❝𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬.❞
The air tasted of iron and dust, the same mix that followed him since that day. [Name] tightened his grip on his blade, knuckles paling beneath the leather gloves. He could still s...
It was early morning in Eldham, the kind of morning that felt like it held promises in the crisp, chilled air. The sun was just beginning to peek over the hills, casting a warm golden light that crept through the thick trees surrounding the village. They formed a border, almost a shield, around our quiet home, keeping us kids safely tucked away from the rest of the world. Back then, everything felt simple, secure even. I didn't know it yet, but that morning was the start of something that would change my life forever.
I was out in a clearing behind my house, playing alone. To anyone else, it might have looked like I was just swinging sticks around, but to me, those sticks were swords, and I was a mighty warrior, defending Eldham from invisible enemies that only I could see. The grass was dewy and cool under my feet, and I took long, dramatic steps as I slashed my "sword" through the air. With each swing, I imagined myself taking down entire armies, protecting the village and my family. It was a quiet, peaceful morning—until a rock came whizzing past my head.
The rock landed just a few feet away with a solid thunk, and I froze mid-swing, feeling a flash of irritation. My first thought was that one of the village boys was playing a prank, throwing rocks just to get under my skin. But as I whipped around to see who it was, I didn't see any of the kids I usually saw around Eldham. Instead, there was a boy I'd never seen before.
He looked about my age, maybe a little older, but skinnier and definitely scrappier. His hair was sandy blond, messy and sticking out in all directions as if it hadn't seen a comb in days. His clothes were too big, hanging loose on his bony frame, and his face was smeared with dirt. But despite his rough appearance, he wore a grin like he'd just pulled off the best prank in the world.
"Hey!" I shouted, planting my hands on my hips and trying to look as intimidating as a kid with a stick for a sword could. "What was that for?"
The boy just shrugged, his grin widening as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Just wanted to see if you were awake," he replied, like it was the most natural thing in the world to throw rocks at strangers.
