Chapter 3: Horror(s) of the day

... School wrap up...

The school bell's final ring signaled the end of the day, and a collective sigh of relief echoed through the halls. Students poured out of classrooms, like water bursting from a dam, their chatter filling the air. Pia walked alongside Ethan, his thoughts still tangled in the morning’s events. their chatter filling the air. Pia slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped into the bustling corridor, his mind still preoccupied with the events of the morning.

As he made his way through the throng, Ethan appeared at his side, his usual grin firmly in place.

“Finally!” Ethan exclaimed, throwing his hands up dramatically. “I thought the day would never end. What’s your plan for the evening? Gonna solve world peace or just tackle Akio’s mysterious day off?”

Pia laughed softly. “I think world peace would be easier than figuring out Akio today,” he said, adjusting the strap of his bag.

Though Pia managed a faint smile but remained silent. Ethan noticed his friend’s subdued demeanor and gave him a light nudge.

“Come on, You’ve been like this all day,” Ethan said, his tone concerned. “Still thinking about Akio?”

Pia nodded. “It’s hard not to. I mean... he’s never acted like this before.”

The two walked side by side, weaving through the crowd. The warm afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, casting golden patches on the floor. Ethan kicked a stray pebble, his expression thoughtful.

“Well,” he began, “I still think you’re overthinking it. Maybe he’s just tired. Everyone gets tired, even Akio. He’s not some invincible superhuman.”

Pia shook his head. “You don’t understand. He’s never taken a day off, Ethan. Not even once. And this morning... when Riku took the day off, Akio just let it slide. He even told me not to bring it up. That’s not like him.”

Ethan frowned, trying to piece things together. “Okay, so maybe he’s trying something new? You said he looked different on the couch, right? Like he wasn’t himself?”

“Exactly,” Pia replied, frustration creeping into his voice. “He didn’t just look different—he felt different. It was like... he wasn’t Akio anymore. At least not the one I’ve known my whole life.”

Ethan stopped walking and turned to face Pia, his expression serious. “Look, I get it. It’s weird. But stressing about it isn’t going to help. Akio’s your brother. He’s probably just dealing with something he doesn’t want to share yet.”

Pia sighed. “Maybe. But what if it’s something big? Something I should know about?”

Ethan clapped a hand on Pia’s shoulder. “If it’s big, he’ll tell you. And if not, you’ll figure it out. You always do, man.”

Pia’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Thanks, Ethan.”

Ethan grinned, his usual cheerfulness returning.

“No problem. Now, how about you join me at the arcade tonight? You could use the distraction. I hear they’ve got a new game, and I need someone to beat my high score.”

Pia raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? Exams are coming up, and you’re worried about a high score?”

“Hey, life’s about balance,” Ethan said, holding up his hands defensively. “And right now, your balance is way off. You’ve been brooding all day. Come on, just for an hour.”

Pia hesitated, then shook his head. “I’ll think about it. But no promises.”

Ethan sighed dramatically. “Fine, but don’t blame me when I dominate the leaderboard without you.”

As they reached the school gate, Ethan turned to Pia one last time. “Hey, don’t let this Akio stuff eat you up, okay? He’s your brother. Whatever’s going on, you’ll handle it.”

Pia nodded, though the weight in his chest remained. “Thanks, Ethan. See you tomorrow.”

Ethan adjusted his bag and waved back,“Alright, see you tomorrow, genius. Don’t let your books eat you alive.”

Pia laughed. “See you, Ethan. And try not to spend all your money at the arcade."

“Later!” Ethan called as he jogged off down the road.

Pia lingered for a moment, his gaze drifting back to the school.

...A Shadowed Journey...

As Ethan’s figure disappeared down the lively street, Pia turned his gaze back toward the school. He stood still for a moment, his bag weighing heavily on his shoulder. The school building, now nearly empty, seemed almost serene in the golden afternoon light. The soft sunlight glinted off the glass windows, creating reflections that danced like rippling water. The walls, weathered yet resilient, bore streaks of ivy curling upward, their vibrant green a sharp contrast against the pale brick.

From Pia’s vantage point, the courtyard appeared quiet—almost hauntingly so after the day’s hustle and bustle. The faint rustle of leaves swaying in the breeze and the distant chirp of birds were the only sounds accompanying the soft crunch of gravel beneath his shoes as he walked to his bicycle.

As he mounted the bike and began pedaling, he glanced back once more. The school, now framed against a sky streaked with soft hues of orange and pink, felt oddly distant, like a chapter he’d just closed for the day. A fleeting pang of nostalgia gripped him—of carefree afternoons spent with his friends, of simpler worries that didn’t involve the peculiarities of home.

But the moment passed, replaced by a growing sense of unease as his gaze turned forward.

Ahead loomed the ominous edge of the Silencer Forest. Its shadow stretched across the road like a dark curtain drawn over the brightness of the day. Pia slowed his pedaling, his chest tightening as he approached the entrance. The forest seemed like a old haunted dungeon, its towering trees like silent sentinels guarding an ancient secret.

He swallowed hard, his grip tightening on the handlebars. A chill ran down his spine, and his thoughts turned back to the name etched into the collective memory of their town: The Silencer Forest. People whispered tales of its unnatural quiet, of the way sound seemed to vanish entirely once you crossed its threshold.

Pia shook his head, trying to calm himself. “It’s just a forest, and I have already done it almost a thousand times.” he muttered under his breath.

But as he crossed the threshold, the air seemed to change. The usual cacophony of the town—the distant chatter of voices, the hum of passing cars—vanished, swallowed whole by the oppressive silence. The temperature dropped noticeably, the warmth of the afternoon sun replaced by a cool, damp chill.

The road ahead was a narrow path flanked by towering trees, their gnarled branches twisting together to form a dense canopy that barely let any light through. Shadows danced across the ground, shifting and writhing as if alive. Pia’s heart raced, his mind a storm of thoughts.

“Akio…” he whispered, his brother’s name escaping his lips unbidden.

His thoughts spiraled back to the morning’s events. Akio, the ever-diligent, ever-responsible older brother, had been a stranger today. The image of him sprawled carelessly on the couch, his expression soft and unguarded, clashed violently with the Akio Pia had known all his life. And then there was the way he had shielded Riku, brushing off the broken fridge door as if it didn’t matter.

“Why?” Pia’s voice trembled in the silence. “Why would he do that? What’s going on with him?”

The questions swirled in his mind, each one heavier than the last. Were Akio and Riku hiding something? Was there a reason for Akio’s uncharacteristic behavior? What if he’s hiding something big? What if... what if this is just the beginning of something we can’t control?

The possibilities seemed endless, each one more troubling than the last.

Struggling with thoughts, Pia closed in eyes. He didn’t notice how far he’d traveled into the forest until a sudden memory surfaced, breaking through his stormy reflections like a ray of sunlight piercing the canopy.

...A Fragment of the Past...

It was a simpler time. Pia was eight, and the world felt smaller, safer. He sat on the living room floor, his legs crossed as he doodled on a scrap of paper. Akio was beside him, reading aloud from a worn storybook, his voice steady and melodic. Their mother reclined on the couch, her frail figure swathed in a soft blanket. She smiled at them, her eyes filled with warmth despite the illness that clung to her like a shadow.

“Pia,” she had said, her voice soft but strong. “Promise me you’ll always take care of each other, no matter what.”

Pia had nodded earnestly, his small hand clutching the edge of the couch. “I promise, Mama.”

The memory faded, leaving behind a bittersweet ache in his chest. Pia blinked, his surroundings coming back into focus.

...The Forest’s Hold...

The silence was still heavier now, the air thicker. It felt as though the forest itself was watching him, its unseen eyes following his every move. His chest tightened, a faint sense of dread creeping in. The path ahead seemed endless, stretching into an eternity of shadows.

But then, like a breath of fresh air, the light broke through.

The trees thinned, and the oppressive canopy gave way to the open sky. The bright afternoon sunlight fell on his face, warm and reassuring. Pia stopped pedaling, letting the bike glide to a halt as he took a deep breath.

...The Streets Come Alive...

The transition from the forest’s darkness to the town’s lively streets was jarring but welcome. The air here was filled with life - the chatter of people and the occasional bark of a dog ; the rhythmic clink of a blacksmith hammering away in his shop. A street musician played a cheerful tune on his accordion, drawing a small crowd.

He passed by the old candy shop, where a group of kids were excitedly pointing at the colorful jars in the window. Pia found himself momentarily distracted by the scene. A group of elderly men sat on a bench, playing chess, their laughter ringing out as one of them made a bold move.

Pia slowed his pace, taking in the scene. It was fascinating how much the atmosphere changed after leaving the forest. The world seemed brighter, livelier. For a moment, he forgot about the turmoil in his mind, letting himself be carried by the charm of the surroundings.

Vendors lined the streets, their carts brimming with fresh produce and colorful trinkets. The scent of roasted chestnuts mingled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, making Pia’s stomach rumble despite the heaviness in his heart.

He pedaled slowly, taking it all in.The infections laughter of children echoed, playing hopscotch on the sidewalk.

A young couple strolled hand in hand, their smiles bright and carefree. An artist knelt by the curb, his hands smudged with paint as he worked on a vibrant mural depicting the town’s history.

For a moment, Pia felt a sense of normalcy, a brief reprieve from the storm of emotions raging within him. But as he turned onto Oval Street, the weight returned.

...Arrival Home...

The house came into view, its familiar shape bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. The white picket fence stood straight and pristine, the garden bursting with flowers in shades of red, yellow, and orange.The curtains in the living room fluttered gently in the breeze, offering glimpses of the shadowy interior.The windows reflected the golden light, giving the place a deceptively warm and inviting look. But Pia couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed within those walls.

Pia parked his bike by the gate, his hands lingering on the handlebars. He stared at the house, his thoughts racing.

“What awaits me now?” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

With a deep breath, he stepped through the gate and walked toward the front door, each step heavier than the last.

He stepped onto the porch, his hand resting on the doorknob. For a moment, he hesitated, his mind still circling around the events of the morning.

"Whatever’s going on, he thought, I’ll find out. Even if they don’t want me to."

...A Shifting Silence...

Pia stepped inside the house, pushing the door open with the faint creak that always seemed louder in an empty home. The warmth of the afternoon sun outside was replaced by an eerie chill, and the silence inside was almost suffocating. He placed his shoes neatly by the door, the sound of them thudding against the floor echoing faintly.

“Akio?” Pia called out, his voice breaking the silence. “Riku? You here?”

No response.

He tried again, louder this time. “Akio! Riku!”

Still nothing. The quiet wrapped itself around him like a heavy blanket, stifling every sound. His gaze swept over the living room, the once-familiar space now feeling oddly alien: the bookshelf that Akio always kept meticulously organized, the coffee table where Riku would often scribble with crayons, the couch where he’d seen Akio sprawled out earlier that morning, seemingly so carefree.

But now...

The house felt like a hollow shell.

The couch where Akio had been sprawled this morning seemed untouched, yet Pia could feel a strange energy lingering there.

He dropped his bag onto the couch, the soft thud startling him in the oppressive stillness. Thoughts began swirling in his mind.

“Where are they? Akio wouldn’t just leave the house without saying anything... and Riku’s always so loud. How can it be this quiet?”

Pia shook his head, trying to dismiss the unease creeping up his spine. He decided to look around.

...Searching for Answers...

He headed toward Riku’s room first, the little one’s usual haven of chaos. The door was slightly ajar, and Pia pushed it open with care. The room was empty, the bed unmade, toys scattered across the floor. It was a snapshot of Riku’s typical messiness, but the absence of the boy himself made it feel hollow.

“Not here...” Pia muttered, backing out of the room.

Next, he moved to Akio’s room. The door was closed, and Pia hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. When no answer came, he slowly turned the knob and peeked inside. The room was pristine, as always—everything in its place, not a single item out of order.

But no Akio.

Pia’s unease deepened. He stepped back into the hallway, running a hand through his hair. His mind was a whirlwind of questions and fears.

“First the weird behavior this morning, and now this... Did something happen to them? Are they hiding something? Or... could someone else be here?”

...The Door That Creaked...

As his thoughts raced, a sound broke through the silence—a faint creak. Pia froze in place, his heart skipping a beat. His head snapped toward the source of the sound: his own bedroom door, which was slightly ajar, creaking as though someone had just slipped inside.

A cold shiver ran down his spine. Pia’s body stiffened, every instinct screaming at him to stay still, to not move. He stood rooted to the spot in the hallway, staring at the door as it swayed slightly in the still air.

“Someone’s in there,” he thought, his breath shallow. “But who? Or... what?”

Pia’s heart jolted. His imagination ran wild, conjuring images of shadowy figures and unexplainable entities. For a long moment, Pia stood frozen at the base of the stairs, his mind warring between fear and responsibility.

A chill ran down his spine, freezing him in place. His bedroom was the one place he hadn’t checked, and now the thought of someone—or something—inside sent a wave of terror crashing over him.

“Maybe.........,” he thought, his throat dry. “Akio? or Riku? Or...”

The idea of a ghost—absurd as it was—flashed through his mind. His legs felt like lead, refusing to carry him forward.

For what felt like an eternity, he stood there, paralyzed by indecision. Finally, summoning every ounce of courage he could muster, he took a step forward.

“I have to check,” he whispered to himself. “If it’s someone dangerous, I can’t just leave it. This is my house.”

...A Walk Into the Unknown...

The staircase loomed ahead, its wooden steps creaking, each sound sharp and jarring in the oppressive silence under Pia’s weight as he ascended. The air seemed heavier, colder, as though the house itself was holding its breath. The shadows cast by the dim afternoon light seemed to stretch and twist, taking on shapes that made Pia’s imagination run wild.

The closer he got to his room, the heavier the air seemed to grow. His breath came in shallow gasps, his palms clammy as he gripped the banister. Each step felt like a mile, and with every creak of the stairs, Pia’s pulse quickened. His mind conjured images of what could be waiting for him: a thief, a wild animal, or worse—something unexplainable.

Finally, he stood at the top of the stairs, just a few feet from his door. The silence pressed down on him like a tangible weight. The hallway stretched before him, dim and foreboding. The door was slightly ajar, the faintest sliver of darkness visible through the gap.The faint creaking of the door sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt as though unseen eyes were watching him.

He reached out a trembling hand toward the door.

...A Voice in the Dark...

“Pia.”

The voice was soft, deliberate, and suddenly came from directly behind him.

Pia’s body went rigid. His heart stopped. For a moment, it felt like the world itself had frozen.

He didn’t dare turn around. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but his legs felt glued to the place he was standing.

He didn’t think—he reacted. Whipping around with every ounce of strength he had, he swung his fist wildly. His knuckles connected with something solid, and a grunt of pain followed.

The figure before him stumbled back, wobbling slightly. Pia’s chest heaved as he took in the sight before him: a tall, looming figure dressed in an oversized, dark cloak that shrouded most of its body. Its face was pale, gaunt, and partially obscured by a hood. Its eyes—large and shadowed—stared back at him with a mixture of shock and confusion.

“Wh-who—what is that?” Pia stammered, his voice breaking.

Before he could process the situation, another figure emerged.

...Ready for a Fight...

The door to Pia’s room swung open violently, revealing a smaller figure—shorter than the first but no less terrifying. This one wore a similar cloak, but its face was more childlike, its features twisted into an unsettling grin. The smaller figure tilted its head, its movements jerky and unnatural, as though it were a puppet on invisible strings.

Pia’s blood turned to ice. “This is it,” he thought, panic flooding his senses. “I’m done for. They’ve got me.”

Pia’s mind blanked. His body acted on pure instinct.

Without thinking, he turned and leapt over the banister, his feet landing hard on the floor below. Pain shot through his legs, but adrenaline kept him moving.

His feet hit the ground with a thud, pain shooting up his legs, but he didn’t stop. Grabbing his bag from the couch, he spun around, his chest heaving as he faced the staircase.

The taller figure loomed at the top of the stairs, its movements slow and deliberate. The smaller one peered over the banister, its grin never faltering.

Pia’s fear gave way to anger.

His breath came in ragged gasps as he prepared to face whatever was coming. Despite the terror coursing through him, a strange determination settled in his chest.

“This is my house,” he thought, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag. “Whatever they are, I won’t let them take it from me.”

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