19th Jan 2025
YN was busy cleaning up the living room when AJ came down with a puzzled expression. "Why is the TV off?" he asked, looking around with his half-Spanish features. YN smiled and said, "It's time to read and relax before bed! Besides, I have a surprise for you!" AJ grinned, and just before the lights went out, he whispered, "I can’t wait to see what it is!" As AJ quickly fell asleep, the night felt calm and quiet. But YN's heart raced; she suddenly heard a creak from the back of the apartment, making her freeze. With quick thinking, she grabbed the nearest object, a sturdy umbrella, just as a masked man burst through the door!
The masked man tried to grab her, but with a swift movement, YN swung her umbrella, knocking him off balance. "Who are you?" she shouted, her voice steady despite her fear. After tying him to a chair with some rope she found, she faced him, determination blazing in her eyes. "I know you! You’ve been following me!" The man shifted uncomfortably, revealing a hint of surprise. "You’re stronger than I thought; I just wanted to scare you!" YN took a deep breath and said, "You’ll tell me everything or regret it!" The night may have started with fear, but it would end with courage, and YN was ready to uncover the truth.
YN sighed, thinking of AJ and determined to protect him. “Let’s start with your name!” she commanded.
The man hesitated, then mumbled, "I’m Leo." His voice was rough, like gravel scraping against metal. YN noticed the flicker of regret in his eyes and pressed on, "Why would you try to scare us? What do you want?" Leo sighed, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of his actions had finally caught up with him. "I needed help," he confessed, "I thought if I scared you, you’d listen. There's someone dangerous after me, and I didn't know who else to turn to." YN's determination softened slightly, realizing that Leo was more than just a villain in the night; he was a person trapped in his own web of fear.
Taking a deep breath, YN glanced at AJ, still asleep under the soft glow of the nightlight. She knew she had a choice to make. "Leo, if you're telling the truth, we’ll help you," she finally agreed, her voice resolute. "But you must promise not to put us in danger again." Leo nodded, relief washing over his tense features. The apartment, the city filled with secrets, now felt less like a place of fear and more like a space for new beginnings. Together, they would find a way to unravel the mystery and face the challenges ahead, side by side.
