The silence was deafening. The dead leaves crunched under the boys' feet, and the cold of the night seemed to seep into their bones. Clara lay on the ground, her face pale and motionless under the light of the smartphone lamps. The smell of damp earth and pine trees saturated the air, contrasting violently with Clara's cold, sudden death.

Ethan, Jamie, Sam, and Alex stood around her, panting, eyes wide with horror. No one dared to speak, as if words themselves were forbidden in the face of what had just happened.

Ethan Parker, sensitive and introverted, was the one who suffered the most internally. With his slightly messy dark brown hair and expressive green eyes, he stared at Clara, his mind swirling in a whirlwind of confusion. His feelings for her were much more complex than those of his friends. He loved her deeply, desperately. How could he accept that she left so suddenly?

Clara King, charismatic and outgoing, was the queen of high school. With her long blonde hair, her piercing blue eyes, and her radiant smile, she had always attracted attention. Dressed fashionably, often in elegant dresses and statement accessories, Clara always seemed to be the center of attention. Contrary to the stereotype of the distant and cruel popular girl, Clara was loved by everyone for her kindness and natural charisma. Now, lying on the ground, she seemed strangely vulnerable, her popularity and vitality extinguished in one tragic instant.

Jamie Harris, the group's charismatic leader, clenched his fists, his face contorted with anger and despair. With his short brown hair and brown eyes, he was always athletic and confident, but tonight he seemed clueless.

—It wasn't supposed to happen like that!

Sam Wilson, loyal but often internally conflicted, was the group's mediator. With his ash blond hair and gray eyes, he was a little skinnier than the others, often dressed casually. His voice shook, each syllable heavy with panic.

—What did we do...?

Alex Turner, the unpredictable rebel, tried to calm things down. With his often messy black hair and piercing blue eyes, he loved to challenge authority and take risks. But tonight he was as lost as the others.

— It was an accident ! She fell, that's all! We didn't do anything wrong!

Ethan, hands trembling, stared at Clara, his mind foggy with pain and shock.

“We have to call someone,” he said finally, his voice hoarse and broken. We can't just...

Jamie interrupted with unexpected ferocity.

— No ! We can't say anything. If we call the police, we're screwed. They'll think we killed him.

Ethan grinds his teeth.

— This is not the case ?

Sam shook his head in despair.

— And what are we going to tell his parents? We can't just disappear and pretend everything is normal.

Alex try to reason with the group.

— Listen to me, we have to stay calm. We were all there, we know it was an accident. No one will know if we don't say anything.

Ethan turned to Alex, his gaze filled with pain.

— And Clara? Are we just going to leave it there? As if she no longer mattered?

A heavy silence fell back on the group. The weight of reality began to sink in, relentless and cruel.

Jamie took a deep breath.

— Listen guys. We have to make a promise, he declared. We don't tell anyone anything. Never. We take this secret with us.

Ethan felt his heart tighten. This promise was like poison, but he saw no other way out. Slowly, he nodded sadly, followed by Sam and Alex.

“Okay,” he finally whispered. We remain silent. Forever and ever...

The four boys shook hands, forming a circle around Clara. A silent oath, heavy with guilt and fear, had just been sealed. Little did they know that this night would haunt their lives forever, and that the darkness they were trying to escape were going catch up with them much sooner than they imagined it.

Without another word, they left the woods, leaving behind the girl they had all loved in their own way, taking with them a secret that would change them forever.

Returning to the high school party, the euphoria of the evening contrasted cruelly with the drama they had just experienced. The laughter and the music seemed to come from another world, a world to which he no longer belonged. Ethan pushed his way through the noisy crowd, his thoughts still numbed by the horror of what they had left behind. The flashing lights and bursts of laughter seemed distant, almost unreal.

“Ethan!” Amy's voice cut through the noise, startling him. 

She appeared before him, her wavy brown hair flowing gently in the breeze. Her hazel eyes were full of worry as she looked at Ethan. She wore an elegant skirt and a chic but casual blouse, an outfit typical of her style.   

But her smile faded when she noticed his tormented expression. 

—Where are Jamie, Sam and Alex? 

Ethan turned his head, looking for his friends in the crowd.

“They were right behind me,” he said, frowning. He looked around the courtyard, but saw no trace of his friends. They must be around here somewhere... 

Amy nodded, but worry tinged her eyes. 

—And Clara? You saw it ? It's been a while since she told me she was going to come back but no sign. 

Ethan felt a knot forming in his stomach. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his expression neutral.

“No, I… I didn’t see her,” he replied, his voice betraying his nervousness.

Amy frowned, noting his obvious discomfort. 

“You don't look very well, Ethan. Maybe you should go get some rest. It's hard to be in the middle of all these people for someone like you.  

She placed a comforting hand on his arm, her gaze growing softer. 

—Come on, let’s find a quieter place. Too bad for Clara, I’ll find her later. 

Ethan nodded, grateful for the excuse to get away from the crowd. They headed to a quieter corner of the courtyard, away from the dazzling lights and noise of the party.

Amy tried to break the tension with a smile and an awkward attempt at flirting.

“You know, you're always so beautiful when you're upset,” she said with a wink. 

But Ethan, immersed in his dark thoughts, did not notice her suggestive tone.

Sitting on a separate bench, he felt more and more oppressed by the weight of his secret which was eating away at him more and more. The laughter and music of the party seemed to fade away, replaced by the hum of his chaotic thoughts.

Amy continued to speak softly, trying to comfort him, but her words were lost in the void. Ethan couldn't stop thinking about Clara, her friends, and the promise they made. Every second that passed made his lie heavier to bear, and he felt like he was on the verge of collapse.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

“You know, Ethan, if you ever need to talk, I’m here for you,” Amy whispered, her look genuine and concerned. But, lost in his own torment, he could only nod absently, unable to free himself from the spiral of guilt that was gnawing at him.

Amy continued to speak softly, trying to comfort him. 

“What’s wrong, Ethan?” You know you can tell me anything, right? Don't try to lie to me. 

Ethan looked up at her, his gaze troubled.

—It’s just… everything is so… complicated. Sometimes I wonder how we got to this point, you know? It's as if everything changed in an instant. 

Amy nodded, encouraging him to continue. 

— Sometimes things happen without us seeing them coming. But you are not alone, Ethan. 

The boy took a deep breath, his hands shaking slightly.  

— Jamie always said… 'We can't redo the past, but we can always learn from our mistakes.'

Amy narrowed her eyes, surprised by Ethan's words.

—Jamie says that kind of thing? 

Ethan nodded, a sad smile on his lips. 

— Yes, it’s… it was his thing, you see. 

Amy was silent for a moment, watching Ethan carefully. 

“It’s strange to hear you say that, Ethan. It's not really your style. 

Ethan looked down, feeling the weight of his secret crushing him.

“Yeah, I guess…I guess I’m changing. 

Amy placed a hand on his shoulder, the pressure light but comforting. 

“We all change, Ethan. But you don't have to carry all this alone. 

Ethan looked at her, his eyes shining with suppressed emotion. 

—Thank you, Amy. It’s just… it’s really hard. 

Amy nodded, her expression full of compassion. 

“I know, Ethan. But whatever happens, I'm here for you. Always. 

Ethan felt a wave of gratitude mixed with pain. For a brief moment, he felt a little less alone. But he knew that the real ordeal was only just beginning, and that his secret would continue to haunt him.

Amy gently placed her hand on Ethan's, trying to get his attention. 

“You know you're really important to me, right? She said with a shy smile, her eyes searching his.

He looked up, still lost in thought. 

— Ah... oh good? Thanks for everything Amy. 

She moved slightly closer, closing the distance between them. 

“I mean, you were always there for me, even when no one else was. I want to be there for you, too. Sorry for not supporting you over the incident last week. 

Ethan nodded, grateful, but not really understanding the intention behind the words. 

- It's nice of you. And don't worry, it's already forgotten. 

— That idiot Luke doesn't know how to behave and it's you who toasted!

Amy bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before continuing.

“You know, Ethan, there’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a while. She lowered her voice, her cheeks pinking slightly. "I've always had feelings for you." Since a long time. »

Ethan, still in shock from the evening, blinked in surprise. 

- What ? 

Amy gave a hesitant smile. 

— Yes, I like you, Ethan. More than just a friend. I have always admired your strength, your kindness. 

Ethan, caught off guard, didn't know what to answer. Jamie's words still echoed in his mind, blurring his perception of reality. 

“Amy, I… I don’t know what to say. 

Amy placed a hand on his arm, her eyes bright with hope. 

—You don't have to say anything right away. Just... know that I'm here for you. Maybe we could go out, just you and me, one of these days. Have a coffee or go to the cinema. 

Ethan felt overwhelmed by a wave of conflicting emotions. He appreciated Amy's kindness and affection, but his mind was still haunted by recent events. And above all, he was in love with Clara. 

“Maybe...maybe we could...?”

Amy smiled, satisfied with this answer. 

- Great ! I'm glad you're open to the idea. 

She leaned a little closer, her lips almost brushing his ear. 

“You really are someone special, Ethan. Never forget it. 

Ethan nodded, but his mind remained tormented. The images of the night in the woods refused to leave him. He knew he should focus on the present moment, but the memories of Clara and her friends kept coming back, inextricably linked to the promise they had made.

Amy, undeterred, decided to continue talking to him about lighter things, hoping to distract him. 

— Do you remember the last party?  she asked, smiling. We laughed so much, you and I. 

Ethan tried to focus on his words, forcing himself to smile back. 

— Yes, it was a good evening. Too bad Clara had to leave early. 

— I'm here in front of you and you're talking to me about another girl? You have no tact Ethan. 

— No, that’s not what I… I expressed myself badly. It was nice when we were all together, he said embarrassedly. 

Amy laughed softly. 

— Maybe we could have more evenings like this. But just you and me. 

Ethan felt a mixture of warmth and confusion. 

- Yes maybe. 

Amy squeezed his hand gently. 

— Don't forget, Ethan, I'm here for you. Always. 

Ethan nodded, but his heart remained heavy. The evening was far from over, and he knew that the challenges that awaited him were only just beginning.

“Ethan,” Amy said, her voice softer, almost a whisper.  I really need you to know how much you mean to me. 

Before Ethan could respond, a familiar voice cut through the fog of his thoughts. “Ethan, what are you doing?” »

He turned his head sharply, searching for the origin of the voice. Alex stood there, staring intently at Ethan. But Amy didn't seem to see him. “Ethan, can you hear me? » Alex insisted, but the voice was like an echo, resounding only in Ethan's mind.

Ethan blinked, confused. " What ? » he whispered.

Amy looked at him with a mixture of worry and frustration. 

—What is it, Ethan? 

He shook his head, trying to focus on Amy. 

—Nothing...nothing at all. I thought I saw something. 

Amy frowned, but she squeezed his hand a little tighter. 

— You can tell me anything, you know. 

Ethan tried to smile, but he felt more and more lost. The voices of his friends, the memories of that tragic night, everything mixed in his mind, creating a chaos that he struggled to control.

He stood up abruptly, an urgent need to escape from this conversation and the stifling atmosphere of the party overwhelming him. 

“I...I have to go find the others,” he said, his voice trembling.

Amy stood up too, her worry reflected in her eyes. 

- Let me help you. I can come with you, she offered, hoping to be able to support him more.

Ethan shook his head, trying to remain calm despite the turmoil inside. 

- No it's OK. Thanks, Amy, but I'll manage. 

Amy looked at him with an expression of disappointment mixed with understanding. She placed a comforting hand on his arm. - All right. But don't forget your promise. 

Ethan jumped, panic returning in force. 

—What promise? How do you know about this? 

Amy, surprised by his reaction, responded softly. 

—You told me we were going to go out together one of these four. 

Ethan felt relief flood through his body, dissipating the anxiety somewhat. 

— Oh, that... Yes, of course. I will not forget. 

Amy smiled softly, her worry giving way slightly. 

“Take care of yourself, Ethan. If you need to talk or anything, I'm here. 

He nodded, trying to smile back. 

—Thank you, Amy. Really. 

***

Ethan walked away, his thoughts still muddled by the events of the evening. The music and laughter of the party seemed distant, as if from another world. He pushed his way through the crowd, desperately searching for his friends.

He looked around frantically, hoping to see Jamie, Sam or Alex. " Where are you ? » he whispered, his words lost in the ambient noise.

The party was in full swing, but to Ethan, everything seemed off, as if he were in a parallel reality. Every face he passed seemed foreign to him, every laugh a cruel mockery.

He suddenly froze when he heard a familiar voice behind him. “Ethan, wait!” »

He quickly turned around, looking for the source of the voice, but there was no one there. The panic started again, and he wondered if he was going crazy. He shook his head, trying to shake away the troubling thoughts.

He continued forward, each step a monumental effort. He knew he had to find his friends, figure out what happened, but everything seemed more and more confusing.

Finally, he reached a quieter corner of the room, away from the hustle and bustle. He leaned against a wall, closing his eyes for a moment to catch his breath. " What is happening to me ? » he muttered to himself, feeling reality slipping away from him.

But he knew he couldn't stay there forever. He had to find his friends, and above all, he had to understand why he had heard Alex's voice when no one else seemed to have heard him. 

Ethan took a deep breath and stood up, determined to continue his search, even though each step seemed to bring him closer to the unknown.

Ethan continued to make his way through the dense party crowd, his mind racing. Every face he passed seemed to reflect back to him a reflection of his own confusion. Desperate, he started asking around if anyone had seen Jamie, Sam or Alex.

— Excuse me, haven’t you seen my friends? he asked a boy in his class, who shrugged his shoulders.

— Sorry, man, I didn't see them. Maybe they're already home. 

Ethan nodded, trying to hide his frustration. He walked over to a group of girls near the drinks table. 

— You haven't seen Jamie, Sam and Alex, by any chance? 

One of the girls, recognizing Ethan, responded with an understanding smile. 

—If you don't see them here, it's probably because they're back. It's already quite late, after all. 

These words echoed in Ethan's mind, bringing comforting logic. "Yes, that must be it," he muttered to himself, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

He turned around, looking for a quieter place to make his call. He took his phone out of his pocket and dialed his father's number. The bell rang a few times before the familiar voice answered.

- Dad ? He said, trying to keep his voice steady. Can you come pick me up from the party? I think my friends have already left. 

His father's voice was laced with concern and slight astonishment. 

“Of course, Ethan. I am on my way. I should be there in about fifteen minutes. 

“Thanks, Dad,” Ethan replied, feeling a new wave of relief wash over him. He hung up and leaned against a wall, closing his eyes for a moment to refocus.

The music and laughter seemed more distant now, almost unreal. All he wanted was to go home and get away from this evening that had become a nightmare. While waiting for his father to arrive, he tried to breathe deeply, trying to calm the inner tumult that threatened to overwhelm him.

As he waited, fragments of the evening continued to swirl through his mind. Clara's laughter, the light of the moon through the trees, the faces of her friends. Each memory was tinged with a shadow that he couldn't dispel.

Finally, the headlights of a car appeared in the distance, and Ethan felt his heart calm down slightly. He stood up, heading towards the exit to find the reassuring familiarity of his father and their car.