Yesterday was like a dream, not regular unforgettable ones but those which are etched on your mind and you can't help but think about them all day long, the difference is that this was no dream, it was real and so was SAN JUNIPER.
The morning was crisp and pleasant for the first time in years, I decided to skip classes to finish the book. I was in my usual place reading and I saw a familiar face peeking through the door. "Why are you skipping the classes?" My best friend is the only one in our group who knows what exactly I am going through. "Hey, Kleio, what are you doing here?" She raised her shoulders in her comical ways "Well I was searching for you, knowing that you, I guess you must be hiding out here, so what are you reading?"
I held up the book, she read the title and I saw a flash of recognition in her eyes. I could sense her hesitation but she asked "Where you got this book?" I was confused but I didn't want to tell her about Aidon and what he said to me yet. "I found it in the library," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Why, what's up with the book?" "Nothing, just curious" silence, strange how this silence was filled with some kind of tension which I was unable to understand. Does she know anything about it? Did she read this book? " Sound of the bell in distance made come out of trance, Kleio looked at me before leaving and just said "Hey Andy, just be careful okay"
I watched Kleio leave, her words echoing in my mind: "Just be careful." What did she mean? Was she warning me about the book or something else?As I packed up my things, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Kleio knew more about San Juniper than she was letting on. Her hesitation, her curious gaze...it all seemed to hint at a deeper understanding.I decided to confront her after school, but as I walked out of the classroom, I saw Aidon leaning against the lockers, his eyes fixed on me."Hey," he said, pushing off the lockers. "Finished the book yet?"I felt a surge of emotions: confusion, curiosity, and a hint of fear. What did Aidon want from me? And why did Kleio warn me to be careful?"Not yet," I replied, trying to sound calm.Aidon nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Good. I'll wait for your answer."My answer? What did he mean? And what did Kleio's warning have to do with any of this?
