I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and more alive.
The morning view was incredibly breathtaking. The soft rays of the sun gently kissed my skin through the window, giving my room that warm gentle glow.
I stretched my limbs tiredly and crept out of my bed which was looking more tempting and inviting than ever before, but I didn't give in to it.
I headed straight to the bathroom and had my bath putting on a simple white tee and joggers with my yellow with white striped sneakers to match.
I put on a little makeup consisting of a light mascara and a swipe of lip gloss enough to feel ready for the day.
I planned on taking a walk around the neighborhood to explore and know more about Halewoods.
Looking in the mirror I caught sight of the picture frame of me and my parents. I felt a wave of sadness threaten to
wash over me but decided to hold back any sad thoughts and put on a small smile
"They would be so proud of me now."
Shaking off that gloomy feeling, I made my way downstairs to fix myself some breakfast.
Since I hadn't gone grocery shopping in a while, I had no idea of what to make but still had a little grocery remaining.I finished the last of the leftover pizza.
Found myself tidying up, making sure everything in the house was in check — mostly to waste time, if I was being honest. I wasn't much of a fan of the outside, but today felt different. The soft rustling of leaves outside and the distant chirping of birds teased at the edges of my curiosity.
Maybe Halewoods wouldn't be so bad after all.
---
Heading outside, I was welcomed by a calm and quiet atmosphere. The air felt crisp and refreshing carrying a cool relaxing gentle breeze that brushed softly against my skin giving me a sense of calm.
The weather must have shifted while I was freshening up. The gentle breeze and cool air wrapped the town in a peaceful calm.
The neighborhood was calm, people minding their own business without causing unnecessary noise or drama which I loved the most honestly speaking.
Although people were going around doing their work and all, cars moving from one destination to another, no loud honking or annoying shouts, there were no rowdy people hanging around aimlessly or ragged–looking people walking around the neighborhood.
Everybody here seemed to know where they were headed and had an aim in their footsteps and everything here looked so organized and in its place and I immediately knew that this was the best decision I ever made.
I continued walking a short distance from my house, taking in the neat rows of houses and the soft rustling of leaves overhead. The faint scent of fresh flowers and leaves from tree branches drifted through the air, mixing with the cool air of the morning.
Up ahead, I spotted a small mart tucked neatly at the corner of the street.
_ _ _ _ _
Inside, it was simple but tidy, with shelves stacked with different items. I made my way to the groceries section and grabbed enough supplies to last me a month, give or take. And of course, I stocked up on snacks — a non-negotiable for me. I can't survive without something to munch on.
By the time I was done, my shopping cart was full to the brim. Well I didn't care to be bothered to have packed this much but I really wouldn't mind coming back here for more.
Making sure I had all my necessities and doing some double checking I made my way to the counter.
The first thing I noticed in the cashier's features were his sharp, striking blue eyes which met mine instantly— bright and intense, like they could see through me. His skin was a warm tan, his black curls falling perfectly into place. And yeah… he was ridiculously good-looking.
"Ma'am….Ma'am"
I was quickly brought back to my senses.
He had a sly smirk on his face.
Oh my gosh, he must have caught me checking him out shamelessly.
"Sorry I was just... I mean" my face heating up and I could swear I saw his smirk deepened
"You must be new here," he states as he unloads my stuff on the counter.
"Yeah" I reply, feeling my cheeks burn more because of the amount of groceries I was buying.
Thankfully he didn't seem judgemental about it though– which I'm really grateful for.
"Well Halewoods doesn't normally have new visitors " he added with a hint of curiosity in his tone.
"Just needed a fresh start… leave some things behind –I guess".
He let out a soft chuckle.
"I love it here though," I continued trying to fill in the silence. "feels calm, peaceful and welcoming"
But he only chuckled again. At this point I was curious about his action and I had to ask
"Why are you laughing?" I gave a little chuckle myself.
He just shook his head and tilted it slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes "nothing it's just exactly everything newcomers say anytime they arrive."
I raised a brow, intrigued."Oh? Well I guess it's a first–time experience thing for us then" I said.
He smiled, his grin making the corners of his eyes crinkle in a way that was surprisingly charming and continued with packing my things.
"By the way I'm Aaron" he introduced himself casually.
I smiled and gave a small nod too "Aurora."
"Such a beautiful name for a gorgeous woman" he compliments.
I felt my cheeks getting flushed again but mumbled a small "thank you."
The silence that followed was surprisingly comfortable — a soft, easy quiet that didn't beg to be filled.
But I still have some questions on his previous comment about Halewoods and the newcomers.
It was really itching me to ask because of my sheer curiosity.
"Uhmm Aaron what did you say about newcomers –and why? If you don't mind me asking"
He cast a quick glance at me, his expression unreadable "well it's no surprise that you'd be curious" with a tilt of the head he added "it's just a first of what they see."
His smile widened making his smile lines more visible.
He didn't elaborate but I had a feeling of uneasiness because he knew something I didn't know about Halewoods, and I'm sure because he's been here longer.
"I'll get going then" I say as he nodded and continued with my groceries.
I watched as he packaged everything and I paid him.
"I hope you have a great time here" he said as he gave me my stuffs
"Thank you" I replied and left the store. He was a kind gentleman there.
Aaron had been kind… and a little mysterious. I appreciated the friendly conversation, but something about what he said — and didn't say — left me feeling more curious than ever.
As I left, I couldn't shake the feeling of his eyes lingering on me, his smirk still flickering in my memory.
I checked the sky and saw how the clouds had turned gloomy.
I immediately checked the time on my phone and oh my– it was already afternoon but the weather said otherwise.
I didn't really put much mind to it and continued my journey back home.
The air smelled fresh, like leaves after rain which felt satisfying. I breathed it in, savoring the clean scent as I made my way home.
The trees here always seemed to whisper, hinting that they supplied the freshest air to their citizens.
Turning onto my street, I felt it — a shift in the air. Thick. Heavy. Tense.
And surprisingly at that moment there was nobody in sight.
Just….wow.
I quickly hastened my steps.
And then — something in the bushes caught my eye.
A shadow.
I couldn't make out its body, but its eyes… those eyes. Bright gold, shining even in the dim light, fixed on me. I swear I saw a glint of fangs.
I froze, too terrified to scream. My mind screamed at my body to run. In my panicked attempt to move, my foot caught on the uneven pavement. I fell hard, a sharp pain shooting through my ankle as my things scattered across the ground.
Luckily, a kind stranger rushed over, kneeling beside me.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning me for injuries.
I couldn't speak. My hand shot up, pointing frantically toward the spot where I'd seen the creature. But to my utter shock — it was gone.
The stranger followed my gaze, his brows knitting in confusion. "You shouldn't be out here alone," he warned, though he clearly hadn't seen a thing.
Maybe he didn't… but I did.
And I know that I did in fact see a creature
there.
And somehow, deep down, I knew this was just the beginning.
Aaron's words echoed in my mind. The warning he gave me earlier.