Etched.

Chapter 1

"Wait a minute, I can drop you off," Nana Marie said, rearranging the last set of books for the day.

"It's okay nana," Kongpob smiled with his eyes twinkling, grabbing his bag.

"Kongpob it is late and you know about the cases," Marie looked at him sternly, pushing her glasses back up. Coming down from the small ladder while Kongpob rushed over, helping her down.

"Thank you, dear," Marie smiled, ruffling Kongpob's brunette hair. Kongpob beamed, climbing up the ladder himself and arranging the books.

"Let me drop you off," Marie insisted, taking a deep breath. Her back and feet hurting from standing for so long. But she was grateful to have Kongpob with her, who was more than happy to help her with everything every evening.

"Your son has been dropping me off for the past week, Nana. I can go home tonight alone," Kongpob sighed, putting the ladder to the side.

"Take the bus then," Marie put her hand on her hips, looking straight into Kongpob's dark eyes.

Kongpob sighed and nodded, knowing he was lying. Public transportation was a hassle and expensive. And he lived nearby. He could use that money for a meal later.

"Here," Marie handed him some money, smiling at him. The wrinkles on her warm face, reminding him of his losses. Feeling a hard pang in his heart.

Kongpob shook his head, taking a step back. She would always do this like she knew what was in his mind. And he refused to take advantage than he already had.

"No nana. I am fine. Thank you," Kongpob rushed into her arms before she could retort, hugging her tight. Marie rubbed his back, shaking her head softly. Wondering why the kid was so stubborn.

"Stay safe," Marie screamed out, waving while Kongpob smiled and ran off.

Slinging his bag across his shoulder. Humming to himself softly. Waving at the passersby and smiling brightly. Making everyone take a second glance at the young man.

He stopped, thinking whether to take the shortcut or not. He looked at his watch, showing it was pretty late. And if he were to walk back the long way it would take him a long time. He had class early in the morning.

And he never took his bike because his shift wasn't this long. But he stayed back to help Marie. He groaned softly, looking around in the dark streets. It was supposedly a safe town. Until random bodies of rich men and women started showing up in the past couple of months.

He shook his head and walked to the shortcut. Forgetting about the long alleyway. He continued walking, clutching his bag. An eeriness creeping up his spine at the complete silence covering him.

He saw the alleyway with spray paint adorning the walls. Having slurs and cuss words. With symbols of hate all over. Cigars laying carelessly over the ground. He grimaced but continued walking.

Halting quickly getting flashes of the news in his head. And he shivered, remembering the brutal murder that happened in the same alley a couple of months ago, yet he still went. Stupid Kongpob.

Being like the rest of the fools thinking he wouldn't ever witness anything out of his normal life. He stiffened feeling a cool breeze, making him more jittery. And he knew he was just being paranoid, but it was dark outside. Very dark.

And he was instantly regretting his idea of getting home quicker, just to sleep earlier. He turned back, but he was already halfway through. He took a deep breath. "You can do this. Little longer..." he mumbled under his breath, taking more hesitant steps forward.

He kept looking around. At the walls with the Buer drawing on the brick walls. He shivered, feeling his stomach flip. Taking hurried steps, hating each second. He should've just accepted Marie's offer.