[three weeks later ]
Arthur's life remained the same , a grind - scrounging for food,caring for his sick mother , and enduring the harshness of poverty. Yet, he still held on to hope and small joys , like sharing stories with his father , playing simple games with his mother and going out to hang out with his best friends Layla , Kierran and Lucas.
They'd meet up to share laughter and dreams in their hideout near Lucas's house . Layla was always kind and caring , she taught Arthur how to draw beautiful pictures , Kierran challenged him to a game of rock, paper , scissors ( he would always lose) while Lucas told tales of adventure that his grandparents used to tell him.
These friendships were Arthur's escape , reminding him that life wasn't all darkness:
"I'm glad you're apart of my life all of you "Arthur says in a heartfelt voice which managed to cause layla's heart to beat
"It's what friends are for "Kierran responds
Yet, even as they played , the shadow of something nasty about to happen hungs over Arthur , an unspoken fear that threatened to tear their bond apart.
[October 23rd ]
Arthur enters the dream dimension when he was sleeping once more, this time the dream or vision intensifies. The visions were sharper , more urgent . His family , his friends , all the people of symbiosis in peril. He suddenly woke up with a jolt, and the voice in his head boomed, sounding more clearer than ever :
"The collapse has begun"
Suddenly a new voice enters offering guidance yet uncertainty. Just as Arthur wondered what to do , a gentle feminine voice whispered in his head:
"Arthur , heed the warning . Your destiny calls ,but the path is unclear. Seek answers , and trust your heart , no matter what "
The voice faded, leaving Arthur bewildered:
"What does that mean?"
"Where should I look for answers?"
"I'm just a lonely commoner"