Faithful Horizons

Chapter 1: A Glimpse of Grace

Ethan Carter hated Fridays. Most people lived for the weekend. Excited for the parties, no homework, no work, but for him, Fridays were just another reminder of how little he had to look forward to. As he waved through the crowd of commuters, he clutched his phone, scrolling aimlessly through an endless feed of updates and advertisements. Everyone seemed to have plans. Everyone seemed happy.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out his vape, and brought it to his mouth. As he continued to walk, the soft glow of a café sign caught his eye, and for a fleeting moment, he considered ducking in for a warm drink. Yet, the thought made him feel heavier, not lighter. He sighed, shoving his vape and hands into his jacket pockets, and walked past.

That's when he saw her.

A girl was sitting cross-legged on the edge of a fountain in the park, a book open in her lap. She seemed out of place in the middle of the bustling city - serene, almost radiant in the golden light of the setting sun. Ethan slowed his pace, his eyes catching on her like a magnet. She didn't notice him, her lips moved slightly as she read as if mouthing the words. Something about her tugged at him - an unfamiliar pull he couldn't explain. For a fleeting moment, he thought about walking over to ask what she was reading.

Instead, he shook his head sharply and turned away, stuffing the feeling as far down as he could. Yet, as he walked on, the image of her lingered, weaving itself into his thoughts like a thread he couldn't untangle. The strangest part? As he passed the edge of the park, an inexplicable voice - almost audible - nudged him: Go back. It's not too late.

Annoyed, Ethan growled under his breath, startling a nearby couple. He reached for his vape again, pulling in another puff as the haze of familiarity dulled the strange sensation. At least he understood this.

Later that night, Ethan unlocked the front door of the small apartment he called home and stepped into the dimly lit hallway.

"Mom? I'm home," he called out, taking off his jacket and kicking off his shoes

He walked through a dimly lit hallway, entering a bedroom at the end. His mother lay in bed. Her eyes were shut as her chest lifted in short breaths, and a towel was laid across her forehead. Ethan lifted the towel gently to check her temperature. Her forehead was still hot to the touch.

"Your fever's still high," he murmured. "I'll get you a new towel, Mom. Be right back."

Grant stepped out and walked into the kitchen. Searching the cabinets below the sink for a towel. He held the fresh towel he found under the sink as he turned on the water, letting the water fill the towel. He rang it out, and walked back into his mother's room, laying the cool towel across her forehead. He sat beside her for a moment, watching her restless face.

"I'll get you meds soon," he whispered, his voice cracking slightly. "You just have to hang on a little longer."

After a moment, he stood and returned to his room. Clothes were strewn across the floor in piles, and empty trash cans littered his floor. He kicked some of the mess aside or under his bed, and collapsed onto his bed. Staring at the ceiling, he felt the tears building, stinging the corners of his eyes. This time, he didn't fight them.

A/N: The first chapter is done, YAY. I am so, so excited for this book and what it could bring for some people! 

If you guys enjoy it, I encourage you to leave some votes and comments! 

If you comment, please please leave feedback, even suggestions of what you want to come back and I might put your ideas into a chapter! ;) 

Anyway, not forcing you but encouraging. God Bless!