Max Gates

Tangled Threads

In the eerie silence of the school hallway at 04:15 in the afternoon, Max meticulously flipped the last page of the book he was eager to finish before the summer began. The finality of the semester hung in the air, yet unlike his peers excitedly embarking on their summer adventures, Max found himself exiting the school's library.

As he strolled down the dimly lit hallway, an unsettling cry echoed, sending shivers down Max's spine. His curiosity took control, drawing him towards the source—the haunting wail emanating from the gym.

Entering cautiously, Max discovered Ethan and his cronies tormenting an unfortunate soul. Unable to stand idly by, Max burst in, demanding they cease their cruelty.

"Mind your own business, Max Gates!" Ethan's menacing retort lingered as he refocused on their prey, seemingly unconcerned with Max's presence.

Undeterred, Max spoke up, "Leave him alone."

Ethan's friends scoffed, turning to confront Max. Ignoring him, they continued their assault on the defenseless victim, reaching a crescendo as Ethan shoved the hapless soul into a row of gym seats, allowing his allies to unleash a barrage of blows.

"Leave him alone!" Max's voice rang out once more, filled with newfound determination.

Ethan's eyes locked onto Max, a twisted smirk forming on his lips. Max exchanged a knowing glance with the terrified victim, subtly urging him to escape.

With urgency, the battered individual made a dash for safety, leaving Max to face the impending storm alone.

Ethan's friends, now focused on Max, closed in, moving with menacing intent. Ethan, the orchestrator of chaos, observed the unfolding scene with a sinister patience.

As Ethan's friends closed the distance, Max steeled himself for the confrontation. Tension thickened the air, and the ominous aura intensified.

When Ethan's ally raised a threatening fist, panic surged through Max. Instinctively, he shielded himself with his hands, bracing for impact. Yet, shockingly, nothing happened.

Opening his eyes cautiously, Max discovered Ethan and his accomplices flung to the end of the hall, sprawled against benches, unconscious.

"What the hell?" Max muttered, scanning the gym for an explanation. The aftermath revealed a bizarre line of destruction—benches toppled like dominos, leading directly to where Max stood.

Fear gnawed at him as he prepared to flee, but a figure standing at the doorway, gazing at him with profound confusion, halted his escape, plunging him into a chilling realization that this mysterious force may be more than he ever bargained for.