THE JOURNEY
I travelled to my uncle's place in his private car, driven by one of his staff. My immediate elder sister accompanied me on this journey. The excitement I felt was almost impossible to contain. Spending my summer holiday away from home, in a different state, with people I loved and admired, was more than I could have wished for. As we approached the house, a sense of wonder filled me. My uncle's home was more than just a building; it radiated warmth, laughter, and a promise of unforgettable memories.
My cousins, a boy and a girl, were older than me, and I had always looked up to them. Derek, my male cousin, was the eldest. He carried himself with a sense of adventure and self-assurance that I admired. He was the kind of person who made friends easily and could make any dull moment exciting. Sheila, my female cousin, was his opposite in many ways—gentle, nurturing, with an aura of calmness that made everyone feel at ease. I idolized them both and looked forward to spending as much time as I could with them.
The rooms had been perfectly prepared for our arrival. My room, in particular, was a stunning surprise. It was decorated exactly the way I loved—chic black tones complemented with golden specks, like stardust caught in a night sky. A walk-in closet, a stylish dressing area—it felt familiar yet elevated, like a luxurious echo of my room back home. The thoughtfulness touched me deeply.
After settling in, we gathered around the dining table for lunch. The meal was rich with flavors, and even richer in conversation. We laughed, caught up on life, shared stories, and delved into one another's interests. My aunt asked about my favorite school subjects, while my uncle seemed genuinely curious about my hobbies. Derek and Sheila shared their recent adventures, and I listened with wide eyes and eager ears.
Later, we moved to the living room, where the atmosphere became even more relaxed. We talked about everything—movies, books, games, friends. My uncle recounted tales from his childhood that had us all in stitches. The room pulsed with a comforting energy, a familial joy that made me feel safe and cherished.
The days that followed were filled with excitement and joy. Our mornings were reserved for games, walks, or simply lounging around and chatting. My cousins and I would create imaginary worlds and play pretend with wild abandon. Movie nights became a tradition, with my aunt always preparing the best snacks. Even my uncle would join in, and we'd all collapse into laughter during the funniest scenes.
Life there felt effortless. With household staff available for our needs, there was little to worry about. We had the freedom to simply enjoy each other's company and soak up the summer.
As time passed, my bond with Derek and Sheila grew deeper. I began to feel completely at ease, like I had truly found a second home. We shared stories late into the night, whispered secrets, and dreamed aloud about the future. It was magical.
But slowly, almost imperceptibly, something began to shift. Derek started looking at me differently. I noticed it first in his gaze—longer, more focused, almost searching. At first, I dismissed it, thinking maybe I looked different since the last time we met. Perhaps it was just curiosity.
One evening, we decided to have a cousins-only game night. We cleared space in the living room, pulling out games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue. It was competitive but full of laughter and teasing. Derek, who was always competitive, was beating me at Monopoly. I was determined to win, and that playful tension made everything more exciting.
Then, unexpectedly, I felt his hand brush my lap. The first time, I thought it was an accident. But when it lingered the second time, a cold shiver ran through me. I tried not to overthink it, brushing it off as a mistake. Maybe he just didn't realize. He then suggested forming teams to make the game more fun. I hesitated. Something didn't feel right. I laughed it off and steered us back to focusing on the game.
As the night went on, Sheila and my sister excused themselves and headed to bed. My sister had to travel the next day, so she needed to rest. Soon after, Sheila also retired for the night, leaving just Derek and me.
We decided to watch a movie to wind down. Sitting side by side, I leaned against him, feeling safe—or so I thought. But I caught him stealing glances, the kind that made me uncomfortable. Finally, I asked, "Why are you looking at me like that? I've noticed it… is something wrong?"
He smiled and shook his head. "No, nothing's wrong. You just look... more beautiful than I remembered."
Foolishly, I blushed, caught off guard. I mumbled a thank-you, and we continued the movie. We laughed at the funny scenes, occasionally bumping into each other. I was growing sleepy and let my head rest on his shoulder. That's when I felt it—his hand, slowly slipping under my pajama shirt, fingers brushing against my skin. Shocked, I tried to shake his hand off, half-hoping I was dreaming. Then I felt a kiss on my forehead.
And that was the last thing I remembered.