Mystery box
New York, United States of America.
What we believe and what we see isn't always the truth; still, we grapple with the falsehoods in our lives, embracing them as truths. Why, you ask? The simple answer is that change is daunting, and the unknown that lies ahead is often less mysterious than the change itself.
This struggle takes an unusual turn for a 19-year-old boy who diligently attempts to unravel a daily puzzle, an object now more precious to him than life itself. Yet, his efforts prove futile, leading him to exit his modest two-story apartment, more affordable than one can imagine, to toil in a weathered restaurant downstairs.
As night falls, he ventures into a dimly lit street to settle a debt born from his innate kindness. "Stop," demanded man 1. "Better get your hand off my chest," retorted Arthur. His gaze was fierce enough for the man to release his grip. "What's going on?" inquired man 2, rushing towards the scene. BOOM... both of them hit the ground, unaware of the unfolding chaos.
"Hey, loser. What the hell do you think you're doing in my territory?" A burly figure, dwarfing Arthur, swaggered toward him.
"Repay the debt I owe. What else!"
"You forget the beating from last time, you little—"
They clashed, the larger guy initially overpowering Arthur. Despite taking a brutal thrashing, Arthur surged back more aggressively. The brawl intensified, blood spilled, and both combatants endured wounds until Arthur crumpled to the ground. The gritty confrontation reached a brutal crescendo.
The following morning, Arthur awoke in his room, finding his wounds carefully bandaged. Surprised, he immediately thought of the one person who could've provided this aid and headed downstairs to express his gratitude.
"Mrs. Cheng, thanks," Arthur acknowledged.
Mrs.Cheng, visibly startled, exclaimed, "What the hell happened to you?"
"What do you mean? Didn't you do the bandages yesterday?"
"Never. You got beaten up somewhere, and I patched you up. Who did this to you?"
"Agh... King," Arthur murmured.
"That son of a bitch," Cheng spat out, a mix of concern and anger clouding his expression.
"Like father, like son. Useless," Mrs. Cheng muttered disapprovingly. Pointing to Mr. Cheng, she commanded, "Hey, come here."
"Why do you have bandages, Mr. Cheng?" Arthur inquired.
"Another wild night, you see. Doesn't matter," Mr. Cheng replied with a casual wave.
"Shut up. Bring him and convey that if he doesn't come, then he better understand the consequences," Mrs. Cheng ordered, her tone leaving no room for disobedience.
Arthur retreated to his room, fixating on the mysterious object that held an unyielding grip on his thoughts. However, despite his wholehearted attempts, he couldn't decipher how to unlock its secrets. Frustration mounting, he found himself at a loss. In a moment of exasperation, he left his room and stepped outside, hoping for a change of perspective or perhaps a chance encounter that might shed light on the enigma before him.
Arthur found King waiting for him, gazing at the night sky. "Those stars, you believe there's someone exactly like me in those stars. How nostalgic! I have loved sci-fi, you know."
"I don't know. Maybe yes. Who knows, they may be more advanced and know us even when we don't know anything about them," Arthur replied, a smile playing on his lips.
"Did the machine tell you this?"
"I've just figured it out after failing multiple times, you know. After every failure, it gives me one clue, and even with its help, I couldn't make any progress," Arthur expressed with a hint of frustration.
"Doesn't matter. You'll figure it out."
"Did your father come to you?"
"He has told me to not kick your ass anymore." King burst into laughter.
"Who knows, they might be after it." Arthur looked at the sky, hoping he would meet his family once again.
They stood side by side, gazing at the sky. The beauty of the stars twinkling above, like celestial beings communicating in a language only they understood. In silence, Arthur and King observed, perhaps contemplating the vastness of the cosmos and deciphering the unspoken messages exchanged between those distant points of light.
"Why don't you tell your parents?" Arthur questioned.
"Don't know. Maybe a little scared if anyone finds out about my little angel! If they take her away from me," came the hesitant reply, revealing a mix of apprehension and deep affection in King's words.