Chapter 17..

Michael tried to shake off the dream and started his day. He got dressed, had breakfast, and headed to school. But the memory of the dream lingered, making him feel uneasy.

As he walked to school, he noticed a black sedan following him. He quickened his pace, but the car kept pace with him.

Michael's heart raced as he wondered if he was being watched. He turned down a side street, trying to lose the car, but it continued to follow him.

Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt beside him. The window rolled down, revealing a mysterious figure in a suit.

"Michael, we need to talk," the figure said, their voice low and menacing

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Michael stood his ground, looking the mysterious figure straight in the eye. "I don't want to talk to you," he said firmly.

The figure raised an eyebrow. "You don't know what's good for you, Michael.

Get in the car, and we'll explain everything."

Michael crossed his arms. "No way. Leave me alone."

The figure sighed, then nodded to someone in the backseat.

The car door opened, and a woman in a suit stepped out.

"Michael, we're trying to help you," she said, her voice softer than the first figure's. "Please, get in the car, and we'll explain everything."

Michael hesitated, unsure of what to do. The woman's kind eyes and gentle tone put him at ease, but he was still wary.

He looked at the car, then back at the woman.

"Who are you?" he asked, trying to sound calm.

"My name is Agent Thompson," she replied. "We're here to protect you, Michael.

Please, get in the car, and we'll explain everything."

Michael took a deep breath and decided to trust her.

He got into the car, and Agent Thompson followed him.

The mysterious figure in the suit drove them away from the school.

As they drove, Agent Thompson explained that Michael was in danger.

"You're being watched by some very bad people," she said. "We need to keep you safe."

Michael's mind raced with questions, but before he could ask any of them, the car stopped in front of a strange building.

"Where are we?" Michael asked, feeling uneasy.

"This is a safe house," Agent Thompson replied. "You'll be protected here."

Michael hesitated, but Agent Thompson's reassuring smile put him at ease.

He followed her into the safe house, a nondescript building with reinforced doors and windows.

Inside, he found a cozy living room with a TV, couch, and books. A kind-faced woman, introduced as Dr. Lee, greeted him warmly.

"Welcome, Michael. You're safe now," she said, offering him a cup of hot chocolate.

As he sipped the warm drink, Agent Thompson explained that the safe house

was a temporary haven until they could figure out who was behind the threats.

Michael's mind raced with questions, but before he could ask any, Dr. Lee handed him a phone.

"Call your mom, Michael. She's worried sick about you."

Michael's heart skipped a beat as he dialed his mom's number.

When she answered, he heard relief and love in her voice.

"Michael, oh thank goodness! I was so worried about you!"

As they talked, Michael realized how much he missed his mom.

He felt a pang of guilt for not being honest with her about the strange occurrences.

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