Chapter 18....

Michael hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. He didn't want to worry his mom more than she already was.

"Mom, I'm okay. Just a lot going on at school," he said, trying to downplay the situation.

His mom sensed something was wrong. "Michael, what's really going on? You can tell me."

Michael took a deep breath and decided to keep the truth from his mom. "Really, Mom, it's just school stuff. Don't worry about it."

His mom sighed. "Okay, but promise me you'll be careful."

Michael promised, feeling a twinge of guilt for not being honest.

As they finished talking, Agent Thompson took the phone. "Michael, we need to discuss your situation."

Michael nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation.

Agent Thompson leaned forward, her expression serious. "Michael, the threats you've been receiving are connected to your father's work."

Michael's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"Your father was involved in some sensitive research," Agent Thompson explained. "It seems someone is trying to use you to get to him."

Michael's mind raced. "But my dad is dead..."

Agent Thompson nodded. "I know. But his research lives on, and someone is desperate to keep it from being revealed."

Michael felt a chill run down his spine. "What kind of research?"

Agent Thompson hesitated before answering. "I'm not sure I can share that with you yet.

But trust me, Michael. We're working to keep you safe."

Michael wasn't sure what to believe. He felt like he was caught in a web of secrets and lies.

Michael felt overwhelmed and scared. He had so many questions, but Agent Thompson seemed hesitant to answer them.

He felt like he was living in a nightmare, with no escape.

"Can I go now?" Michael asked, feeling a lump in his throat.

Agent Thompson nodded. "Yes, but remember, Michael.

You're not alone. We're watching out for you."

Michael nodded, feeling a small sense of comfort.

He left the safe house, his mind racing with questions and fears.

As he walked home, he noticed a figure following him.

He quickened his pace, but the figure kept pace with him.

Michael's heart raced. Was this another threat?

Suddenly, the figure stepped forward, revealing a surprising face.

That's a great point! I apologize for the oversight. Let's continue the story with Emily as the friend from school instead.

The figure is a friend from school - Emily!

"Hey, Michael! What's going on?" Emily asked, concern etched on her face.

Michael breathed a sigh of relief. "Just a lot of weird stuff happening," he replied, not wanting to reveal too much.

Emily nodded. "I know what you mean. I've been getting some strange messages too."

Michael's eyes widened. "Really? What kind of messages?"

Emily hesitated before answering. "I don't know if I should say.

But it's like someone is watching us or something."

Michael's mind raced. Could their strange occurrences be connecte?

Emily leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think it's related to the new student, Lucas. I've seen him arguing with Agent Thompson."

Michael's eyes widened. "Lucas? I thought he was just a transfer student!"

Emily nodded. "That's what I thought too, but I overheard him talking about 'the project' and 'Michael's role'."

Michael's mind raced. What project? What role?

Suddenly, Emily's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and gasped. "It's a message from an unknown number... and it's a warning!"

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