The rain hadn't yet started, but the clouds were rolling in, turning the streets a shade darker.
Joseph was still talking, his voice weaving through the warm air of the small café, retelling the story of Eden with a passion like he had lived through it himself. His eyes had that faraway glimmer as if each word was an echo from a place and time I couldn't touch.
"…and so, Divine, the first sin opened a door, one that should never have been touched. What came through—" he was saying, when I raised a hand.
"Alright, thank you very much for that… uh… tale," I interrupted, trying to keep my tone polite. "But I need to head home now. My mom's probably worried sick. Maybe we'll… catch up some other time."
I pushed my chair back, the wooden legs scraping against the tiled floor. I had barely stood up when Joseph's hand—warm but unexpectedly firm—closed around my wrist. His expression had shifted, the warmth replaced with something sharper. His brows furrowed slightly as he looked straight into my eyes.
"Divine," he said, voice quieter now,he said in a tone that made my skin crawl. "You need to be careful… because there are a lot of eyes searching for you."
The words sank into me like drops of ink in clear water, spreading, darkening.
My first instinct was to laugh it off. Maybe he was talking about some silly rumor in school. Or maybe—just maybe—they had mistaken me for someone else. That had to be it.
Still, his tone… it carried weight. The kind of weight that bends your thoughts.
I forced a smile. "Don't worry. The Almighty God is with me, so there's no need to be anxious. Besides—" I tilted my head, my voice dipping with skepticism, "those stories about the Garden of Eden turning into sins… they're not even written in the Bible, so please—"
The rest of my sentence exploded out of me in a startled grunt as a sharp pain shot through my back. My vision spun and my knees slammed into the floor. I wheeled around in fury.When I turned sharply, my anger rising, I saw her.
A girl. Around my age. Maybe a little older. Her hair was tied back in a messy way that somehow looked deliberate. She had a katana in her hands, its blade resting lazily at her side, but her eyes… her eyes were death itself. They locked on me with such cold precision that I felt the back of my neck prickle.My heart stuttered.
What… the hell?
I glanced at Joseph for an explanation—surely he would say something, intervene, anything.
Instead, he just sat there sipping his coffee, a faint smile curling his lips, as if the whole scene was some afternoon entertainment.
The girl stepped forward, her voice slicing through the air before I could speak.
"Shut the hell up," she snapped, each word brimming with disdain. "Mr. Joseph here just saved your freaking life. And instead of thanking him, you're being rude?"
Her words struck me like a slap. Rude? Was she serious? I racked my brain—had I said anything insulting? Or… was she just crazy?
She didn't let me answer.
"I don't know why Mr. Joseph cares about you," she continued, her eyes never leaving mine. "But listen—take his advice. This world is not friendly. Stop your rude behavior and show some respect."
I stared at her, the words tangled in my throat. Confusion buzzed inside me like static. What system was she talking about? What world?
Joseph finally sighed.
"Come on, Rebecca. You're being too hard on the kid."
Kid?
Did he just call me kid?
"So what if he doesn't understand the system of the world?" Joseph continued. "Just let him be."
I clenched my fists, heat rushing to my face. "Stop calling me a kid. I'm not a kid."
Joseph's eyes held mine for a long moment—then, unexpectedly, he burst into laughter. Not a small chuckle. Full laughter, deep and unrestrained, as though I had told the funniest joke in the world.
I froze, unsure if I was more insulted or unsettled. Maybe there was something on my face. Or maybe he really was just mocking me.
Enough. I grabbed my school bag, snatched up my uniform, and headed for the door.
"Thank you very much," I muttered stiffly, "for saving me from those creatures."
I was one step from freedom when the girl—Rebecca—moved like lightning, slamming her arm across the doorway, blocking me.
Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
"Don't get the wrong idea. Those creatures are after you. You. And we just happen to be the ones keeping you alive. If you think you don't need protection… you won't last until the end of the year."
Her eyes bore into mine like they could scrape the truth out of my soul.
"Keep your family out of this. Be distant from them. If you involve them, they will be dead."
The way she spoke—calm, precise, deadly—made my stomach turn cold. This wasn't bluffing. This was a threat.
I inhaled slowly. "Okay. I heard you."
She nodded, moved her arm aside. I turned back toward Joseph.
"Please," I said, "stop stalking me. It's… creepy."
He just gave me that warm, unsettling smile and nodded.
And I left."Do you think letting him go like that is the best decision?" Rebecca asked, still watching the door.
"Yeah," Joseph said quietly. "It's better this way."
"You weren't planning to tell him the truth?"
"Don't worry, Rebecca," Joseph murmured, a shadow crossing his face. "He'll face the truth soon enough. And when he does… I'm sure he won't run."
Every step was heavy. Thoughts crawled in and out of my head like insects. Ever since Dad left us, my mind hadn't felt… safe. But lately, it was worse. These strange encounters. This suffocating weight.
Should I tell Mom? Or Aunt? But Rebecca's warning kept replaying in my head. If you bring them into this… they will die.
Was she bluffing? Or serious?
The sky was already dark when my house came into view. My uncle was at the gate, his face tight with worry. I ran to him, bowing slightly.
"Sorry for being late."
He didn't respond immediately. He just studied me, his eyes scanning me like he could see through my skin. "Don't let this happen again. You almost made us worry."
I apologized again. We walked inside, but just before I stepped into the compound, his hand caught my wrist.
"Why are there bandages on your waist and hands? And you're not walking properly."
Damn. He was observant. Too observant.
I forced a casual smile. "I tripped and fell at school while playing football. The health department treated me. Nothing serious."
He stared for a few seconds longer before nodding slowly. "Be careful."
Then he left the compound — not entering the house, just walking away. It felt like he had been waiting for me before leaving.
---
Inside, the house was filled with visitors helping Mom with chores. I greeted them and went straight to her room. She was sitting on the bed, reading. But her eyes… they were lost somewhere far away. Sadness draped over her like a second skin.
I hugged her from behind. "Mom, how was your day? I hope you're not daydreaming about Dad. If you are… well, I was too at school. But we'll get through this."
She smiled faintly, turned, and cupped my face. "Are you trying to bribe me with your words? Your sisters and friends have been home for hours. I was worried."
I looked into her eyes — and the sadness there was enough to make my chest ache. I hugged her again, laying my hand gently on her head. "I'm sorry, Mom. I just… I want to see you smile again. I promise I'll be home early from now on."
For a brief moment, I thought about telling my mom. She deserved to know. She had a right to be prepared. But then… I pictured her face, the sleepless nights, the worry that would eat away at her.
No.
I tightened my grip on the edge of the table.
It was better she didn't know.
If I have to carry this burden alone to protect her… then so be it.
Some secrets were safer in the dark.
She chuckled softly. "Look at you. Yesterday I was giving you advice, and today you're comforting me. Years really do fly. Promise me you'll always come home on time."
"I promise."
She kissed my forehead. As I left her room, my eyes caught the title of the book she'd been reading. The Sins of Eden. My stomach tightened, but I pushed the thought away. I didn't need more paranoia Tonight.
In my own room, the light flickered on — and there was Sharon, sitting in my chair with her arms crossed, wearing a mischievous grin.
"How was your date?" she asked.
I stared. "Date? Me? With who?"
She smirked. "Don't play dumb. I know you went on a date. You just don't want to admit it."
I rolled my eyes, heading for my wardrobe. "Sharon, I have no idea what you're talking about."
She stood, walked up to me. "I'm talking about your date with Rejoice. Your crush."
The name alone made my stomach do flips. Her eyes… her lips… I caught myself smiling before I could stop it.
"See? I mentioned her name and you're already smiling like an idiot."
"What? No, I'm not—"
"Just admit it, Divine. You're in love with her, right?"
"I'm not."
"Hmmm. Everyone at school knows you are. Even Rejoice knows. But… sad reality? She doesn't like you back."
My patience snapped. "Okay, time's up, Sharon. You're too young to understand love."
"What? Too young? At my class, I'm a therapist for—"
I shoved her out of my room and locked the door.