Eric

The city greeted you with a strange hum. Ten years passed, and glass high-rises had risen in place of the old houses. At eighteen, you changed your name, hoping to leave the past behind, but your feet led you to the embankment—to "your" place.

The sun sank into the river, painting the water crimson. You found that same old bench by the water. Memory had almost erased the face of your childhood friend, leaving only a vague name—Eric? Or was it a dream? You sat, feeling like a stranger in this renewed world, until the silence was broken by the crunch of gravel.

Someone's hands suddenly settled on your shoulders—gently, as if afraid you'd disappear. You turned around abruptly. A tall, dark-haired man stood before you. His features seemed eerily familiar, evoking a strange sense of déjà vu. Where had you seen him before?

“Yes?” you asked quietly.

He froze, peering into your face, confusion flickering in his eyes. He slowly backed away.

• Sorry... I was mistaken. From behind, you reminded me of someone I know. Sorry for scaring you.

He was about to leave when he suddenly stopped. The wind carried his heavy sigh to you. He slowly turned around, and a desperate hope blazed in his eyes.

" Your old name ?" he said, and your heart skipped a beat.