Klaus jolted awake, breathing heavily as if he had just run a marathon. His eyes darted around the room.
What a terrifying dream.
He sighed and sat up, glancing at the clock.
7:00 a.m.
"Holy shit!" he shouted. "I'm late for school!"
He rushed into the bathroom and cleaned up as fast as he could. A few minutes later, he came back out, grabbed his backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and hurried downstairs.
In the kitchen, his Aunt Olivia was already preparing breakfast.
She had eyes that pulled you in the longer you looked at them—deep violet, just like his. Her face was flawless, smooth and gentle, framed by long lashes and natural pink lips. She wore a simple white button-up shirt and a black skirt, neat and professional, like she was ready for work.
I should stop staring, Klaus thought. She's my aunt.
She turned around as if she could sense him behind her.
"I thought you didn't want to go to school today," she said, smiling.
"No, I just overslept," Klaus replied, taking a seat at the table.
She nodded.
"We're just having toast and eggs. I'm late for work too."
"Yeah, okay," Klaus said. "Do you want me to drop you off at school, or are you going alone?" she asked, taking a bite of toast.
"I'll take my bike," Klaus said quickly. "You're already late for work."
After they finished eating, Olivia said goodbye and headed out. Klaus checked his phone—almost eight o'clock.
He quickly called his friend Matt. The phone rang once before connecting.
"Bro, are you still at home?" Klaus asked.
"Yeah, just getting ready," Matt replied.
"Okay, I'm on my way."
After hanging up, Klaus stepped outside, locked the door, slipped the key under the doormat, and unchained his bike. He began pedaling toward Matt's house down the street.
Matt had been his friend for as long as Klaus could remember. He was the kind of guy who always stood up for you—especially when bullies shoved you into lockers or trash bins. Matt was playful, fearless, and never backed down from a challenge, unlike Klaus.
Ding, ding, ding, ding.
Klaus rang the bell.
"Klaus, is that you?" a voice shouted from inside the house.
"Yeah! Hurry up—we're already late!"
"I'm almost done!" Matt called back.