[Main Story 7-1]
Thunder, storm and dark clouds
like dense smoke from fires,
floating slowly in the sky,
I ran up the long stairs,
which got darker and darker
as the clouds approached
I kept running, but it seemed endless.
.
.
.
.
.
I heard howling of the wind,
and a cry for help.
The thunder roaring,
all of a sudden, the stair split apart.
I lost my footing.
The endless darkness devoured me.
I came to my senses to see the pen had poked an ink-blue hole through the paper.
{{MC}}: Oh darn!
I pulled the sheet off but the ink had already soaked the folder underneath.
I tried to wipe the ink off.
{{MC}}: Phew, lucky it didn’t smudge the actual document.
It’s been half-a-month since that day, and beside my otherwise busy schedule, my life’s had some funky developments.
In addition to an ever-increasing workload, I’ve been getting frequent and intense dreams.
I rubbed my temples and then resumed the project proposal.
The crisp clacking of high heels echoed in my ears.
Anna: What are you still doing here? The candidate’s here for the interview!
{{MC}}: Oh, I’ll be there in a second!
I grabbed my laptop and ran out of the office.
Willow: The fact I couldn’t find a good hire for weeks was driving me nuts!
I sighed at the sight of Kiki with disheveled hair and bags under her eyes.
Willow: That’s it! We do these interviews, and if none of them stick, we go grab an intern from college!
Willow gave a death stare that made both Kiki and me shiver.
Kiki: (Loudly) NEXT!
I used the brief break before the next interview to pound the keyboard.
“In this age of computers and cell phones, communication between people is more convenient than ever.”
“Letters in Time, however, focuses on the old fashioned way to convey thoughts and emotions…”
Willow: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I saved the file and picked up the resume in front of me.
??: My name is Minor, as in underaged…
{{MC}}: *spit*
I did a spit take with my coffee.
{{MC}}: Minor?
Minor: You got it! Cool, ain’t it?
The boy with hair dyed silver flashed a toothy grin.
Except for a darker complexion, he looked just like he did back in high school!
I rubbed my eyes and marveled as I alternated between the actual person and the resume photo.
I checked three times before finally realizing he was the guy I knew from high school!
Talkative, outgoing, troublemaker, in good shape and sometimes helped old ladies cross the street.
Often copied my homework but never dragged me down with him if he got caught. That was my biggest impression.
Oh, he also hung around Gavin all the time. How he managed that without Gavin beating him up, no one knew.
I personally attributed it to him being a born social chameleon and a shameless kiss-up.
As I was lost in memories, Willow and he were already chatting away like long-lost buddies.
Willow: How do you feel about all the big online movies and productions so popular these days?
Minor: I think it’s a trend worth exploring, and the word-of-mouth will only improve production quality…
I was floored. Is this the same guy who was lazy and skipped class all the time?
Minor: I’ve always felt this industry needed a talented savior. I was once told I’ll be the next Ang Lee!
I choked on that proclamation. So did Kiki and Willow.
Yup, that’s the narcissist I knew.
Willow: Let’s change topic. What kind of show would you create if given the opportunity?
Minor: A foodie show.
Willow: Oh? You’re interested in food? What do you like to eat?
Minor: Everything. I love all food. Not picky in the least.
Willow: Can you be more specific? Like, say, French or Japanese?
Minor: Hmm… I’ll go with Cup O’ Noodles. Shrimp flavor, in particular.
Minor: Add two eggs, mix well, then a dab of sea salt and black pepper.
You could hear a pin drop in the room, if Kiki’s stomach didn’t choose now to growl.
I hid my face behind my hand and pretended I couldn’t see Minor.
Why did that description sound so familiar?…
Minor: Believe it or not, a high school friend taught me that.
Minor: I was starving to death on a chemistry class with just the noodles on me, so she heated it up with a Bunsen burner…
{{MC}}: Stop!
{{MC}}: Okay, you’re hired!
I shot up from my seat.
{{MC}}: Congrats on passing the interview. I’ll now give you your first assignment.
I grabbed Minor and ran out, leaving Willow and Kiki in shock.
Willow: Uh, he got the job just like that?
Kiki: What’s wrong with her today?
[Main Story 7-2]
I didn’t stop until we got to the entrance. Minor leaned on the door and laughed his butt off.
Minor: How’s it going, old classmate of mine?
{{MC}}: Yeah, it’s been a while.
Minor: Why didn’t you let me finish the story?
{{MC}}: Company Rule #12: Do not speak badly of your boss behind her back.
Minor: But I said it to your face. Besides, it wasn’t bad. You were a hero to me when you did that!
{{MC}}: I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?
Minor: So, what about my first assignment, boss lady?
I sighed. This guy was going to be trouble.
Forget it, I can’t think of anything right now. Maybe he might have some brilliant ideas…
{{MC}}: Well, I’ve been working on a show called “Letters in Time”.
{{MC}}: Your assignment is to hammer out a project proposal.
Minor: Seriously, you’re making a rookie do a proposal!
Minor’s mouth dropped open in protest.
{{MC}}: I believe in you, the next Ang Lee! It’s due end of the week, so get started!
Minor: You must be holding a grudge…
Minor shook his head, gave me an evil eye and took off.
What a chaotic start to the day.
After interviewing everyone, I turned the computer on. A deadline was staring me down.
{{MC}}: Letters in Time… Time…
{{MC}}: I had a pen pal in grade school, but quit once the novelty wore off.
{{MC}}: Family records? Nah, too narrow a niche and not a good fit to the concept…
{{MC}}: Love letters… Nope, too cliched.
Anna: Maybe interview a few youngsters for their opinions on writing letters?
{{MC}}: Hmm…
Anna: Hit a homerun with this one, and your rep in this industry will skyrocket.
{{MC}}: Maybe we can get high schoolers involved.
Anna: That might work. Something novel for them to try out.
Anna: Hey, have you checked in with LFG yet?
{{MC}}: Oh darn!
I just remembered getting Victor’s text and promising to be there before three! It was 2:30 now.
The ringing resounded in the quiet afternoon, still, Victor waited four rings to pick up the phone.
Breathing was heard several seconds later.
{{MC}}: Hello? this is {{mc}}.
{{MC}}: I cc’ed you on the Miracle Company report I just sent to the board.
{{MC}}: For next season’s projects, I got new…
Victor: Did I mention to you I’d be in the States on business right now?
Victor: What are you thinking calling me at two in the morning with some quarterly report?
The States… Uh, I vaguely remember something about that.
{{MC}}: Sorry to disturb you. I’ll hang up now. Good night!
I hung up and decided to wait for a few hours.
My cell vibrated five minutes later, listing Victor as the caller. I wanted to throw it away.
I closed my eyes and picked up the call.
{{MC}}: Hello?
Victor: You hung up on me.
{{MC}}: No, I wouldn’t do that!
Victor: I lost count of the things you wouldn’t do.
{{MC}}: Sorry! I remembered I had to give a report by 3, so I dialed without thinking!
After a pause, Victor chuckled.
Victor: Go ahead, I’ll allow it this time, but don’t make it a habit.
{{MC}}: You sure?
He took it well, but still, it was two in the morning where he was…
Victor: You have five minutes… four and a half now.
{{MC}}: Okay!
I started my report. The noise of a running computer and the laziness in Victor’s breath came through from the other end.
{{MC}}: Part 1 of 3 is about promo videos, Part 2 is last season’s profit margin…
Victor: Are you referring to the 2-gig file?
{{MC}}: Yes, it included videos and Powerpoint. You can check out the extensive data…
Victor: No, I want the story behind the data. A concise description will tell me more than any data could.
I froze. His formal tone meant this was serious.
Victor: Are you there?
{{MC}}: Uh, yes… I shall begin…
Victor: I’ll give you more time since we’re doing this over the phone.
Was that encouragement? Anyway, I cleared my throat and gave him a verbal rundown.
Victor didn’t drop bombs as expected, just pointing out a few key issues.
{{MC}}: Thanks, I’ll revise the draft and send it right over.
Victor: Huh?
{{MC}}: Uh, I mean I’ll send it tonight. It should be morning over there, right?
Victor sounded somewhat lazy as he chuckled again.
Victor: It’s okay, I’m already up.
[Main Story 7-4]
Administration Building
After the call with Victor, I dropped by the school to schedule an interview.
{{MC}}: Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow at 9.
It was close to dusk and school was letting out, with uniformed students leaving in twos and threes.
I haven’t visited my alma mater in a long time. Guess I’m susceptible to nostalgia too. Even the air seems fresher.
The school has changed. Old buildings replaced by taller ones. A new belltower behind the library.
Even campus security has gone from one old man to several thirty-somethings.
{{MC}}: I took my time strolling about, and searching for inspiration.
As I walked along, I got the feeling I was back in school, going to another class.
I kicked a pebble. It rolled, and someone stepped on it.
I looked up to see a man with messy short hair staring emotionlessly at me.
The light from the setting sun shone on his stoic, unsettling, silent face.
{{MC}}: Gavin?
Gavin: (Both simultaneously) What are you doing here?
Gavin’s eyes flashed a sign of happiness. He also seemed to be waiting for me to say something.
{{MC}}: I’m here to schedule an interview for my new show.
{{MC}}: How about you?
He hung his head and booted the pebble.
Gavin: I got my reasons.
{{MC}}: Did the school run into some trouble?
Gavin: Nah, nothing like that.
I nodded and quit asking. The rolling pebble was the only noise on the trail.
I cleared my throat in an attempt to break the awkward silence.
{{MC}}: Well, I got to go, still got things to do…
Gavin looked up.
Gavin: Where to?
{{MC}}: Lynn’s Kitchen.
{{MC}}: That noodle place in the alley left of the main gate…
Gavin: I know.
Gavin: You’re too late. They’re probably closed by now.
{{MC}}: Darn it!
I totally forgot they only served a limited quantity each day and tended to sell out by 3.
{{MC}}: I’ll swing by. If they’re closed, I’ll come back tomorrow and try again.
Gavin: Why that joint?
{{MC}}: If you remember, they have a big wall covered with hand-written Post-It notes.
{{MC}}: If they kept it, that just might make my show more interesting.
{{MC}}: I really gotta run now…
I waved goodbye to Gavin and turned.
Gavin: Hold up. I’ll go with you.
{{MC}}: Ah?
Before I had a chance to say anything else, he had already walked up next to me.
Gavin: Let’s go.
Didn’t he say it’s closed by now? Maybe he’ll try to bully his way in?
That thought made me giggle.
[Main Story 7-6]
We left the campus and passed by the stalls lining the streets that were full of hungry students.
Even from a distance, I could see Lynn’s Kitchen was clearly done for the day.
Gavin pulled out his phone and made a short call.
He then went up to the door, knocked twice and the door opened!
A man in his 40s or 50s, with slim figure and thin face, opened the door, shocked to see Gavin.
I recognized the man as the owner.
They were talking, but the owner was shaking in fear. I had a flashback to our high school days.
I was riding my bike home after studying late in the school library for the final.
I heard a hushed conversation in the alley right after I had left campus.
I summoned the courage to ride by and peeked, seeing the owner handing a student a stack of money.
The guy looked familiar so I peeked again, only for him to return my glance.
Isn’t that senior, Gavin?
I panicked and rode off in a hurry.
Was he taking protection money?
A few girls in my class were saying how Gavin bullied students for lunch money that morning…
He was… something else.
From then on, the legendary Gavin left an indelible impression as an extortionist in my mind.
So seeing the owner trembling before him now, I deeply regretted letting Gavin tag along.
Was the owner still fearful of Gavin after all these years?
Gavin: Don’t just stand there, come in!
{{MC}}: Oh? It’s really okay?
Boss: It’s all right, miss. Please, come in.
I followed Gavin into the joint, all the while wondering what was going on.
Boss: Please have a seat. Food should be served in five minutes.
Wait, weren’t they sold out?
Is the owner making something just for us?
I looked at Gavin, who helped himself to utensils from a drawer like he owned the place.
Boss: Let me check to see if your food’s ready.
The owner shuffled into the kitchen.
Never thought Gavin still would still have that much hold over the poor man!
Gavin broke my train of thought by handing me a fork, which I accepted in haste.
While waiting, I scanned the establishment. It was slightly larger, but still the same cozy place.
What’s more, the wall of Post-Its was still there–and still full, as new notes replaced the old!
I remembered sticking one up myself, but a quick search confirmed that it was long gone.
Boss: Here are your noodles. Eat ’em while they’re hot!
{{MC}}: Thanks, they smell delicious!
Two different bowls of noodles were put in front of us.
For Gavin, it was spicy noodles with garlic, cilantro, and thinly sliced beef.
I got noodles with clear broth, chopped scallions, and a half-boiled egg.
I used to love this dish from this place. I’d come by whenever the school let us out early.
Funny thing is, how did the owner know it’s my favorite? I don’t recall ever mentioning it to him…
That left only one possibility.
I looked at Gavin. He was busy chowing down and seemed much more at ease.
Boss: So, how is it?
I put the bowl down and wiped my mouth.
{{MC}}: It’s so yummy! Better than when I had it in high school!
{{MC}}: Oh, would you mind me running an idea by you?
The owner nodded.
{{MC}}: I’m a producer from $c and right now I’m working on a show.
{{MC}}: Can I do a feature on the Post-It wall in your restaurant?
The owner knitted his brows after hearing my spiel. I felt my anxiety rise.
After a silent pause, he shook his head.
{{MC}}: Is there a concern? Just tell me…
Boss: Nothing against you, but my wife created the wall and she… isn’t available, sorry.
My heart sank, but I still forced a smile.
Gavin: What if it’s not featured?
{{MC}}: Ah?
I turned to Gavin, then realized what he meant!
{{MC}}: Yes, what if it’s just in the background during an interview?
I ran the idea by the owner who, after a minute or two of pondering, nodded.
{{MC}}: Wonderful! Thank you!
I noted the interview time in my notebook.
Gavin: I gotta go.
What? Just going to run off without even paying, like you run the joint?
I gave cash to the owner, along with a dozen “thank you”s and a reminder about the interview.
Gavin saw me back to my apartment building as usual.
{{MC}}: I’ll be going on now. Thanks for everything you did today!
Gavin: {{mc}}.
The low, somewhat magnetic voice caught my attention.
Gavin: I’ll come pick you up tomorrow.
{{MC}}: Huh?
Gavin: Uh, I got a tip about something happening in the city, so it’s best you don’t go out alone.
{{MC}}: I have things to do at the office. How about we meet 9 o’clock sharp at the school?
I was planning to leave him out of it given his past with the owner and neglecting to pay just now…
Gavin frowned but didn’t say anything.
I waved to him as I got into the elevator. He looked back quietly and motionlessly.
I suddenly got this feeling that he had been standing right there for a long, long time.
I got off on my floor and reflexively looked at the next door neighbor’s door.
It was closed, with a heap of mail stacked in front.
It seemed forever since I last saw Lucien that day.
Downstairs, Gavin hopped on a motorcycle and sped off.
The wind blew the leaves about the alley as the last gleam of sunlight faded.
Lucien’s shadow flittered across the balcony and then seamlessly merged with the night.
He picked up a leaf that fell by his feet and watched Gavin leave.
[Main Story 7-8]
I got up early the next morning and hurried to the restaurant with my camera.
{{MC}}: Hello, anybody in?
I arrived at Lynn’s Kitchen as scheduled and knocked on the door.
The door opened quickly. The owner was not in his typical black apron but a spiffy, pressed shirt.
{{MC}}: Good morning, sir. You can call me {{mc}}.
Boss: Please come in.
I followed and saw a fifty-something lady in a long blue dress with smiling eyes sitting at the table.
This must be the owner’s wife, the boss lady.
{{MC}}: How are you? I’m {{mc}}, here to do the interview.
Her eyes became even more lively when she heard that. She nodded.
I set up the camera only to notice she was in a wheelchair. I then realized why she wasn’t available…
It also dawned on me that Gavin probably already knew it, being the extortionist he is.
Landlady: Should we begin?
I took a deep breath and nodded.
The interview went by too fast. She was kinder, funnier than I imagined. I packed up the camera…
Landlady: How come Gavin didn’t come along?
Wait, did I not hear that right or did she just ask me about Gavin?
Shouldn’t she be glad to not see him? I had a lot of questions swirling in my mind now.
{{MC}}: Did you want him to come?
She looked surprised before laughing out loud.
Landlady: Why, do you think he did something wrong?
I shook my head, but then paused and decided I just had to find out.
{{MC}}: I saw your husband giving him a stack of money when I was in high school, so…
Landlady: You thought he was extorting us?
I paused and nodded.
Landlady: My son was in a crash. He rushed him to the ER and fronted the bill. We were just paying him back.
So that’s what… I was way off! A wave of guilt rushed over me.
Landlady: He’s been coming here since then. About seven, eight years now.
Don’t know why but I heard a tinge of sorrow in her quiet tone.
Then I realized in the couples’ silence and laughter, there was something hidden they couldn’t let go.
The owner walked me out and shoved money in my hand.
{{MC}}: No, I don’t charge for interviews! If anything, I should pay you!
Boss: This is what you paid for the meal yesterday. Take it. Gavin paid when you guys came in.
I took the cash, gently patted his shoulder to say goodbye.
Gavin: What are you doing here, didn’t you say you’re catching up on work at the office?
{{MC}}: Ah!
The chilly voice scared me, made worse when I couldn’t make out Gavin’s expression in the light.
Not that I wanted to face him after getting caught in a lie.
{{MC}}: Uh, nice day, isn’t it?
I picked my head up slowly to see Gavin’s pursed lips.
It made me swallow whatever I planned to say from guilt and shame.
Maybe I should just apologize for thinking he was an extortionist the whole time.
Gavin: Aren’t you gonna be late for your interview?
{{MC}}: Huh, what?
{{MC}}: Oh, it’s 9 o’clock!
I ran toward the school while reflexively dragging Gavin along.
Behind and unknowing to me, he smiled.
[Main Story 7-9]
A figure sped at us just as we set foot inside the school.
??: Hey, boss!
His expression went from happiness to surprise to excitement, before lunging at Gavin for a big hug.
A disgusted Gavin ducked out of the way.
Minor: Gavin, bro, you’re finally back after all these years!
Minor: Tell me I’m not dreaming! The year you graduated was a bummer for me, but I feel all young again now!
Minor’s earsplitting shouts attracted a lot of attention.
Student a: Is that the legendary Gavin?
Student b: Who’s Gavin?
Student c: You never heard of him? He was a big man on campus!
Student d: My brother was in the same class and told me he fought 1-on-20 without breaking a sweat.
Student a: Come on, 1-on-20? Wasn’t it 1-on-50?
The chatter was getting loud. I snuck a peek at Gavin, and he was still cool as a cucumber.
Never imagined they still remember him. But really, 1-on-20? It was 1-on-10 when I heard it.
Wait, why am I thinking about this? It’s probably all wrong information too.
{{MC}}: Are you mad?
Gavin: What’s there to get mad about?
True… You said nothing when stories were flying all over the place back in the day too.
Minor: They’re still talking about you even after you’ve been gone for so long, bro.
Gavin: Get out of my sight.
Minor: Come on, bro, why you dissing me in front of my boss?
Gavin eyed us both.
Minor: Man, I’m on the up-and-up. I work for {{mc}} now.
He then raised his eyebrows at Gavin.
Minor: Just look at you, bro, all these years…
A hint of shame and anger seemed to flash across Gavin’s face, as he suddenly took a swing at Minor.
Minor was quick enough to back out of the way but bumped into the short-haired girl behind him.
Minor: I’m so sorry! Are you all right?
The short-haired girl was too busy picking up a photo off the ground and barely nodded.
She then showed the photo to us.
Bob Girl: Have you seen the girl in this picture?
It showed a bleached blond girl in school uniform, apparently quite full of herself.
I shook my head. My journalistic instinct, though, told me something was wrong.
{{MC}}: Did something happen to her?
She searched for words to explain the situation.
Bob Girl: She’s my roommate, actually… She called me on the phone and screamed for help before the line went dead.
Minor: Could it be a prank?
Bob Girl: I thought that too, but she sounded really terrified and hasn’t been back in three days…
Gavin’s face tensed.
Gavin: Tell me, when was the last time and place you saw her?
Bob Girl: And you are…?
Minor: A cop, an awesome one at that!
Bob Girl: You’re police?
Gavin: Mmhmm.
Gavin took out his badge.
Bob Girl: Oh, please save her, officer!
Gavin nodded, then turned to me.
Gavin: Don’t run off after your interview. Wait for me in the classroom.
{{MC}}: Okay.
Gavin: (To Minor) Watch after her.
Gavin and the girl took off.
[Main Story 7-11]
I dragged Minor to the classroom for the scheduled interview.
I was 20 minutes late and frantically apologized to the teacher and students.
Lucky for me, they just came off a big exam, so were too spent to give me a hard time.
Except for the recording pen’s occasional glitches, the interview went well and soon neared the end.
Boy Student a: Can I ask you a question, miss?
{{MC}}: (Surprised) Sure.
Boy Student a: Why would you be interested in interviewing us?
{{MC}}: Maybe it’s because, as teens, we all hold secrets, which become like letters lost in time.
We laughed and I captured the moment on camera.
After collecting the questionnaires, I flagged down Minor who was wandering the room.
{{MC}}: So what made you come here too?
Minor: Looking for inspiration for the show, of course, and I got a good idea.
{{MC}}: That so?
Minor: I saw a movie called “Letter in the Drawer” and a light bulb went off in my head.
Minor: The letter was from the lead’s dad, but she waited too long to open it and missed a chance at reconciliation.
Minor: How did you feel when you first got that letter?
{{MC}}: Got what letter?
Minor: What “what letter”? The one in your drawer, of course!
Minor poked his head at me and made me step back.
It felt as if I was pulled back in time, seeing the bloodstained, crumpled letter in the drawer.
{{MC}}: How did you know about that warning letter?!
My whole body was wound up, like it wanted to finally get to the bottom of this.
Minor: Why wouldn’t I know– I put it in your desk myself!
As soon as he said that, he began to pace the room in a panic.
Minor: Great, I’ve done it this time!
Minor: Gavin told me never to mention it! Oh man, I just stepped my foot it in…!
I had no clue what Minor was muttering about.
He suddenly stopped in front of me.
Minor: Hold on, did you say a warning?
{{MC}}: Yeah, the one you put into my drawer, remember?
Minor: Well, I never looked at it, but I seriously doubt Gavin would do anything menacing like that…
He quickly covered his mouth.
Minor: Pretend I never said anything and go ask him.
He refused to tell me anything more, so I grabbed him.
{{MC}}: Why did you put it in my desk?
He looked righteously at me.
Minor: It was the first time he ever asked me to do anything, so of course I had to!
[Main Story 7-12]
Minor: But you’re so blind! You got it all twisted about him!
My mind kept replaying Minor’s words over and over. But what could it be if not a warning letter?
I sighed and absentmindedly took photos in the hallway.
I’ll get the story from Gavin after the work here is done.
A blond girl wandered into my frame.
{{MC}}: Where have I seen her before…
She hurried down the corridor and I reflexively aimed my camera.
{{MC}}: It’s her!
The missing blond girl! The face was kind of fuzzy in the shot, but at least the hair was identical.
I ran after her.
{{MC}}: Wait, miss, wait!
But she seemed oblivious to my plea and turned to enter the theater building.
{{MC}}: Hey!
I shouted and hurried after her.
Then… I stopped. There was no sign of the girl in the empty theater.
The normally locked rooms were half open, so I checked each one.
I searched all five floors and still no trace? Did I lose her somehow?
I stumbled to the stairs and got dizzy watching the steps go on forever… That dream…
I whipped my phone out in panic and was about to dial Gavin when I heard footsteps behind me.
{{MC}}: Who’s there?
I turned around but didn’t see anything. That only frightened me more.
I couldn’t tell where the footsteps were coming from, just that they were getting closer.
My palms were sweating as I searched for the emergency exit, with only escape on my mind.
{{MC}}: Ah!
I felt a numbing pain in my neck and my mouth was covered. I struggled but was fading fast…
The last image I saw was Gavin.
Gold metallic light flashed before me. The floor suddenly cracked open and I fell into a vortex.
I tried to call for help but nothing came out. A dark silhouette dashed up and grabbed my hand.
Yellow sand kicked up. Rocks tumbled. The vortex turned black, and everything darkened.
I slowly came to and opened my heavy eyes. It was just a dream.
Where… Where am I?
I saw a vast, empty cement lot. Next to my feet were rope and sand.
Curly clouds blocked the sun above me. This spot felt very close to the sky.
My hands were held. A hand from behind wrapped around my throat, while another bound me in rope.
{{MC}}: Who are you? Let me go now!
Whoever was behind me didn’t speak a word and quickened his pace, though I felt his hand trembling slightly.
I struggled, but my miniscule efforts were futile.
Fear overtook me, and I started shaking uncontrollably.
Save me, Gavin, please! My mind went blank. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself.
Gavin should know I’ve been gone for a long time by now and probably already leaped into action.
So I gotta stay alive until he finds me!
{{MC}}: Who are you, and why are you kidnapping me?
The creep tightened the rope, pulled me up and dragged me toward the edge of roof without a word.
I tried my hardest to stop myself with my feet, leaving two tracks of sand on the ground.
Rocks, yellow sand, dark clouds… This, this was in my dream!
Maybe it was the answer. Maybe I could handle a crisis all by myself this time!
I let myself fall to the ground. A sharp stone dug into my back, and I quickly palmed it, unnoticed by my captor.
Gangster: Get up, and don’t try anything stupid!
The scoundrel pulled me back up roughly. I hung my head, but my bound hands never stopped.
I sliced away at the thick rope behind my back.
I just need to buy time until I can cut through it.
{{MC}}: Who are you? Why were you following the girl?
{{MC}}: I don’t know you. Why did you abduct me?
I could tell something had struck a nerve with this scoundrel.
{{MC}}: What did you do to her? I’ll have you know I already called the police!
I tried to sound as loud and bold as possible, though my palms were sweating like crazy.
Gangster: You called the cops? All they’ll find is your dead body.
The scoundrel’s breathing was getting harder and harder. He resumed dragging me.
I was in a daze and all sorts of crazy emotions swelled in my head.
Gangster: Your death will surely be worthwhile…
The rope was barely nicked and nowhere near close to breaking. The edge inched near…
I tried to squirm out of the rope in vain. Is this really the end?
No! It can’t be! I refuse to be a sitting duck and go without a fight!
A wind suddenly kicked up. I took the chance to boot the rocks and sand at my captor.
The scoundrel cursed and relaxed his grip, and I strained to pull myself away.
Dark clouds amassed over the rooftop as the air thickened.
In the newly-rebuilt belltower nearby, a rifle silently poked out of from behind a black curtain.
The crosshairs rested on the girl’s head, finger on the trigger.
[Main Story 7-14]
The creep put his other hand back on me and held me still. Then I felt cold metal on my neck.
Gangster: Thought you could get away, huh?
A knife! I held my breath and tried not to move a muscle.
The hand holding the knife was trembling. I was sure it’d cut me accidentally, if not on purpose.
He tightened his grip and pressed the blade tighter to my neck. His voice turned shrill.
Gangster: Only your death can bring my little sister back! Today you die!
He burst out laughing, his grip tightening. Then the clouds above cracked open in a flash of blinding light.
Gavin: No way.
The cool, chilling voice seemed to bring the world to a halt.
I now realized just how fleeting the moment between life and death was, and how loudly a heart can beat.
A pair of hands emerged and one “click!” later, the creep let me go and kneeled over in pain.
Seemingly out of nowhere, he was in handcuffs.
That was when I got a good look at the pair of long, steady hands I’d recognize anywhere.
I was untied from the rope. Before me was Gavin’s tall frame, glowing in faint sunlight.
Next thing I knew, I was in a deep embrace.
It was warm and comforting. I relaxed my grip, though Gavin didn’t, and it actually hurt a little.
Such an embrace would melt anyone and bring tears to the eyes.
{{MC}}: Gavin…
Gavin: It’s okay. I’m here.
His voice was more tender than usual, and hearing it made me feel it was worth any peril.
Suddenly, I felt a prick on my fingertip and the metallic light from the dream flashed before my eyes. I cried out involuntarily.
{{MC}}: Look out!
My ears caught something whizzing by as a bullet sped past Gavin.
He pulled me back into him and threw us both on the ground with him covering me.
Gavin: Close your eyes.
I nodded without hesitation. Gavin smiled almost imperceptibly.
Gavin: Hold on tight.
He leaped down and his clothes billowed in the howling wind. I locked hands around his neck, heart pounding from weightlessness.
I opened my eyes to gingko leaves dancing in the wind.
It was reminiscent of that time outside the piano room.
I lowered my head and saw the scar on Gavin’s neck.
It had healed, but it still frightened me. My heart skipped another beat.
I looked up only to get lost in his clear, determined eyes that assured me everything was all right.
The slight smile also softened his dour countenance quite a lot.
I kept staring at him.
Gavin: How long are you gonna make me hold you?
{{MC}}: Huh? Oh…
I blushed and stood up.
{{MC}}: Oh! That girl! She disappeared after going into the theater building!
Gavin: That’s why you left the classroom?
{{MC}}: Yeah.
I hung my head, realizing I ignored his instructions and tailed her on my own.
{{MC}}: Did you find the girl?
Gavin: I did. She’s fine.
{{MC}}: Good!
Gavin: How about you be more careful next time?
{{MC}}: But I’m fine though– thanks to you…
I pretended to be calm, but my hand shivered a little.
{{MC}}: It’s weird though. I thought he abducted me because I was onto him.
{{MC}}: But he said something very bizarre…
Gavin: What did he say?
{{MC}}: He said only my death could bring his little sister back.
{{MC}}: Maybe I heard it wrong, since I don’t even know him, much less his sister.
{{MC}}: But was he dead set on throwing me off the rooftop… just for thwarting his kidnapping?
{{MC}}: Also, he was cuffed, yet fired a gun… Oh, were you hit?
I suddenly realized there was a lot to process in such short time and shut up.
Gavin: Wait here. I’ll be right back.
Gavin: Don’t go anywhere this time.
Gavin: And I’m fine.
He leaped into the wind and out of sight.
[Main Story 7-16]
As I waited and played back the incident, I realized my precognition ability was getting stronger.
That day, Gavin was standing in front of the old dormitory, gun drawn, demeanor cold as ice.
Gavin: Get outta here.
I screamed his name but the gale covered it up. Lucien kept me firmly behind him.
He said not to approach Gavin, that he was dangerous. I didn’t believe that, but then Gavin aimed and fired a shot at me.
I shut my eyes but only heard a clang. A few inches from me, two bullets lay at my feet.
Gavin strode toward me with a fierce expression. I froze on the spot, not knowing where to run.
He looked at Lucien and muttered without emotion.
Gavin: Take her home first, will you?
Lucien: My pleasure.
Lucien smiled wryly, showing nothing but aloofness.
They know each other? What just happened? I glanced at Gavin with a rattled heart.
Gavin: I got some other business. Let me know when you get home, and I’ll get in touch tonight.
{{MC}}: Why did you…
Gavin: If I didn’t fire, you would be lying on the ground now like those two bullets.
The bullets were real. I wasn’t in pain, but Gavin’s demeanor made me hold in any questions I had.
Gavin: I’ll explain everything, but now’s not the time.
I shivered even as I recalled it now.
The peril today was a reminder not to avoid things anymore, like finding out the truth.
I was about to call Anna when I noticed there was something glowing in my purse.
A pen recorder? And why is it still recording?
I replayed everything in my head.
I see. I must’ve inadvertently switched it on during the tussle.
My pulse suddenly raced. Does this count as evidence?
It’s been on until now and must’ve recorded everything… including what Gavin said.
My face flushed, and for the first time I wished a device didn’t have such a long battery life.
{{MC}}: I should erase the latter portion before turning it in to the police…
Gavin: Turn what in?
{{MC}}: Huh? Oh, nothing.
I put the pen behind my back and dabbed some sweat off my brow.
{{MC}}: Back so soon? I made sure to stay put this time.
I lowered my head, hoping Gavin wouldn’t notice. He just reached in and flicked some sand loose from my hair.
Gavin: Give me your hand.
{{MC}}: Huh?
He held my wrist, fished a gingko bracelet from his pocket and carefully put it on me.
{{MC}}: How did this end up with you?
Gavin: Found it on the fifth floor of the theater.
{{MC}}: Sorry, I have no idea how I lost it…
He put it on without a word, a few strands of hair falling over his eyes, brushing the bridge of his nose.
His slightly callused fingers scratched my wrist, sending warmth all the way up to my face.
Gavin: There we go.
{{MC}}: …Thanks.
Gavin clutched my hand before I could pull back.
Gavin: Just so you don’t run off and get abducted again.
My ears instantly turned flaming red. My mind went blank, and I let him lead me wherever.
All the dark clouds dispersed. The sun consumed my line of sight.
Gavin’s face seemed smoother and gentler in the scattered rays.
An indescribable emotion welled within me.
I tried to recall whether the alley or the school corridor was the first time I ever saw him.
This ill-tempered, occasionally enigmatic man that I once feared has inspired all sorts of thoughts.
{{MC}}: Gavin?
Gavin: Yeah?
{{MC}}: Can I ask you something?
Gavin: Shoot.
{{MC}}: When did you first notice me?
He paused before smiling.
Gavin: I don’t remember.
{{MC}}: Oh?
Not the answer I was looking for, especially after I put myself out there like that!
His mouth cracked wider to show that he really did remember.
He thought back to his first day of senior year, seeing a ponytailed girl under a roof on a rainy afternoon. Next to the girl was a cat that seemed to have a handkerchief draped over it.
She was nerdy-looking, but he couldn’t get his eyes off her.
He felt kind of out of place to be standing right there.
The girl turned and smiled . It was so pure and comforting, and it filled his vision.
Since then, Gavin’s been asking himself why that day was so unforgettable.
Was it those untainted, innocent eyes? He didn’t quite know.
The rain turned into a deluge. The girl clutched her shoulders, seeming to feel cold.
Something stirred in Gavin. He kicked away a can, took his jacket off to cover the girl’s head, and they charged into the rain.
It seems the girl’s forgotten about that day. Gavin tightened his grip.
Gavin: I knew who you were before you ever noticed me.
[Main Story 7-18]
Gavin took me down to the station to file a report. It was nighttime when we left.
I walked next to Gavin. His strong frame and firm strides made me feel incredibly safe.
Gavin: I can’t give the pen back to you yet, but I can make a copy of everything irrelevant to the case.
{{MC}}: It’s all right, whatever you think is the best.
“…As long as no one else hears our conversation at the end,” I thought to myself.
Gavin: You don’t have to worry about anything not relevant to the case.
{{MC}}: Hmm…
He knew what I was thinking! I blushed subtly.
{{MC}}: So what’s the status of the case?
Gavin: We found ether and a razor on him. He confessed to everything, including kidnapping you.
Gavin: His sister is what set him off. She was treated like a freak due to her powers and ran away to who knows where.
My temples suddenly pulsated when Gavin coldly made the statement.
Gavin: He infiltrated campus security trying to track down her assailant, but his real target was you all the along.
Gavin: He didn’t want to throw you off the roof. He wanted to position you on the edge to give the sniper a clear shot.
Gavin: Still remember the shot I took back at the orphanage?
Gavin: The bullet I shot down and the one from today were identical.
Chills just crawled up my spine and spread all over me.
{{MC}}: I meant to ask you, how did you notice that bullet?
Gavin: Air turbulence. I could sense it coming up behind you. And I’ve never seen a bullet like that before.
Gavin: Today marks the second time.
{{MC}}: So there’s someone behind all this?
Gavin: Yes, though the creep in custody insisted it’s all him and we couldn’t find any other leads.
Gavin: But rest assured we’re taking steps to prevent this from happening again.
{{MC}}: How can I help?
He looked into my eyes.
Gavin: Just stay safe. And trust me.
My heart skipped another beat, but it still felt like something was weighing down on my chest.
Gavin: What are you thinking?
{{MC}}: Ever since I was told of my Evol power, I’ve been thinking back on my 22 years in this world.
{{MC}}: But aside from the two car accidents and the kidnapping today, nothing like this has ever happened.
{{MC}}: Actually, I never paid much attention to the ability until today.
{{MC}}: I just never thought I’d be targeted for simply having Evol abilities.
Gavin: Are you thinking about the girl who was bullied and went missing?
{{MC}}: Yeah…
{{MC}}: It has to be heartbreaking to lose a loved one.
{{MC}}: I believe if he had found a way to save her, he wouldn’t be in jail today.
Gavin: Then I’m lucky that I had someone catch me before I hit bottom.
I could feel how he was looking at me and I hesitated to return his gaze.
The moonlight illuminated his face and showed a soft side to him I never saw before.
{{MC}}: If you had a choice, would you still want to be an Evolver?
He nodded without any pause.
Gavin: Yes.
Gavin: When there is someone I want to protect.
He focused his gaze on me, brows unfurling.
Gavin: It’s always darkest before the dawn.
I kept replaying those words until I got to my apartment building.
Darkest before the dawn… Did he go through a dark time?
Gavin went back to his usual demeanor, hands in his pockets, eyes staring off into the distance.
I & Gavin: You…
I paused and he did the same.
I & Gavin: When you…
We did it again! We looked at each other and laughed.
Gavin: You go first.
{{MC}}: Okay. I want to ask you…
I started feeling guilty again looking at Gavin’s eyes.
After all, I did lie so he wouldn’t be at the restaurant.
Gavin: What do you want to know?
He got closer, and I stammered even more.
Forget it, here it goes…
{{MC}}: Why did you give me that bloodstained letter?
He fell silent, while I lowered my head and kept it there.
Why wasn’t he saying anything? Did I say something wrong again?
I tried to peek at his face to figure out what he might be thinking, but all I saw was a frown.
{{MC}}: I… I never read it because I was too scared to.
{{MC}}: I thought it was a warning or a threat…
That shocked him. He clearly never thought I would say that.
Gavin: You thought wrong.
{{MC}}: I know… I mean, I know that now. I didn’t back then.
My voice trailed off, and he remained silent.
{{MC}}: Sorry to bring up that letter…
Gavin: It’s not important anymore.
Have I angered him?
I felt depressed all of a sudden.
{{MC}}: I’m sorry I was wrong about you on so many things, but I’ve learned the truth.
{{MC}}: You stopped those students in the alley because they lied to the teachers about you.
{{MC}}: Lynn’s owner gave you cash because you fronted his son’s medical bill.
I never opened the letter because I had the wrong idea about you.
{{MC}}: The stories going around the school at the time painted a terrible image of you.
{{MC}}: I was terrified and I had no idea how I got the letter…
Gavin: What about now?
He waited for me to respond.
{{MC}}: Well, you are ill-tempered and impatient, but not the monster they described.
{{MC}}: Nothing stops you from your goals, and you’ve got a kind heart.
{{MC}}: Well, maybe not quite kind, but very clear and open.
He took it all in, then stepped even closer, smiling a big grin.
Gavin: Apologies accepted.
Gavin: What’s in the letter is not important, now that we’ve reconnected.
[Main Story 7-20]
Sigh… still didn’t find out what was in it.
I curled my legs up to my chest, contemplating what Gavin just said.
The phone beeped with an incoming text. It was from Minor.
Message: Hit up this URL now. I spent a lot of time on this. I’ll quit if you don’t watch the whole thing.
{{MC}}: *spit*
What was he up to now? I hopped on my computer and opened up the site.
Minor’s voice started playing.
Minor: If you never saw the film “Letter in the Drawer,” you might not get that the “letter” symbolized unspoken words.
Minor: Do you have any unspoken words you wished you said? Let me share some with you.
Audience a: I regret not apologizing to my father before his car crash, for the arguments we had over my job…
Audience b: I regret not telling my boss I hope his whole family *doesn’t* die in a fire after I was let go.
Minor: Wow, that one sounded bitter. Let’s check out the next one…
That made me laugh. It was followed by callers calling in with stories of sorrow, anger and joy.
Then a familiar voice came on, even though the caller deliberately deepened his voice.
Gavin: My biggest regret? I didn’t deliver the letter to the girl personally.
My heart raced, and I moved closer to the screen.
Minor: Was it a love letter?
Gavin: No, a farewell.
Minor: Why a farewell letter?
There was a pause.
Gavin: Why should I tell you?
Minor: Come on, bro, cut me some slack, I got people listening in!
Gavin: Because… the girl said she hates people who leave without saying goodbye the most.
Leave without saying goodbye… Isn’t that what I wrote on the Post-It note in Lynn’s Kitchen?
The note popped into my mind in a flash.
My best friend that year transferred schools out of the blue. I was hurt and depressed for some time.
Did Gavin know about it too?
Minor: One last thing: can you share what you wrote in that letter?
I held my breath and, after some static interference, Gavin spoke.
Gavin: That’s not important anymore. Leave it in the past.
Gavin: We still got a lot of time together in our future.
I suddenly thought back to when I was 16.
It was a hot, humid afternoon. I was in class, looking out the window in boredom.
A boy in a loose-fitting school uniform ran by. I couldn’t make out his face.
[Main Story 7-23]
Immersed in the memory, I wasn’t aware something was happening not far from me.
In a spacious room, the humming devices had been at work for over 20 hours.
Kiro hammered the keyboard as lines of numbers flew across a screen.
He halted to type the word “Helios” one letter at a time on a login page.
The humming stopped. The screen displayed an email inbox page, flashing on the name of a message sender.
Kiro: “BLACK SWAN”.
Kiro’s low voice floated through the air like a feather in the night.
He stretched, popped open a can of soda, hit send, then took his phone off airplane mode.
The phone beeped and flashed.
I was about to hit the sack when I got a text from Gavin.
It said a message showed up in the perp’s email inbox about today’s incident sent by someone named “Black Swan”.