We continued walking through the town. The sun was positioned high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the streets of the town. People were walking slowly along the sidewalks; saying hello to almost everyone you saw was a must because Brezoville was a close-knit community and everyone seemed to know each other by name. People exchanged friendly nods and greetings as they passed by us, but despite the peaceful appearance, there was a small amount of tension in the streets, as if the darkness of the past still hung around the town and in the hearts of some residents.

As we made our way through the town center, we saw familiar sights and landmarks. The ancient church stood tall and majestic, with people entering and leaving whenever they pleased. We also passed by the local market, where many vendors displayed and sold their fresh produce and homemade goods. Theo stopped for a second and bought an apple. It looked so delicious that if I had any money on me, I would buy one as well. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air; it made all of us very hungry. The market was the main attraction for everyone who wanted to shop and catch up on the latest news and gossip.

As we continued our walk, we weren’t talking much; the things we saw in the boat house were still lingering in the back of our minds. Did Isaac really do something like that? It was weird how a person can change so fast in such a short time. We used to be good friends, or at least I thought we were. We were very close; we played and hung out every day for 5 years. We used to be best friends. But as time went on, he changed. He grew more aggressive, using his strength to assert his dominance over others. I became the target of his torment, his constant victim.

Brezoville, like any other town, had its fair share of troublemakers. Isaac’s gang was infamous, not just to us kids but to grownups as well. No one really liked them because of their mischievous pranks; they liked to steal and beat other kids, and then the grownups would get involved, but nothing much could be done. Isaac’s father, the policeman, didn’t let anyone say anything bad about his son, and he was famous for his intimidating presence.

Officer Richard Brooks had a strong, commanding presence, and he demanded respect from both his fellow officers and people living in the town. With his broad shoulders and muscular build, you couldn’t really deny him that right, because he was known for his lack of patience. He was proud of his career; he was a Vietnam vet who enrolled in the police academy right away when he came back. There were many stories about how ruthless he was in the war, which terrified everyone around him. His face was the definition of pain, and his eyes were sharp and observant, constantly looking and scanning his surroundings.

He used his authority many times to get his son and his friends out of trouble. Getting out of trouble with the law didn’t really mean a lot for Isaac, who got used to getting beaten up at home by his father. Not once did he come to school covered in bruises. Everyone knew that Officer Brooks had a problem with alcohol. He didn’t drink when he was on duty, but he would start drinking in his car after his shift immediately; he couldn’t wait to get home.

Because of that, Isaac’s mother left them when he was still very young. Isaac always acted like he hated her because of that and didn’t have any feelings for her, but I knew that wasn’t the case. Isaac cried many times in the past, missing his mother and waiting for her to come back.

As we passed by some of the local hangout spots, we saw them—Isaac and his gang—moving through the town like they owned it. Neither of us liked seeing them now, after what we found out just moments ago. Without saying a word, all three of us turned around and went back the same way we came; they weren’t following us, which was good. I couldn’t help but wonder what had led Isaac down the path of darkness. We were once on the same path; fate had its plans, but at the end we separated; he had chosen a different path from mine.

As we walked on, the town came alive. Children played in the park, laughter filling the air. Elderly couples sat on benches, sharing stories of their youth. Before we realized it, we made our way back to the riverbank near the abandoned ramp, where horrific things were hiding in the boat house. I gazed at the water; its clear surface reflected the blue sky above, flowing slowly and carrying the stories of this town. It is crazy when you think about it, but this river was here before the town was even built; it had seen it all—the joys, the sorrows, the triumphs, and the tragedies of Brezoville, or whatever else it was called before.

Leigh and Theodore walked beside me, Theo’s apple long gone. I was thankful for their friendship, something I probably won’t ever say out loud. I knew that I could always rely on them, just as they could rely on me.

“Should we go to the “Sweet Corner”?”

“That’s not a bad idea, Theo; maybe your grandfather needs a hand.”

Sweet Corner was a charming candy shop placed in a small corner in the center. It was the favorite place, or better said, heaven, for everyone with a sweet tooth. With its colorful exterior, it made it stand out on the busy streets like a beacon of happiness. The shop was decorated with candy-themed decorations, like oversized lollipops and candy cane stripes painted on the windowpanes. Opening the door and stepping inside, you would be welcomed with a delightful bell that announced your arrival. The air was always filled with sugary aromas. In the glass display, there were many different types of candies shielded away from small children's hands trying to get them, like precious jewels. In the center of the shops sits a small counter with an old-fashioned cash register. Theo’s grandfather, Walter Harrison, was the only worker in the shop. He used to work with his wife, Lucy before she died. After her death, everyone told him to close the shop; he had more than enough money to live comfortably, but he refused.

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“What would I do every day without my shop? It would feel a little boring to just sleep all day and wait to die.”

He really loved his job, and he loved Theo and all his friends when we visited, and we visited very often. Soft background music was playing cheerful tunes; it only added to the shop’s charm. Colorful fairy lights hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the shop and making it feel like a sweet, magical wonderland.

As the three of us strolled along the sunlit streets, we saw our classmate Sarah standing outside the Sweet Corner, looking through the display, her mouth-watering. Her curly hair was dancing in the sunlight, and the wind was refreshing everyone walking down the street. Her eyes were fixed on the colorful display of candies. As we approached, she noticed us and greeted us with a warm smile, her cheeks rosy with excitement.

“Hey guys, hi Theo.”

She always liked Theo; we only didn’t know why. Is it because she really likes him, or because of his grandfather and the unlimited candy he can get from the shop whenever he wants, and everyone knew that Sarah was crazy about candies?

We exchanged glances, and when Sarah continued looking through the display, I hit Theo on the arm, raising my eyebrows at him. He smirked.

“We are going inside; you can join us if you want.”

“I would love to meet Theo,” Sarah smiled, “thank you for inviting me.”

“Well, hello there! Welcome to the Sweet Corner!” Mr. Harrison welcomed us warmly.

Hi, grandpa, how have you been?”

We just nodded as a way of saying hello, and we let them alone, where they continued their conversation for a while. We sat in the corner of the room, where Mr. Harrison had put some chairs and a table. That was something new in the shop, just for us; that’s how often we visited him. On the plastic table, there were all sorts of candies waiting for us. Sarah started eating right away.

“I love this place so much.”

“We can see that,” Leigh said, looking a little bit disgusted as Sarah kept filling her mouth with candy before swallowing.

“Do you want some tea, anyone?”

No, thank you, Mr. Harrison; we won’t be staying long.”

After my father’s tragic death a year ago, Mr. Harrison became something of a father figure to me. He was a warm and compassionate man, always willing to listen and offer advice. In Mr. Harrison, I found a role model and mentor, someone to look up to and aspire to be like. I was jealous of Theo for having such an awesome grandfather; I never met mine.

“Make some room for more candies.” Mr. Harrison held a huge white plate full of different candies.

“If my mom saw you right now, she would kill you, grandpa.”

“Then this is our little secret.” He laughed. “It is the last day of school after all; we should celebrate!”

Sarah didn’t look like she had any complaints; her eyes were shining brightly as Mr. Harrison put the plate on the table.

We sat there talking about almost everything for a very long time. We had fun and enjoyed each other's company. Theo replaced his grandfather behind the cash register so he could rest a little. Theo didn’t mind; he knew everything about the business, and he was probably the next one to inherit this shop when Mr. Harrison died.

Sarah was the first one to leave: “Thank you for a wonderful time and all these candies. I think I am sick a little bit now, so you won’t be seeing me for a while.”

Laughter filled the room. We looked outside, and the sun was slowly setting behind the town. It was also time for us to leave; we just waited to see who would be the first to make that move.

“It is getting pretty late,” Leigh was yawning. We have been on our feet all day; should we go home?”

“I think you’re right.” I agreed with her.

“There is no need for you guys to leave yet; the night is still young.”

“It might be, but we are super tired, Mr. Harrison.”

“Then just wait a little bit and let me give you some candy to bring home.”

In a couple of minutes, three paper bags were ready for us to pick them up. We said our thanks and goodbyes as we left the store.

The sun was casting a warm golden glow over the streets of Brezoville. The cobblestone pathways were lined with colorful buildings. Theo waved goodbye, heading right toward the central square where he lived. Leigh and I walked home together. As we got further away from the center, the streets became relatively quiet. The scent of freshly baked bread spread from a nearby bakery, only added to the cozy atmosphere.

The setting sun painted Leigh’s features with a warm glow, making her green eyes even brighter. I always cherished the time we spent together. I loved the way she laughed; it always brightened my day. Walking down the Lavender lane, we didn’t have much time left, and I wondered how she would react if I grabbed her by the hand.

We reached the end of the road. Leigh glanced up at the dark forest, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and fear. Just like everyone else, she was afraid of the forest; only I was not, and I saw all the horrors the forest held in its darkness.

“See you tomorrow, Adrian,” she waved at me and headed left towards her house. I wondered if I should walk her home, but I had no reason to do so. Just waving at her back, I watched her as she was walking towards the sun. It looked like if she continued walking long enough, she could climb it.

I stood there in a comfortable silence for a moment; she didn’t turn. I wanted to say something more, but I hesitated for too long. When I think about the fact that maybe she wouldn’t be here if things had played differently a year ago, it stirs a deep unease within me. The more I thought about that day, the more a surge of bloodlust coursed through my veins. It scared me.

In the distance, the dark forest stood tall above the town. When I entered my home, I could smell something tasty in the kitchen. Candies might be good, but they will never be able to replace real food. You can eat them until you get sick, but soon after, the real hunger will come out, and you’ll need to eat real food to satisfy it.