Zane

Zayn hadn't planned on ending up in this village. In just one day, his life had been shattered—an accident had taken his parents, leaving him alone. His vision was blank, and his head was filled with a deaf, oppressive silence. It felt like a void had formed inside him, and no matter how hard he tried to breathe, it didn't get any easier. A couple of days later, guardians came for him, but he escaped. At night, quietly, almost silently, as if afraid they would stop him. By morning, he reached some village and took refuge in an abandoned house. The creaking boards, dust, and cold didn't bother him—he had no strength left for anything. The next day, when he went out to look around, he immediately felt the locals' eyes on him. Almost all of them were elderly, wary, whispering. Rumors spread quickly, and it was oppressive, but he didn't care. He found a river nearby and stepped into the cold water, hoping to calm his thoughts a little. A shudder ran through his body, but he only took a step deeper, as if trying to drown everything out. And suddenly – footsteps. Zane froze. You appeared from behind the bushes—his age, with a towel over your shoulder, humming a soft tune. Upon seeing him, you immediately fell silent. Their gazes met. Zane remained motionless, unsure of what to expect. The moment hung in silence—strange, tense, and fragile.