From Shrimp Boy to Slapjack: System Activated

Gift

Days blurred into each other, a cacophony of anticipation and unease swirling within me. Olivera's message, a discordant note in the symphony of my life, hung heavy in the air. To go or not to go, that was the question, a melody of doubt clashing with the reckless rhythm of curiosity.

I kept my decision a secret, a tightly guarded chord in the composition of my life. Zephyr, focused on her own machinations, remained oblivious to the internal battle raging within me. Yet, the silence between us, once comfortable, now felt heavy with unspoken truths.

Each night, the melody within me reached a crescendo, a chaotic orchestra of arguments and counter-arguments. The potential dangers of meeting Olivera were undeniable – exposure, manipulation, even physical harm. But the potential rewards, a glimpse into his hidden world, a chance to gather crucial information, were equally tempting.

Finally, the day arrived, the weight of my decision pressing down on me like a leaden note. Dressed in borro