The Illusion Of Life

The next day, Marlin went out to explore the city after finishing everything at home. As he walked down one of the narrow alleys, he stumbled upon someone who seemed strangely familiar. It was a boy, young in age, yet his features showed a remarkable maturity for his years. His name was Eden, one of Marlin's childhood friends. Although Marlin didn't remember much about his past, seeing this old friend brought back some faint memories.

Eden was a bit distant in his dealings with others, but warm when it came to family and close friends. He always had wise opinions, speaking as though his life was filled with experiences despite his young age. He wore simple clothes, but the details of his features reflected his inner strength, from his clear eyes that missed nothing to the subtle smile that would appear when he tried to quiet a serious conversation.

While Marlin was lost in these returning memories, a soft feminine voice interrupted: "Marlin, is that you?"

He turned to find a girl from his fragmented memories, named Julia. She was a kind and modest girl. Her black hair fell naturally over her shoulders, and her face carried innocent features. While she wasn't the most beautiful, she had a unique charm. Marlin felt there was something unclear between Julia and Eden, as though there were unspoken feelings.

Julia, her face showing a little embarrassment, asked: "Why do I feel like you've changed?"

Marlin smiled awkwardly, trying to recall some memories, while Eden smiled next to him: "I think you've always been better than that, haven't you?"

They began walking together down the street, their laughter rising as they started recalling funny moments from their childhood. Eden mentioned an embarrassing incident involving Julia when, one day, she tried to jump over a small wall but tripped and fell into a small puddle, making it look like she was drowning in mud as she struggled to get up quickly.

Julia laughed shyly and said, "I was that annoying girl, wasn't I?"

Eden replied teasingly, "You were more than just annoying, you were always bringing us surprises."

As they continued talking, Marlin noticed their exchanged glances and wondered about the nature of their relationship, as if there was something unspoken between them.

After a while, they stopped and headed toward a small café near the market. There, their friends began asking about Marlin's absence during the past few days. Eden asked, looking puzzled: "You've been missing for a while, where have you been? We haven't seen you in a while."

Marlin answered, feeling a bit embarrassed: "Ah, I've been a little busy. Preparing to go to the university... there were some things I needed to take care of."

Both were surprised. Eden raised an eyebrow and said: "University?! I didn't know you were going there."

Marlin replied cautiously: "Yes, my brother thinks it's best for me to go. I apologize if I couldn't stay in touch."

Eden sighed: "Same here, my father forced me to go even though I wanted to stay and help out at home."

Julia smiled and said: "So, we're all going! This will be fun."

Marlin looked at them, feeling a sense of comfort just talking to his friends, though he still had many questions about this world he seemed to be discovering step by step.

While they were talking, Julia suddenly took a deep breath and said cautiously: "Have you heard the rumor going around the village? They say some people have gone missing lately, and no one knows where they went. They say there are beasts, disguised as humans, that feed on people."

Eden raised an eyebrow and smiled sarcastically: "Beasts?! Really? That's just nonsense. The only beasts you'll find here are the ones chasing around in people's imaginations."

Julia laughed nervously and said: "I guess that's what everyone says... but I still feel uneasy."

Eden patted her shoulder and said: "Stop overthinking. There's nothing here but silly stories."

Marlin, who had been listening attentively, chuckled and said: "I think the only beasts we've seen today are the ones we've created in our minds."

Julia laughed at last, feeling a little relieved, as they continued chatting, exchanging thoughts and experiences about this strange world they lived in.