Echoes of the Unseen: The Forgotten Man

ＰＡＲＴ [01]: "The Spreading"

Before we dive into the story, I'd like to kindly remind you to read beyond the initial part to fully grasp and connect with the narrative. The beginning might not be immediately captivating due to the need to establish the setting and circumstances. Your patience in this regard is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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"Day 12, 20__:

In everyday life, people followed routines like clockwork. The sun rose, adults went to work, kids headed to school, and older folks took care of their homes. Meanwhile, fishermen set out to sea, casting their nets to make a living.

As the sun went down, signaling the end of a productive day of fishing, the fishermen gathered to sort their catch. Among the fish, Eve noticed one fish that was strange - alive but rotten, giving off a terrible smell that warned of danger.

Eve was disturbed by the sight and decided to handle the odd fish. He bundled up all the catch and got rid of the rotten fish carefully. He took it to a disposal area near the edge of the nearby forest. This careful action was meant to keep the market produce and the environment safe.

Over the next days, the problem of rotting fish spread along the coast. This had a quick and serious impact: the fishing industry suffered as the rotten fish affected their usual catch. The trade that used to flourish now struggled because of this strange problem.

News about the rotting fish spread quickly, leading to rumors and speculations. People whispered about potential biological warfare or even the start of a Third World War. Global tensions added to the fear, pushing the Country government to counter the false information that could cause panic.

The government acted quickly. They gathered a group of about twenty respected scientists. Their job was to find out where this problem started. They needed to analyze samples, study the environment, and understand this unusual situation. They wanted to stop the fear and bring back a sense of safety.

One of these scientists was Ethan, known for his innovation and business success. While his achievements were impressive, some people also talked about his strange behavior. Some even called him psychopathic, and this affected how people saw his work.

As the morning sun shone, Ethan got ready, feeling excited and nervous. He was returning to his home country, a mix of feelings bubbling inside him. After breakfast, he took a calming shower, trying to ease his anxious thoughts. He thought about his experiences abroad and the unknown path that lay ahead.

Wearing a coat from his mother, a piece filled with her love, Ethan felt comforted. He held his father's pocket watch, a reminder of his family's values and wisdom. The sound of a distant helicopter signaled the start of his journey. With each step, he crossed a bridge connecting his past and his future. Gratitude for his history and hope for what's to come clashed within him as he walked toward the waiting aircraft. The scent of new opportunities filled the air, and he moved forward with hope and determination.

In the soft morning light, the pilot approached, respect in his voice as he greeted, "Good morning, sir." Ethan, with a faint hesitation in his speech, replied, "Aaa... Aaa... Good morning, captain. And good to my whole day," his words barely more than a whisper, carrying an air of mystery and intrigue.

The captain's entry was met with Ethan's silent response, a palpable apprehension clinging to him.

Ethan's voice quivered as he tried to explain, "I... had... I... had Aaa... Aa... Motion sickness, therefore I cannot talk, so if I ignored, then sorry," his words rushed together, a jumble of anxious admission. The captain, showing empathy, assured, "It's fine, sir. I can understand." Ethan, perhaps too overwhelmed to respond, remained silent. In a hushed tone, the captain muttered, "Started ignoring," a hint of resignation in his voice. 😐

As the chopper whirred to life, its resonance a reminder of the journey ahead, Ethan found solace in the vista outside. Yet, the houses, towns, and people, once familiar, now aroused a primal unease within him.

Amidst the subtle hum of the aircraft, Ethan comforted himself in his native tongue, softly repeating, "Koinaa, koinaa, koinaa," a reassuring mantra to ease his discomfort. The captain, concerned, inquired, "Sir, any problem?" But once more, Ethan offered no reply. The captain sighed and muttered under his breath, "Again, I am ignored," his disappointment concealed by the emoticon of resignation, 😐.

With the airport on the horizon, Ethan's gaze remained fixed on the world beyond the window. The chopper's descent, the gate's opening - each moment felt like a silent orchestration of his inner turmoil. And as the captain announced their arrival, a whispered realization hung heavy.

Ethan's secluded life away in Europe had led him to a mansion nestled deep within a remote forest. This residence, adorned with opulence and luxury, doubled as a laboratory, epitomizing his extravagant endeavors.

As the journey neared its destination, the captain announced, "Sir, we have reached." However, Ethan remained unresponsive, leaving the captain perplexed. A friendly gesture from Liam, who gently patted the captain's shoulder, encouraged him to speak up. "Speak loud, man! Eat something energetic,"

The imagery of his destination engulfed Ethan as he emerged from his thoughts.

Ethan emerged from the aircraft and greeted with a warm hug, saying, "Hi, dude."

After that, Ethan heads towards the plane. Liam approaches from the back.

Liam inquired, "Have you bought any gift for me?" Ethan replied confidently, "Yeah, I have, and it's already with you." Liam, surprised, questioned, "What? You are the gift." Ethan delivered a cryptic warning, "Take care of your gift." A moment of vulnerability arose as Liam asked, "Who will take care of me?" Ethan responded with a touch of wisdom, "When you knowingly hold onto something dangerous, you shouldn't expect care." Their exchange ended with Ethan's silence and the distant voice of the captain, who noted with humor, "It's how you feel when you get ignored." 🙂