The Cozy Noir gradually emptied as the day waned, leaving Zeke and Amun to linger in the fading light that filtered through the café's windows. As the last patron bid them goodnight and Amun began the process of closing up shop, Zeke rose from his seat with a sense of quiet resolve.

"Thanks for everything, Amun," Zeke said, his voice tinged with appreciation. "I'll see you tomorrow." Amun offered a warm smile in return, his eyes reflecting a silent understanding. "Take care, Zeke," he replied softly. "And remember, I'm here if you need anything."

With a nod of gratitude, Zeke stepped out into the cool night air, his thoughts swirling with a maelstrom of emotions. The events of the past days had left him reeling, his heart heavy with the weight of secrets and uncertainties. But amidst the chaos, one thing remained clear: he needed answers, and he needed them now.

Making his way through the deserted streets of the village, Zeke felt a sense of urgency gnawing at his insides. Every step brought him closer to the truth—or so he hoped. As he reached the familiar facade of his family home, he paused, steeling himself for what lay ahead.

The house loomed before him, its windows dark and foreboding against the night sky. Zeke's heart pounded in his chest as he slipped through the front door, his movements careful and deliberate.

Silent as a shadow, Zeke crept up the stairs to his room, the floorboards creaking softly beneath his feet. With bated breath, he turned the handle of his bedroom door and slipped inside, his heart racing with anticipation.

But as Zeke flicked on the light switch, his breath caught in his throat at the sight that greeted him. His room lay in disarray, his belongings scattered haphazardly across the floor. It was as if a storm had torn through the very fabric of his existence, leaving chaos and destruction in its wake.

Zeke's hands trembled as he surveyed the scene before him, his mind racing with a thousand unanswered questions. What had happened here? And more importantly, who had done this?

Suddenly, a sound echoed from the darkness—a soft shuffle followed by the unmistakable click of a lock. Zeke's blood ran cold as he spun around to confront the intruder, his heart hammering in his chest.

In the dim light, a figure emerged from the shadows, their features obscured by the darkness. "Who's there?" Zeke demanded, his voice trembling with fear. A familiar voice pierced the silence, sending a shiver down Zeke's spine. "Hello, Zeke," it whispered, dripping with malice and contempt. "Miss me?

Zeke's breath caught in his throat as he recognized the voice of his father, Adam, standing before him with a sinister grin. "What do you want?" Zeke demanded, his voice laced with defiance.

Adam's laughter rang out in the darkness, chilling Zeke to the bone. "What do I want?" he scoffed, his eyes glinting with madness. "I want you to suffer, just like you've made me suffer."

With a sudden surge of rage, Adam lunged forward, his fists clenched in fury. Zeke stumbled backward, his heart pounding in his chest as he braced himself for the inevitable onslaught.

But before Adam could reach him, Zeke's instincts kicked into overdrive, his body moving on pure instinct. With a burst of speed, he darted past his father and made a break for the door, his heart racing with adrenaline.

As Zeke fled into the night, his mind raced with a million thoughts and fears. But amidst the chaos, one thing remained clear: he couldn't stay here any longer. With his father's madness closing in around him, Zeke knew that he had to escape, no matter the cost.

As he disappeared into the darkness, Zeke made a silent vow to himself—to run away, never to return. Even though it might make his mother sad and she won't know what's going on, it doesn't matter since he'll never hurt her. Little did he know that the journey ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but with Amun's unwavering support, Zeke knew that he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.