An Unexpected Encounter

The first twelve hours of absolute freedom had ended. It was Saturday noon, and people were starting to leave their houses while others returned to theirs. In a beautiful house in a picturesque village lived a family of four: the father, the mother, and their two daughters, Zoe, eighteen years old, and Celia, the little one at six.

After those hours of freedom came to an end, Celia, with sparkling eyes and a radiant smile, looked at her parents and asked excitedly: —Can I go play in my treehouse?

The mother frowned, hesitating, recalling the agitation of the previous night and the unsettling noises that had filled the air. However, the father, after inspecting the exterior and seeing nothing dangerous, agreed. —It's fine, but make sure to stay close and let your older sister keep an eye on you, okay? —he said reassuringly.

Celia nodded, full of energy. —Thank you, Dad!

Zoe, the older sister, looked at her little sister with a mix of love and concern. —Are you going to play in your treehouse? —Zoe asked, trying to keep her tone light. —Yes, I want to play there. Will you play with me, Zoe? —Celia asked, her face glowing with excitement.

Zoe couldn't say no. She knew that Celia had had a tough night because of the noises and the turmoil outside. The idea of indulging her a bit to relieve her tension made her smile. —Of course, I'll play with you —she replied, feeling it was a moment they both needed.

Celia jumped for joy and ran toward the tree, while Zoe lingered for a moment, looking at her phone, trying to distract herself from her worries. But soon, her sister's excitement pulled her into a happier place.

Upon reaching the treehouse, Celia realized that the ladder she usually used was missing. A knot of frustration formed in her stomach. She quickly searched for an alternative and found another ladder, which she positioned with effort. The excitement of playing with her toys drove her to climb up, imagining all the adventures that awaited.

However, when she tried to open the door to her treehouse, she couldn't do it. Something seemed to block it. —What's wrong, Celia? You can't open the door, can you? —Zoe asked from below, feeling a slight chill of concern.

Celia, visibly frustrated, asked for help. —No, I can't. Can you help me, Zoe?

—Of course, leave it to your big sister —Zoe said as she began to climb the ladder. Each step echoed like an anxious heartbeat in her chest.

Finally, after several attempts and a bit of strength, Zoe managed to force the door open. But when she did, a muffled scream escaped her. In front of them stood a figure in a black suit, with a white, faceless mask, holding a shotgun aimed directly at her head. Terror gripped Zoe, who froze for a moment. However, upon taking a closer look, she recognized the figure.

—Razer... —she whispered, her voice trembling with surprise. Her heart raced, but she didn't feel fear. He was her childhood friend, someone who had been part of her happiest days.

The masked figure lowered the shotgun slowly upon hearing her name. —Zoe... —Razer said, his deep voice now carrying a touch of vulnerability.

Zoe, relieved that he wasn't in danger, stepped forward. —You don't have to do this, Razer. I'm not your enemy. —Her tone was firm but tinged with concern.

However, just as Razer was about to respond, Zoe noticed something strange: a small pool of blood on his black suit. —Razer! —she exclaimed, alarmed—. Get inside quickly! I need to tend to you.

Razer hesitated for a moment, his gaze softening at the urgency in Zoe's voice. She was not only worried about her safety but also about him, the friend he had once been. —I don't want to cause you any trouble... —he said, hesitating.

—It doesn't matter! —Zoe insisted—. Let's go! If you don't take care of yourself, who knows what could happen?

Celia, scared but intrigued, watched from behind. Her sister's concern for this mysterious friend made her feel a bit safer. —Can I help? —Celia asked, her small voice determined.

Zoe looked at her sister and then at Razer, feeling this was the only way to keep them both safe. —Yes, Celia, come here. We need to get Razer out of here. —With a firm look, she signaled Razer—. You have no choice. You need to come.

With no time to lose, Razer nodded and slipped inside the treehouse. Zoe closed the door behind them, ensuring they were safe. The sound of their hearts beating in unison filled the space as a new uncertainty filled the air.

As she approached him, Zoe felt the adrenaline fade away, leaving only worry and determination. —Let's see what happened to you —she said as she searched for a way to treat the wound she had seen.

As shadows closed in around them, a new chapter in their lives began, filled with danger and hope. The freedom they had enjoyed had turned into a struggle to save a friend and protect themselves. Razer's words echoed in Zoe's mind, and she realized that what was coming could change their lives forever.