A Moment of Calm…

Chapter Twenty-One – A Moment of Calm…

– "And that's… everything that happened since you lost consciousness until you woke up a few hours ago," Ibrahim said as he looked seriously into Unknown's eyes.

Unknown sighed after hearing what had happened…

Everything he'd experienced was strange.

– "When will we understand what's going on? How long will I remain ignorant of all this?"

At that moment, words that he had always kept dormant in his mind suddenly flared to life—

Words he had never truly paid attention to before…

Be stronger. Be stronger. Be stronger.

If you become stronger, everything will be solved.

But if you remain weak… everything will stay as it is.

But… there was something else Unknown noticed.

Something Ibrahim hadn't mentioned.

He suddenly asked:

– "Uncle Ibrahim, why is my body healing so quickly?"

Ibrahim looked at him and answered honestly:

– "I don't know."

When Unknown heard that, he didn't say much more.

If Uncle Ibrahim knew something, he'd tell him.

And if he didn't… then perhaps he was hiding it for what he believed to be a good reason.

An awkward silence filled the space between them.

Then Ibrahim decided to break it with a smile and said:

– "Unknown, I've made a decision… we're going on a trip today!"

After all the strange events, Ibrahim couldn't think of a better way to ease the pressure than with a simple getaway.

As for Unknown, he seemed relieved. He nodded in agreement…

He needed something—anything—to lift the heavy weight off his chest.

But suddenly, he remembered that he had promised Adam they'd go somewhere together in two days.

He thought for a moment, then took out his phone and wrote to Adam:

"We'll have a lot to talk about next week.

As for our plan in two days, let's postpone it for now.

See you… I'm heading somewhere and won't be taking my phone."

Then Unknown asked Ibrahim:

– "Where are we going?"

Ibrahim replied with a smile:

– "To a very beautiful place… not known by many.

But it's perfect for relaxing."

They got in the car, and after hours of driving, they arrived at a large lake, surrounded by forests from all sides.

Unknown stepped out of the car and couldn't help but whisper:

– "Stunning views…"

Ibrahim laughed and said:

– "This is just the beginning!

Now let me show you the truly breathtaking part of this place.

It'll take some time… but you're going to love it."

He continued:

– "Let's set up the tent and get ready for a barbecue…

Then we'll go for a swim."

Most of the day passed surrounded by nature, food, and laughter.

Until… the awaited moment arrived.

At night, under a sky scattered with stars, with the galactic ring clearly visible…

Ibrahim pulled something out from near the tent—a large circular wooden platform, big enough for three or four people.

He pushed it toward the water, and it gently floated atop the surface.

Ibrahim said:

– "Come on, let's get on."

Unknown climbed aboard, followed by Ibrahim, who brought some paddles and placed them at the side of the circle.

They both lay down, gazing up at the sky.

Unknown felt something strange… something wonderful.

The water embraced him from every side…

as if the surface of the lake had become his bed,

and the starlight—his blanket.

He whispered softly:

– "Amazing…"

And as time passed, drowsiness overtook them…

And they slept…

Riding that floating circle,

washing away their exhaustion,

catching their breath.

Ready to begin again,

with renewed resolve to face whatever may come…

…Or at least, that's how it was supposed to be.

Haaa-tchooo!! (The sound of a sneeze.)