In front of me laid a book about the modern problems of physics. It mostly focused on dark matter and how it was still very poorly understood by physicists. And while I had understood everything this book explains, there really wasn't much useful information. I will have to do my own experiments sooner or later to find out more about it.

When closing the lid of the book, I saw a new notification pop up on my smartphone, indicating an e-mail. I initially thought it was just generic spam, but then I noticed the subject.

"For Kaitlyn – Aren't you interested in dark matter?" Well, of course I was interested. I clicked on the notification to open the e-mail: "I already know the answer to this question. Please come to the alley, you always use as a shortcut when walking to school."

This sure was strange – I had never told anyone about my shortcut, nor should anyone know that I'm currently interested in dark matter, since the book in front of me is the first one I've ever read about that topic. This definitely sounded like a creepy stalker. But even a stalker shouldn't have been able to know about this book, since it had only arrived in the mail yesterday.

Despite all warning signs, I was very curious and started packing my stuff to meet this person. But I wasn't naive enough to go there without taking some precautions, so I rummaged through my belongings until I found what I was searching for: The result of some tinkering I'd done last year; a self built gun. It wasn't anything fancy, just a barrel, some black powder and a bullet, but it was definitely enough to help me out in a precarious situation.

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When arriving at the described meeting point, I could already see two people waiting for me. They gave me the impression, that they were a couple in their sixties.

When coming closer the woman waved at me, but she looked expressionless and calculating. Yet, when I saw this gesture, I relaxed a little. Not because it was a particularly nice gesture, but because it reminded me of myself.

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I approached the couple cautiously, keeping my hand on the gun in my pocket. As I got closer, I could hear them talking in hushed tones. "I remember her differently. Are you sure this is the one?" the man asked the woman. "Yes, I'm sure," she replied confidently.

I cleared my throat to get their attention. "Excuse me, but who are you and why did you ask me to come here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The woman smiled at me, but it didn't reach her eyes. "We are scientists, dear," she said, her voice smooth and practiced. "And we have been looking for someone like you for a very long time."

I raised an eyebrow. "Someone like me?" I repeated, confused.

The man nodded. "Yes, someone with a keen interest in dark matter and the willingness to take risks to learn more," he explained. "We have discovered something truly groundbreaking, and we think you may be able to help us."

I felt a spark of curiosity mixed with wariness. "What is it that you've discovered?" I asked.

The woman glanced at the man before turning back to me. "We have found a way to manipulate dark matter," she said, her voice low and intense. "And we believe you have the potential to help us unlock its full potential."

I was stunned. This is exactly the kind of thing I've been dreaming of. But something about this situation still didnt't feel right. "Why me?" I asked, trying to keep my emotions in check.

The man shrugged. "We've been watching you for a while, and we think you have the potential to be a great asset to our research," he said. "But the choice is ultimately up to you. We can show you what we've discovered, but it comes with great risk. Are you willing to take that risk to learn more about dark matter?"

I hesitated, torn between my curiosity and my instincts. I knew I should be wary of these strangers and their offer, but the prospect of being able to study dark matter and potentially manipulate it was too tempting to pass up. I took a deep breath and made my decision. "Yes," I said finally. "I'm willing to take the risk."

The woman smiled again, but this time it looked more genuine. "Excellent," she said, "but I know you don't trust us, yet, so let me show you something". Saying this, she grabbed into her pocket and handed me a small notebook.

When opening the notebook, I was completely awestruck. Not only contained it, what would at first seem like completely fictional research results. It also contained absolute proof, that I could trust these people.

"Keep the notebook. If you want to go along with our plan, let's meet here again tomorrow at 4 pm."