Razor's Edge

Zhang's eyes snapped open, his heart racing like a jackrabbit. Sweat dripped from his brow, soaking into the worn pillowcase. The room was dark, except for the faint moonlight filtering through the blinds. He lay still, trying to calm his ragged breathing.The dream again.Fragments of memories swirled in his mind like a maelstrom. Images of his parents, laughing and smiling, then screaming and running. Flames engulfing their car, the sound of shattering glass. Zhang's own voice, crying out for his mom and dad.He rubbed his temples, trying to massage away the headache. These nightmares had plagued him for months, ever since...ever since that night.Zhang threw off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed. His feet dangled in the air, hesitating before touching the cold floor. The clock on his nightstand read 2:47 AM. He knew he wouldn't sleep again tonight.He stood up and padded to the window, pushing aside the curtains. The city outside was quiet, the only sound the distant hum of traffic. Zhang's gaze wandered to the skyline, where the towering skyscrapers seemed to touch the stars.What happened that night?His memories were hazy, fragmented. He recalled being in the car with his parents, driving home from a family dinner. Then...nothing. Until he woke up in the hospital, his world shattered.The doctors said he'd suffered a traumatic brain injury, that his memories would return in time. But time had passed, and the gaps remained. Zhang felt like he was living someone else's life, trying to fill in the blanks.He turned away from the window and began to pace. His room was a reflection of his fractured memories – photos and mementos from his past life, interspersed with cryptic notes and sketches. Zhang's attempt to rebuild his history. As he walked, his eyes landed on a sketch of a woman with piercing green eyes. Her face was familiar, yet unknown. Who was she? A friend? Family member? Enemy? Zhang's phone buzzed on his nightstand, breaking the spell. A text from his best friend, Alex:" Hey, man. You awake? Need to talk."Zhang smiled wryly. Alex knew about his nightmares."Yeah, I'm up," Zhang typed, hitting send."Meet me at the park at 3:30. Come alone."Zhang's gut tightened. What was going on?"Okay," he replied, already grabbing his jacket. The darkness outside seemed to press in as he left his apartment, the city's silence taking on an ominous tone. Zhang quickened his pace, his senses on high alert. What was waiting for him in the park? He walked briskly through the deserted streets, the only sound of his footsteps echoing off the buildings. Zhang passed by the closed shops and cafes, their windows like empty eyes staring back. As he entered the park, the silence deepened. The trees loomed above, casting long shadows that stretched and twisted. Zhang's skin prickled with unease. A figure emerged from the darkness."Alex?" Zhang called out, his voice barely above a whisper. Alex stepped forward, his face illuminated by the faint moonlight. "Hey, Zhang. Sorry to drag you out here."Zhang shrugged. "What's going on?"Alex hesitated, glancing around the park. "I've been digging into your parents' accident. I think I found something."Zhang's heart skipped a beat. "What?"Alex handed Zhang a folder filled with documents and photographs. "This was buried deep in the police archives. Looks like the investigation was shut down prematurely."Zhang's eyes scanned the documents, his mind racing. "What does it mean?"Alex's voice dropped to a whisper. "I think your parents were in witness protection. They were hiding from someone."Zhang's world tilted. Witness protection? What had his parents been involved in? Suddenly, the fragments of memories in his mind began to shift, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. He remembered his parents' secretive conversations, the hushed tones and worried glances."Who were they hiding from?" Zhang asked, his voice firm. Alex shook his head. "I don't know yet. But I'll keep digging."Zhang's grip on the folder tightened. "I want to help."Alex nodded. "We'll do it together."As they stood there, the darkness seemed to recede, replaced by a sense of purpose. Zhang's journey to uncover the truth had begun. With Alex by his side, Zhang felt a sense of determination wash over him. They would uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows. They would find the truth. Together.