The Whispers Of Identity

Prologue

Elias Campbell.

In a world where everything feels off and questions are everywhere, I found myself in a crazy story.

I hopped off the fence and froze when I saw a dog staring at me. Its eyes were intense, and its teeth looked like they could tear through anything. My heart raced, and I took a slow step back, hoping it wouldn't come for me. But, of course, luck wasn't on my side.

"Oh, no!" I muttered, panic hitting me like a freight train as I took off running, clutching a bag of stolen stuff. The dark night was my only friend, and I silently thanked the universe that no one else was around.

The dog barked like it was trying to win a gold medal in chasing. I could hear its paws pounding on the ground, and I glanced back, gasping for air. I had to keep running, even if my legs were screaming at me to stop.

With a burst of courage, I suddenly turned and pressed my back against a wall. The dog zoomed right past me, totally missing me. Phew! Relief washed over me, and I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling my heart slow down. That was way too close for comfort.

I pulled off my hood and checked the bag. A smirk spread across my face when I saw all the goodies inside—stuff I could trade or sell. Score!

Feeling a mix of tiredness and satisfaction, I headed home. My grandma was waiting for me with a big smile, but I could see her worry when she noticed I was drenched in sweat. "You need to change before you catch a cold," she said, her voice full of concern.

"I'm fine," I replied, trying to play it cool as I rushed to my room. I dropped the bag on my bed, took off my hoodie, and stepped onto the balcony. Leaning on the railing, I let the cool air calm me down, trying to shake off the crazy night.

Suddenly, my pocket buzzed, making me jump. Who would call me at this hour? Seriously, who does that?

It wasn't her; she had blocked my number. I was surprised when I saw it was my brother.

"Buddy! How's it going?" he said, his voice bright and cheerful. It felt weird to hear him so happy when I was stuck here trying to make it through college.

My brother and I used to be really close, like partners in crime. He was the only one in the family who ever bothered to call me. But I couldn't help but wonder if we were really as close as we used to be.

"I'm good," I said, knowing we rarely talked these days. "What's up, bro?" I asked, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Just thinking about you, Buddy..." His words hit me right in the feels. "I have great news—I'm now the CEO of the family company. We're throwing a big party, and I want you to be there."

"You know I can't," I sighed. It wasn't that I didn't want to see him; it was just the thought of our parents that made going back impossible. Our family drama was real.

"Come on, Buddy! It's been ages since we hung out. I miss you," he said, sounding all heartfelt. I missed him too, even if he always wanted me to come home during his visits. I had finally found my own life here. "Just one week, please?" he begged, his voice soft and convincing.

I sat at the balcony table, feeling torn. What would waiting for me at home? A flood of memories rushed in, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to face them.