The day of the Science Fair dawned, and the Institute of Science and Innovation thrummed with energy. Students proudly showcased their projects, transforming the hall into a vibrant tapestry of creativity and intellect, while judges meandered through the aisles, jotting down notes and posing inquisitive questions.

Rafa felt a whirlwind of nerves and determination as he walked beside Marisol, weaving through the sea of colorful exhibits. The atmosphere crackled with excitement, punctuated by the lively chatter of students and bursts of laughter that echoed off the walls. Yet, a nagging sense of unease lingered in Rafa’s mind, an instinctual feeling that something ominous lurked just beneath the surface.

“Ready for this?” Marisol asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as they approached her booth. Two figures stood nearby, their proud expressions unmistakable. “These are my parents,” she introduced, her voice filled with warmth. “Mom, Dad, this is Rafa.”

“Hey there!” her father boomed, extending a sturdy hand. Rafa shook it enthusiastically, his grip firm and confident.

Before he could fully take in the moment, Marisol’s mother clasped his hand warmly with both of hers, her excitement practically radiating. “Rafa! I’ve heard so much about you!”

“Oh really?” Rafa replied, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “All good things, I hope.”

“Absolutely! Marisol can’t seem to stop talking about you back home,” her mother replied, beaming.

Marisol rolled her eyes, a teasing smile dancing on her face. “Okay, Mom, that’s enough. Let’s not exaggerate,” she said, blushing.

Rafa’s expression softened, his eyes burning with affection as he looked at her.

“Mijita, we’re just introducing ourselves!” her mother exclaimed, laughter in her voice. “I’m Gloria, and this is my husband, Carlos.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Medina,” Rafa said, his tone sincere. “Your daughter is amazing, and I hear she’s the queen of science around these parts.”

Mr. Medina puffed out his chest with pride, a grin stretching across his face. “Yes, Marisol is exceptionally smart. I just know she’s going to win again.”

Marisol glanced at the schedule, her excitement bubbling over. “Guys, I think I’m up next,” she said, winking at Rafa.

Rafa’s gaze drifted across the room, landing on a stranger who stood by his exhibit—a massive, shrouded structure that had already drawn a crowd of intrigued onlookers. A knot twisted in Rafa’s stomach at the sight; he could feel it in his bones—reminiscent of the discomfort he felt with Marisol’s neighbor the day before.

“Rafa, over here!” Marisol’s voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to her side just as the judges approached. She quickly adjusted her project display, a complex model that showcased her scientific hypothesis with precision and care.

The judges greeted her, their faces lighting up as they congratulated her again on last year’s triumph.

With renewed enthusiasm, she began to explain her project, her passion radiating through every word. Rafa watched, mesmerized by how her whole demeanor transformed when she spoke about her work—the way her eyes sparkled, and her smile widened as she shared her insights.

The judges nodded, clearly impressed, peppering her with questions about her methods and findings. Yet, despite her brilliance, Rafa found it hard to concentrate fully; his gaze kept drifting back to the stranger, who seemed to watch them with a predatory glint in his eye, a silent storm brewing just beneath the surface.

Time flew by, and Marisol’s presentation concluded with enthusiastic applause from the judges, who praised her innovative approach. “You have a bright future ahead, Miss Medina,” one judge remarked, a warm smile spreading across his face. “We can’t wait to see where you go from here.”

“Thank you so much!” Marisol beamed. “I really hope to make a difference with my work.”

As the judges scribbled notes and exchanged excited murmurs about Marisol’s impressive ideas, one of them glanced at the schedule and announced, “Up next is Henry Garibay!” They looked up, scanning the crowd for him. “Henry?” one of them called out, a hint of curiosity in their voice. But no one answered.

A subtle shift occurred among the judges, their expressions turning from admiration to mild confusion as they glanced at each other, eyebrows raised.

At that moment, the voice of the stranger that Rafa had been observing sliced through the buzzing atmosphere, laced with a menacing edge. “Ladies and gentlemen!” he boomed, his tone dripping with unsettling authority. “Prepare yourselves for a demonstration of true science—one where magic… collides with reality!”

The room fell silent, a palpable tension hanging in the air as all eyes shifted to him, a collective breath held in anticipation. “For those who don’t know me, my name is Henry Garibay,” he announced, his voice echoing slightly in the stillness. He paused, scanning the audience for a reaction, but was met with an awkward silence that stretched uncomfortably.

“Very well then,” he said, his words carrying a trace of impatience. With a dramatic flourish, he yanked the cover off his exhibit, revealing a large glass capsule filled with a glowing liquid that pulsed ominously. Inside, suspended in the eerie glow, was Professor Nicanor—his head grotesquely split open, eyes closed as if he were trapped in a deep, unnatural slumber.

Gasps rippled through the crowd, their expressions shifting from confusion to horror as the reality of Henry’s twisted display settled in. “What is the meaning of this?!” demanded one of the judges, stepping forward, clearly disturbed.

“Do not panic!” Henry said, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. “This is simply a demonstration of what I’ve been working on all year. As you can see, Professor Nicanor here has volunteered for a revolutionary experiment. Like me, he believed in the potential of consciousness transfer, and now he’s the first living subject of my groundbreaking research!”

Marisol’s eyes widened in shock, disbelief washing over her. She could almost hear Professor Nicanor’s warm laughter, remembering the way he would excitedly discuss his latest theories with her after class, his passion for science igniting a spark in her own heart. He had so much to live for—his family, his groundbreaking work, and the countless students he inspired. The thought of him willingly agreeing to this horrific experiment was unfathomable.

“There’s no way he agreed to this!” she cried out, her voice rising above the murmurs of the crowd, the warmth of her memory quickly fading into a storm of anger.

“Oh, but he did,” Henry retorted, waving a letter in the air like a trophy. “Here’s a signed document from Professor Nicanor himself, permitting me to conduct this experiment. A true hero willing to sacrifice his body for the advancement of science!”

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The judge skimmed over the document a few times before looking up, his expression grim. “It’s true,” he confirmed, disbelief etched across his features.

Whispers spread through the room like wildfire, and Henry clapped his hands once in celebration. “Perfecto!” he announced, his voice booming with triumph.

“Look alive, folks! Today, we are going to save a life, I promise,” he added, glancing pointedly at Marisol.

With a dramatic flair, he leaned against the glass chamber, a wide grin plastered across his face. “This machine can preserve a person’s body, halting diseases such as cancer—frozen in time, if you will.”

Marisol, although still in shock, found her curiosity piqued, and Henry seized the moment to fuel her intrigue. “Once the body is in the pod, the person’s consciousness is extracted and stored inside a computer. Now, normally, we would have to wait for a cure before transferring consciousness back into a healthy body. But today, we don’t have to wait at all! We have a perfectly healthy body right here, thanks to Professor Nicanor. His consciousness has already been stored, and his body is ready for a new mind,” he said, casting a glance at Mr. Medina.

Marisol’s expression shifted, her face a storm of anger and confusion. “What are you saying, Henry?” she demanded, her voice rising.

“Oh, come on! Isn’t it obvious?” Henry replied, his tone almost playful. “Mr. Medina, I’m well aware of your condition, and I invite you to take part in my experiment. If you step into the pod adjacent to Professor Nicanor, I can extract your consciousness and place it into his cancer-free body.”

Gasps filled the room once again, and Marisol’s blood began to boil. “How dare you!?” she shouted, her voice cutting through the tension. “My dad is not some lab rat for you to experiment on! I don’t care what documentation you have. Professor Nicanor would never agree to something so inhumane!”

Henry’s expression hardened as he felt his frustration simmer just beneath the surface. “Look, understand that I have worked tirelessly on this, Marisol,” he said, his voice low and tense.

Marisol’s eyes flashed with anger, her disbelief evident. “Understand?! You’re crossing a line, Henry! This isn’t science; it’s a perversion of everything we believe in!”

As the atmosphere thickened with tension, Henry fought to maintain his composure. He could feel the anger welling up inside of him, but he forced himself to keep his voice steady. “I did this for you, Marisol. I thought that-”

“That what? That I’d fall for you?” Marisol shot back, incredulous, her tone laced with disbelief. “Please, Henry. I’m nice to you because we’re neighbors. There’s nothing more to it. Besides,” she added firmly, grabbing onto Rafa's arm, “I’m with Rafa.”

Henry felt the fury boiling within him, his control slipping as her words struck like daggers. He opened his mouth to respond, his anger threatening to erupt, but just as he was about to unleash his frustration, Mr. Medina stepped in, his voice calm yet authoritative.

“That’s enough, Marisol,” he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Let’s go home, everyone. I’m sure we’ll hear the results of the show later.” His presence filled the air with a sense of finality, diffusing the tension that crackled between Henry and Marisol.

Rafa stepped forward, his face hardening with determination as he moved closer to Henry. “Stay away from my girlfriend,” he said, his voice quiet yet brimming with authority. His posture was tense, a blend of simmering anger and unwavering confidence. “You had no right to do this,” he added, taking another step closer and locking eyes with Henry, his gaze daring him to respond.

Henry’s lips twitched, his face reddening with a mixture of fury and frustration, but before he could speak, Rafa turned. He reached for Marisol’s hand, his grip firm, and without a second glance, he uttered, “Just take the hint and leave us alone.” With that, he led her and her family away, leaving Henry behind, the weight of Rafa’s words hanging in the air.

Henry watched as the crowd murmured, some jurors already on their phones. He overheard one say, “Hi, I’m at the Institute of Science and Innovation. There’s a guy here with a body in a tube.”

Panic surged through him, and he realized he had to act fast. “This will not end like this, Rafa,” he muttered, determination hardening his resolve. He made his way out the back, pushing his experiment with urgency. Upon reaching the van, a few helpers awaited him, shifting nervously as they caught sight of his grim expression.

“Okay, boys! Let’s get her inside. It’s time to go,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

They hurriedly loaded the machine into the van, the sound of metal clanking against metal echoing in the alleyway as they slammed the doors shut. Henry, already in the driver’s seat, twisted the key in the ignition with a jarring click, the engine roaring to life with a growl that vibrated through the van. Just as one of them stepped forward to collect payment, his patience snapped. He revved the engine, the tires screeching against the pavement as he slammed on the gas, leaving them behind in a blinding cloud of dust and confusion.

“Hey, wait!” they shouted, but their voices faded into the distance as Henry’s thoughts consumed him, a storm of anger and determination swirling in his mind.

As Henry sped out of the alleyway, he caught a glimpse of Rafa sharing a tender moment with Marisol and her family, her parents climbing into their car. A deep rage twisted inside of him at the sight of Rafa confidently holding Marisol’s hands, their connection radiating warmth.

Henry slowed the van, pulling over to the side of the road, his heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and frustration. He watched as they shared a laugh, the sound slicing through him like a knife. Were they laughing at him? Rafa exchanged lighthearted words with Marisol, a smile playing on his lips that only fueled Henry’s fury. The heat rose in his cheeks, emotions crashing over him like a tidal wave, each heartbeat echoing in his ears like the relentless beat of a war drum.

With every passing second, his frustration boiled over, an insatiable desire to confront Rafa clawing at him. Henry’s fists clenched tightly at his sides, the urge to shout, to threaten, to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his nearly overwhelming. But he held back—for now.

Then, as if time had slowed, Marisol leaned in and planted a kiss on Rafa’s cheek. The world around Henry faded into a blur; the sounds of people leaving the institute became mere background noise. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, frustration coursing through him.

Rafa waved goodbye as Marisol and her parents drove off, his eyes sparkling with affection. He then pulled out his phone and turned to leave, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing behind him.

A flicker of movement caught Henry’s eye, his expression darkening as he narrowed his gaze. Jealousy ignited within him like a smoldering ember suddenly fanned into a raging blaze. His thoughts raced as he trailed him, fixated on the image of Marisol’s horrified face. Her voice echoed in his mind, repeatedly reminding him that she was with Rafa. Each thought propelled him forward, blinding him to reason.

Then, in a sudden move, Rafa veered sharply into an alleyway, the shadows swallowing him whole. A thrill of panic mixed with excitement coursed through Henry’s veins; this was it—his chance. He took a deep breath, the air inside the van heavy with the scent of worn upholstery and a hint of gasoline. With anticipation coursing through him, he followed Rafa into the narrowing passage between the buildings.

As he pulled into the alley, the walls loomed around him, closing in like prison bars, and adrenaline surged within him, heightening every sense. He felt alive, almost electric, as he navigated the tight space, each heartbeat echoing with determination.

Rafa held his phone to his ear, casually making a call as he walked. “Hey, I’ll be home soon. You know what I’m craving?” he said, his tone light and carefree, completely oblivious to the danger lurking just behind him.

But before Rafa could finish his sentence, Henry slammed on the gas, the engine roaring to life as he struck him with the van.

The impact reverberated through the vehicle, and Henry felt a jolt as his tires rolled over Rafa’s body. Shock coursed through him, an icy realization settling into the pit of his stomach. He had done it—he had crossed a line he could never uncross.

For a moment, time stood still. Henry’s heart raced as he processed what had just happened, a mix of adrenaline and disbelief coursing through his veins. He had gone from an ambitious scientist to a monster in an instant.

As he gripped the steering wheel, his breath quickened, and he fought to regain control over his spiraling thoughts. The weight of his actions pressed down on him like a heavy shroud, but he pushed it aside, focusing instead on the present moment—what his next move was.

Henry stepped out of the van, a mix of shock and disbelief flooding over him as he approached Rafa’s crumpled form. The sight was grotesque; Rafa’s face was barely recognizable, crushed by the weight of the vehicle. A chill ran through Henry as he noticed the faint rise and fall of Rafa’s chest. “How the hell are you still alive?” he muttered, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

For a fleeting moment, a pang of guilt washed over him. Perhaps he had gone too far. The thought of saving Rafa flickered in his mind, but it was quickly quelled by a darker resolve. “No, I have to finish this. Not after how they made me look,” he thought, his anger rekindling. He turned back toward the van, ready to reverse over Rafa again, but paused mid-motion. “No. You won’t get off that easy, Rafael.”

Instead, he knelt and grabbed Rafa by the shoulders, dragging him into the van with a rough urgency. The weight of his body felt heavy in Henry’s grip, but he didn’t hesitate. He slammed the doors shut, the sound echoing ominously in the stillness of the alley. Climbing into the driver’s seat, his heart raced as he started the engine, the roar filling the confined space and drowning out the chaos of his thoughts.

As he glanced in the rearview mirror, Henry ensured no one had witnessed his actions. The weight of what he had just done pressed heavily on him. “Get a grip, Henry,” he muttered under his breath, his hands tightening around the steering wheel. “She didn’t believe me; nobody did! He deserves what’s coming to him. And so does Marisol!”

Navigating the van out of the alley and onto the main street, the city lights blurred past him like fleeting memories of a life he no longer wanted. The weight of Rafa’s unconscious body in the back felt like both a victory and a burden. With every turn, his resolve hardened; he was determined to follow through with his twisted plan.

As he drove, he couldn’t shake the image of Marisol’s horrified face from his mind. Her disbelief and anger had pierced through him, igniting a fire of defiance. He was tired of being overlooked, tired of being the neighbor who was just “nice.” This was his moment to shine, to show everyone the potential of his work. “Rafa might not look the same after this. But he’ll be alive,” he chuckled darkly.

“Just wait until they see what I can do,” he murmured, a manic grin spreading across his face. “I can see it now: ‘Man is struck by a random car, and local scientist saves his life.’ I’ll be hailed as a hero.” His laughter erupted, a chilling sound that echoed through the van, filled with a mixture of glee and madness. “They’ll finally see that I could have saved Mr. Medina and that I was right all along. And the best part? Marisol won’t want Rafa anymore once she sees what he looks like.” His laughter continued to spill from him, bordering on hysterical, as he reveled in his dark fantasies.

Henry made a sharp turn onto a secluded road that led to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town—his makeshift laboratory. He had chosen this location for its isolation, the perfect backdrop for conducting experiments without prying eyes.

As he parked the van and hopped out, adrenaline surged through him like fire. He opened the back doors, revealing Rafa lying there, still unconscious but breathing. The sight filled him with a twisted sense of triumph, a macabre satisfaction at having taken control of the situation.

“Time to make history,” he declared.