LOST IN THE RAIN

THE SPACE BETWEEN TRUTHS

The rain didn’t stop that night.

It tapped against the windows like an impatient visitor, its rhythm filling the silence between Sofia and Ethan.

He stood by the window, arms crossed, watching the street below as if Leon might reappear. She sat curled into the couch, knees tucked under her chin, staring at the silver coin glinting faintly under the lamp.

It felt heavier than it looked.

“Ethan,” she finally said. “What does three days mean?”

His shoulders didn’t move.

“I’m not just going to sit here and wait for… whatever this is. I need to know.”

“You don’t need to know,” he replied, still watching the rain.

Sofia’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not your choice to make.”

Finally, he turned. His jaw was tight, eyes shadowed. “If I tell you, it puts you in more danger.”

“I’m already in danger.” Her voice cracked a little. “That man knows my name. He knows I’m connected to you. Do you really think I’m just going to forget that and go to school like everything’s fine?”

The air between them tightened.

Ethan stepped closer, his expression unreadable. “Leon doesn’t play fair. The less you know, the harder it is for him to use you.”

Sofia almost laughed, but it wasn’t from humor. “So your plan is to keep me ignorant? Great strategy.”

She reached for the coin, turning it over in her palm. Scratches covered its surface, but at the center was an engraving — a strange symbol she didn’t recognize.

“What is this?” she asked.

Ethan hesitated. “Something that means you’re already part of the game.”

Her stomach dropped. “Game?”

He looked away. “I can’t explain. Not now.”

That was it. Sofia stood, the coin still in her hand. “Then I’ll figure it out myself.”

“Sofia—”

“No.” Her voice was firm now. “You’re not the only one who can find answers. I’m not some fragile little thing you can just… hide from the world.”

Ethan’s gaze searched hers, and for a moment, she thought she saw fear in his eyes. Not fear for himself — but for her.

“Just… be careful,” he murmured.

But she was already moving toward the door.

---

The cold night air hit her like a challenge. She gripped the coin tighter and walked, each step splashing through shallow puddles.

If Ethan wouldn’t tell her the truth, she’d get it from someone who would.

And she knew exactly where to start looking.