Mom and dad return home shortly after. I'm already half asleep by the time they return, but their voices reach my ears; muffled through the walls as I lay in bed. I feel too drained to get up and greet them. My thoughts are still clouded by that strange vision.

Eventually, the house quiets down, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again. I roll over in bed, trying to push the image of Stella's terrified face out of my mind, but it just lingers.

I groan softly, frustrated, and rub my temples. What the hell is going on? It's not like I knew her that well, but now... now it feels like there's something bigger at play here. I take a deep breath and try to clear my head.

Eventually, I fall asleep.

Mom and Dad are bustling around the house when I finally wake up. I glance at the clock. It's already past noon.

I rub my eyes, feeling lazy. "Great, I overslept again," I mutter to myself, sitting up. As I get out of bed, I hear mom's voice calling from downstairs.

"Heliar! Your dad and I are heading out to visit your aunt. There's food in the fridge, okay?"

"Yeah, got it!" I shout back, yawning.

I shuffle downstairs just in time to see them grabbing their coats by the door.

"We'll be back by tomorrow evening. Behave yourself," Mom says, with her usual stern look, it softening into a small smile.

"Don't burn the house down," Dad says jokingly, giving me a light pat on the shoulder as he steps outside.

"I'll try my best not to," I reply with a smirk.

They wave as they walk towards the car, and I stand there for a moment, watching them drive off. Shutting the door behind I head to the kitchen, grabbing a cup of coffee and some food to start the day—well, what's left of it.

Just as I finish eating, a strange sound catches my attention.

I stop mid-bite, tilting my head toward the window. It's not something I usually hear. Getting up, I go outside to check it out.

Just as I exit the doorway, I freeze in my tracks. My heart pounds and my breath feels heavy. There, perched on a tree just above, is a bird.

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It's the same damn one from my dreams. Its feathers gleam in the midday light, and its eyes—those familiar, unnervingly sharp eyes—seem to pierce right through me. I stand there, confused and unsure of what I should do.

The bird caws softly, tilting its head as if observing me. My mind races. Why is this happening? Why now only?

I look down at the ground by my feet and spot a small stone. Without giving it much thought, I pick it up and throw it towards that bird. I look up in time to see the bird just... disappear. The stone doesn't even make it halfway before it clatters to the ground, useless.

I stare at the empty branch, my heart still racing. Was I just imagining things? What the hell is happening?

"Hey! Just what do you think you are doing?" a sharp voice enters my ears.

I turn quickly. Standing not too far away is a girl, about my age, maybe a little taller. Her long black hair falls down her back, and she's wearing a pink sweater and jeans, unusual for this weather. But what really gets me are her eyes—piercing blue eyes that seem too intense.

"Uh... do I know you?" I ask, trying to keep my voice calm, even though she looks like she's gonna kill me.

"Of course not, you idiot!" she snaps. "What were you thinking, throwing a rock randomly like that? You could've hit someone!"

I blink, completely caught off guard. "I... I didn't mean to—" I start, but how do I even explain the bird situation without sounding like I've seriously lost it?

She crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble" I finally manage to say.

She lets out an exasperated sigh but shakes her head with a hint of a smile. "Alright, just be more careful next time, okay?"

She extends her right hand for a handshake. "You can call me Elara."

I take her hand, returning the gesture. "Nice to meet you, Elara. Are you new around here? I don't think I've seen you before."

"Oh, I'm actually looking for someone named Heliar. Do you happen to know him?"

I raise an eyebrow, surprised. "Well, I guess today is your lucky day—I'm Heliar."

Elara narrows her eyes playfully. "Oh really? In that case, I'd like to have a word with you. Mind if we head to your place?"

I pause, skepticism creeping in. "Now just wait a minute. Why would I let a complete stranger into my house?"

Her expression shifts, showing a hint of earnestness. "Because Stella is my friend, and she's been missing."

At the mention of Stella, my heart skips a beat. "Stella? You know her?"

"Of course I do! We've been friends for a while. She's been gone, and I have a feeling you might know something that could help."

I hesitate, processing her words. "And... what makes you think I have any information?"

She takes a breath, softening her tone . "I understand this is all a bit sudden, but I really believe you can help me. Please, Heliar. Tell me what happened the last time you saw her?"

Her sincerity strikes a chord within me. I can see the worry on her face, and it compels me to reconsider. Maybe she's onto something; maybe I do know more than I think.

"Alright," I finally say, glancing back at my house. "Let's talk inside."

"Thank you."

As we step in the house, I feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity. What have I just walked into?