Sparks of ambiguity

After the nerve-wracking interview, Zephyr returned to his old, rundown apartment building, a stark contrast to the towering fortress he had just left. The building had seen better days, with peeling paint and flickering lights. The elevator had been out of order for weeks, and he trudged up the narrow stairwell to his apartment on the bottom floor.

Inside his cramped living space, Zephyr's exhaustion and anxiety weighed on him. He had barely enough money to make ends meet, and the absence of hot water in the building was a constant reminder of his meager existence. With a resigned sigh, he decided to take a cold shower, hoping it would wash away some of the stress and uncertainty that clung to him.

As the icy water cascaded over him, he shivered, feeling each droplet like a thousand pinpricks against his skin. In the dim light of the bathroom, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Zephyr was surprised by the meager definition of his body. His reflection revealed a physique that was far from impressive, especially in a city where physical prowess often accompanied extraordinary powers.

Deep in thought, he wrapped himself in a worn towel and stepped out into the hallway. Just as he was about to descend the staircase to leave the building for some fresh air, he heard a commotion from above.

"Zephyr! Zephyr, help!" cried out a familiar voice.

It was Mrs. Henderson, a kindly elderly lady who had lived in the apartment above him for as long as he could remember. She had always been like an auntie to him, providing homemade meals and a listening ear throughout his childhood. Zephyr knew her well, and their bond was strong.

Without hesitation, Zephyr rushed up the stairs to the scene. Mrs. Henderson had tripped and fallen, her basket of freshly cooked food spilling across the steps.

His heart ached as he saw her in pain. Zephyr knelt by her side, his voice filled with concern. "Mrs. Henderson, are you okay?"

Tears welled up in her eyes as she winced in pain, proceeding to cough out a sentence before laying flat . "Oh, dear, I'm in such a mess. My food's all ruined, and my leg feels funny..."

As he comforted her and waited for paramedics to arrive, a momentary flash of dark purple caught his eye. It was so fleeting that he questioned if he had imagined it. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, and he attributed it to tiredness.

With these unsettling thoughts, Zephyr accompanied Mrs. Henderson to the hospital, determined to support her through her recovery. The incident left him questioning the mysterious power within him, if there was one, but he brushed it off as fatigue playing tricks on his mind, especially in a world where abilities were the norm.