The night was draped in a curtain of shadows as Elliot hurried through the dimly lit streets of Willowbrook. His footsteps echoed in the empty alleys, and the occasional streetlight flickered overhead. A sense of urgency filled him as he fumbled for his phone, the screen illuminating his worried expression.

ring ring

"Eli," Elliot answered breathlessly, his voice barely audible over the distant hum of traffic.

Eli: Hey, do you know how late you are?

Elliot: Yes... I'm 5 minutes late...?

His steps quickened as he continued the conversation, the chilly night air biting at his skin. The conversation with Eli was punctuated with impatience, Eli's voice carrying a mix of annoyance and concern. The mention of their house brought a pang of homesickness, a stark reminder of their parents and sister who were now just memories.

Elliot starts to walk

Eli: Yes, yes you are. You are really slow getting here... Geez, does it really take that long just to get to our house?

Elliot: Yeah, it does. Not really happy it takes this long to get home.

Eli: Well anyway, you're late, and you're also late to play with me on the Nimtendo lunch. You said we could hang out!

Elliot: Yes, we will hang out and play the Nimtendo buuut... you'll have to wait just a bit longer...

Eli: Fine, fine. I'm okay with you kinda being late, but as long as you keep your promise.

Elliot: Wait, what prom-

Eli: That's not important right now.

Elliot: Eli...

Eli: So when are ya gonna be here?

Elliot: Uh, I'll be there innn-

Elliot stops walking

Eli: Elliot?

Elliot: I'm gonna have to call you back...

Eli: Wait, what? Elliot, what happ-

Elliot ends the call

Elliot looked around anxiously, his heart pounding in his chest. He spotted an alleyway, the darkness within seeming to swallow all light. Unnerved, he cautiously approached, phone still clutched tightly in his hand. In the dim glow of a flickering streetlamp, he saw a figure huddled on the ground, a silhouette painted in blood and shadows.

"U-um... are you o-okay?!" Elliot stammered, concern etched across his face.

Stranger: Um, why are you out here late at night?

Elliot: And why are you sitting on the ground covered in blood, with what it looks like a wound?

Stranger: Fair enough.

A sense of dread settled over Elliot. "Wait, what?? Covered in blood?!"

Stranger: ...

Elliot: It looks like you aren't okay...

Stranger: I'm fine.

The stranger attempted to stand, but his wobbly legs betrayed his weakness. Elliot's concern deepened, overshadowing his fear. "See, you can't even stand up. That's it!"

Stranger: What's what?

Elliot: I'm taking you to my house.

Stranger: You can't be serious...

Elliot: Well, I am.

Determination sparkled in Elliot's eyes as he gently helped Jacob, the stranger, to his feet.

Elliot: So, um, can you tell me your name at least?

Jacob looked at Elliot, his eyes revealing a flicker of vulnerability beneath the weariness. After a moment of silence, he sighed.

Stranger: Fine, I'll tell you my name. It's Jacob, Jacob Cohen. And what's yours?

Elliot: My name is Elliot, Elliot Carson.

Jacob: It's, um, nice to meet you, I guess.

Elliot: Yeah, it's nice to meet you too, Jacob.

With Jacob leaning on him for support, Elliot guided him towards the warmth and safety of his home, the mysterious encounter marking the beginning of a bond that neither of them could have anticipated.

10 minutes later

Elliot: Ah, we are finally at my house! Oh, uh, you're still alive, right?

Jacob: Yes, I'm still alive.

Elliot: Good.

Elliot knocked on the door

Door opened

Eli: Does it really take you 20 minutes just to get to th-

Elliot: Uh, hi?

Chapter end