I forced a smile and kept my focus on the movie, pretending I was okay.

When the movie finished at 5, we left the theater and headed to the restaurant. It was even fancier than I expected, with a massive tree growing right in the middle of the dining area. The atmosphere was warm and elegant, and the food was incredible. For a moment, I could feel myself truly relaxing, enjoying the evening with Scarlet by my side.

As we finished dinner and walked back to the car, I assumed we'd head straight back home. But Scarlet had other plans. She turned down a different road, one I didn't recognize.

"Why are we going this way?" I asked, glancing at her with a hint of curiosity.

She didn't respond at first, just kept driving, her face calm. Then, when she turned back toward me, her face changed—it was him. L. He was sitting there, behind the wheel, grinning and waving at me.

My heart froze in my chest. I blinked, shaking my head, and just like that, he was gone. Scarlet's face was back to normal, her soft voice returning.

"Babe, are you okay?" she asked, looking genuinely concerned.

I nodded quickly, though my pulse was racing. "Yeah... I'm fine."

We continued driving until we reached the beach. Scarlet parked the car, then turned to me with a playful smile. "Close your eyes," she said.

I did as she asked, letting her guide me as we walked across the soft sand. I could feel the cool breeze from the ocean, the sound of the waves crashing gently against the shore. After a few moments, she stopped.

"Okay, open your eyes."

I opened them, and there in front of us was a small, beautifully decorated setup right on the sand. A table with candles, a small cake, and "Happy Birthday, Evan. Love you," written on it in delicate frosting. A little heart was drawn next to the message.

The sunset bathed the entire scene in golden light, casting a warm glow over the beach, the waves, and us. Scarlet turned toward me, her eyes shimmering in the soft light.

"Happy birthday, my love," she whispered, leaning in.

We kissed, the moment feeling almost too perfect. The warmth of her lips, the sound of the ocean, the fading sunlight—it all made me forget, if only for a little while, about everything that had happened. For once, I felt at peace.

As we stood there, holding each other, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, I could leave the past behind.