Masks Around Me

Chapter 1: A new beginning

Present Day: The Abandoned Warehouse

It was late at night, the moon shining down, casting eerie shadows as I walked through the deserted streets. Container homes lined the path, empty and forgotten.

A cold breeze sent shivers down my spine, raising goosebumps on my skin. Despite my wife's advice to bring a police officer, I pressed on alone, guided by an inexplicable urge to reach the abandoned warehouse in the distance.

Arriving at the darkened building, doubt crept in. Was it wise to come here alone? Should I have heeded my wife's warnings?

Turning on my phone's torch, I ventured inside, calling out into the darkness, hoping for a response.

Before I could register what was happening, a sharp pain exploded in my head, and everything went black.

When I regained consciousness, my body felt numb, my movements restricted by unseen restraints. Squinting in the darkness, I made out the figures of two men standing before me.

"Did you give him the drugs?" one of them asked, his voice oddly familiar.

"Yes, sir. I injected it into his system. Even if he wakes up, he'll be too weak to resist," the other replied obediently.

The first man's words sent a chill down my spine as I struggled to comprehend the situation. Then, realization dawned as I recognized the voice.

But before I could utter a word, darkness enveloped me once again, and I slipped back into unconsciousness.

Thirty Years Ago: Adoption Day

"Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Windsor, we've looked at the description of the type of child you wanted and Edward here matches your preferences," the sister said, smiling at the young couple eager to adopt a child.

She looked at me and gently nudged me forward, saying, "Edward, say hello to them. They will soon be your parents. Go on, say hello."

"Good day, sir, good day, ma'am. I'm Edward, and I'm five years old. It's a pleasure to meet you," I introduced myself with a shy smile.

"Aww, he's so cute," Mrs. Windsor said, her eyes filled with admiration.

Mr. Windsor turned to the sister and asked, "Can we start the adoption process now?"

"Oh, yes, yes, you can start right away," the sister said happily.

As they completed the procedures, I couldn't help but admire the young couple. Mr. Windsor was tall with pale skin, healthy-looking black hair, and black eyes. He looked like he worked out regularly, with a big build visible through his clothes. He seemed to be in his late twenties.

Mrs. Windsor, on the other hand, was blonde with pretty blue eyes. She had a slender figure and appeared to be in her mid-twenties. Together, they looked like the perfect couple, as if plucked straight out of a movie.

Lost in thought, the sister approached me and said, "Congrats, Edward. You are now the son of the Windsor family."

Overwhelmed with happiness, I couldn't contain my excitement. Mr. Windsor knelt down, opening his arms, and said, "Come on, Edward, let's go."

Without hesitation, I ran into his embrace, feeling a sense of belonging I had longed for. He lifted me up in his arms, and Mrs. Windsor smiled warmly at us.

"Thank you very much, sister. We'll be taking our leave now," Mrs. Windsor said, her eyes shining with joy.

The sister approached me once more, offering her well wishes, "I pray you have a happy life with your new family."

"Thank you," I replied, my heart filled with gratitude as we waved goodbye to the others at the orphanage.

Entering the car, I thought to myself, "This is the real beginning of my new life."