April 5, 2000

"MOM!" He said getting ready for school, ''What is it, Ethan?"... "Where is my assignment file," Ethan asked emerging downstairs. "how do I know, where did you leave your summer work, It's Your file". After looking for his assignment Ethan got tired and sat at the table and started a conversation with his mom. "I swear, I put it on my desk last night," he said eating the bagel that she served... "Then, it must be there just look carefully you will find it". He groaned at her words as he stretched his body, hearing His mom playfully nagging me he whined. "look at you, acting like you just came out of labor," Saying that she started to eat her toast. "it's not about the laboring Mom, it's about the file I swear to god mom, something is fishy in this house, someone steals our stuff late at night when no ones awake. Hearing Ethan's words she looked up from her paper and chuckled at his words shaking her head. "Yeah, Yeah all they find to steal is your homework in this place now, don't they? Sarcasm was dripping from her words. Ignoring her mother's statement, Ethan spoke again. "It's not just the homework mom, it's my socks your bracelet, and many other stuff that went missing earlier this month". He exclaimed while gulping down the glass of milk and looking at her with a tired expression. Sighing at his dramatic expression, she put her paper down and said in a done tone. "Mr. Dramatic ass, will you look at the sofa table there is an amusing thing sitting right there," As Ethan's Mom told him to look at the sofa side table he turned around only to see his file lying on the table, looking back at her he grins at her sheepishly. "That's why you're the best mom in the world," he said winking at her. Shaking her head at his behavior she said. "Stop, buttering me you brat, and wear your shoes I will drive you off to school" Hearing his mom's order he got up from his chair and ran up to the table picked up his file put it in his bag, zipped the bag carefully he picked up the house keys and went towards the door to wear the shoes. Upon making sure everything was with him that he needed for his first day, He walked out of the house and walked toward the car, he went inside the car and waited for his mom to come out after Ethan's mom sat inside the car turned on the engine, He looked up from detangling his headphones and asked. "Mom, Where is Dad I haven't seen him at all yesterday and today at the table he wasn't there either". Waiting for her answer he started to detangle his earphones again, sensing the silence he again looked up expecting an answer to feel Mom tensing up at his words, but after a few minutes passed in silence, as he was going to say something again his mom started to talk."Your father came home late last night that's why he was sleeping, and that's how you didn't see him on the dining table". Nodding at the answer he went back to the headphones sensing the awkward tension he kept his lips shut, Listening to his mind wander to his mother's being down as he spoke earlier, before he could talk again and ask his mom to speak again. "Alright kiddo, your school has arrived make sure to behave and have a lot of fun on your first day of high school". Groaning at her words he puffed his cheeks in embarrassment and told her in a whining tone, "Geez, Mom it sounds like you're taking me to the kindergarten". Hearing his reply a smile appears on her face, as he looks from the review mirror he sees her holding back her giggles. "Aww, I remember the day I took you to the kindergarten, for the first time you started crying holding my legs and not letting me go, telling me to not let go of you it took your teacher 30 minutes to get you off my back". groaning at the embarrassing memory he looked at her in the eyes and smiles at her. "Bye, Mom". Speaking softly and kissing her cheek as he opened the door of the car, she chuckled as he got out of the car. "Bye baby". Saying those words Mom drives away...

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'Whistle!!'

"Everyone should be in their positions - that's what it takes to form a team. As I stood in mine, I wondered what was happening. According to high school rules, everyone must participate in at least one co-curricular activity. Engaged in conversation with my friend, I heard a voice behind me. "Hey, kid, what's your name?" The coach asked, approaching me with a firm stride. "Ethan, Ethan-Oscar Clint," I replied, trying to sound confident despite my fear, eyeing the coach's imposing physique. "Ethan, huh?" He repeated my name, lost in thought for a moment before snapping back to attention. "Yes, Sir," I added, trying to break the silence. After a few minutes of observation, he spoke in a professional tone, "Ethan, come here and try to basket a ball."I sensed the sternness in his tone and walked up to him, taking the ball from his hand. With the ball in my possession, I entered the marked area, assumed the stance, and prepared to make a basket. As I began my approach, the rival team blocked my path, but I deftly dodged the obstacles and continued toward the basket. With a deep breath, I released the ball, hoping for a successful shot. Time seemed to slow down as I awaited the outcome, my heartbeat racing, sweat dripping, and teeth chattering. But as the ball swished through the net, a triumphant grin spread across my face. I glanced up to see my friends giving me a thumbs-up. "Good job, kid! Nice shot!" the coach exclaimed, whistling in approval. As I returned to the team, the coach stopped me and patted my shoulder. "Alright, everyone! Let's form our team and begin practice!" With those words, we resumed our training, energized and motivated."

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Time skip:

  After an hour of practice, the period was done and the girls went out to god knows where. Seeing everyone leaving he headed towards the locker room to change back into his normal clothes, Upon taking out his clothes he searched for an empty washroom to fresh n up, opening the door he went inside and locked the stall, taking off my uniform he turned on the shower at the cold temperature and started to relax against the water, the droplets felt like heaven as they were running down on his sore body washing the sweat away, it felt like the fire was cooling down as the water was doing its magic, the muscles were relaxing as he scrubbed his body it felt so peaceful. sighing in pleasure Ethan massaged his scalp. He just wanted to stay there, after taking a long shower he put on his clothes went out to collect his stuff, and left the lockers. "EJ!!" walking in the hallway He stopped as he yelled at his nickname he looked up he grinned at his best friend "HEY, SHORTY" Ethan yelled back holding back his laughter as hearing the nickname Ethan's best friend glared at him. "I'M NOT SHORTY, YOU PIECE OF SHIT". He yelled back in mocked annoyance as he walked towards the laughing boy... With his tie loose and a bag slung over his shoulder, he sauntered beside Ethan, a goofy grin still plastered on his face. "So, how's your day going?" Ethan asked, already anticipating his response. Sure enough, he replied, "Awesome, I've got the hottest girlfriend!" hearing his Ethan rolled his eyes good-naturedly and playfully whacked the back of his head. "You and your dumbass," Ethan teased, chuckling. He yelped in mock pain, then retorted, "You're just jealous I've got someone and you don't." Scoffing at this silly question Ethan said. "Jealous? Me? Never!" Ethan shoved him lightly, still chuckling. Truthfully, Ethan has never been interested in relationships; his sole focus is on studying hard this year and enjoying his promised vacation with his parents. "Come on, we've still got three periods left before we can escape this misery," Ethan said, urging him forward. He groaned, clinging to me and whining in my ear, "Can we ditch class?" His question left me wondering, but...Ethan simply shook his head and carried the weight of their combined reluctance to class, chuckling as he rejected his friend's proposal. With a playful shrug, he gestured for his friend to follow, and they both headed to their next period, the whining and teasing continuing as they went."

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Ethan's POV:

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I packed up my belongings and exited the campus, expecting to see my mom waiting for me at the entrance. But, scanning the area, I couldn't spot her anywhere. Unusual, since she was always punctual. I stood there, wondering where she might be when a hand on my shoulder broke my trance. Turning around, I found Lex grinning at me with his signature goofy expression. "Dude, why the confused cat face?" he asked, chuckling. I smiled and ruffled his hair, like a big brother would, and explained, "Just wondering where mom is. Weirdly, she'd forget about me." Lex shrugged, "She's probably stuck somewhere. It's not like the world's ending." His nonchalance made me consider the possibility. "Yeah, but—" I started to say, but Lex cut in, "Just call her, dude!" he suggested, making sense.

"Why didn't I think of that before?" I exclaimed, pulling out my phone to call my mom. But, to my surprise, the call wouldn't go through. "The number you're dialing is unreachable." That was weird - my mom's number never went out of reach. I was lost in thought, my mind racing with possibilities. "Now, what?" I muttered, feeling a bit helpless. But then, Alex spoke up, "Hey, come with me, my mom can drop you off at your place." A grin spread across my face as I considered the offer. "Yeah, that's a great idea!" I said, grabbing my bag. As we drove to my house, I chatted with Alex's mom, feeling a bit more at ease. But when we arrived, I noticed something odd - my mom's car was parked outside, yet she hadn't come to pick me up. I wondered why as I got out of the car and opened the front door. "MOM, I'M HOME!" I called out, but the silence was deafening. I slipped off my shoes and stepped inside, feeling a sense of unease. As I walked in I noticed the lights were all off there was only darkness. Alright, this is so weird why isn't Mom replying "Mom" I called again walking inside the house and turning on the lights to make the creepy feeling go away I went towards the living room and there was no sign of Mom or Dad but the weird part was the tv was On, checking again in the living room and making sure that no one was there, I then went towards the kitchen only to find no one there, but the baking oven was on, I looked around again and turned off the oven as I went towards the garden, was empty as well and there was no sign of anyone only the few can of what seems like the can of beers, frustrated at this whole situation I throw my bag at the floor and went upstairs climbed the stair, heading upstairs to check and the lights were upstairs was off as well, walking towards the switch board I turned on the lights I looked around and that's when I sniffed the air and the weird smell went through my nose, disgusted with the smell I felt... "As I stepped inside, the putrid smell hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt my stomach churn, and my nose wrinkled in disgust. The stench was like nothing I'd ever smelled before - it was as if an animal had decayed on the street. Following the scent, I made my way to my parents' room, covering my nose with my shirt. As I entered, I coughed, my eyes scanning the room for the source of the smell. That's when I saw it - a pool of red liquid on the floor. My heart raced as I realized it was blood. I took a step back, my eyes fixed on the liquid, and that's when I saw it - a foot, lifeless and still. I felt my world crashing down around me. My heart stopped, and I fell to my knees, a scream escaping my lips. "MOM!"

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To.be.continued