CHAPTER 8: WISHES

The town of Liverpool awakened with the break of dawn, painting a picturesque scene. The bustling harbor was a magnificent sight, filled with ships, boats, and trains from the new world, each showcasing the marvels of modern transportation.

Eager to embark on their new adventure, the trio disembarked from the train and was greeted by the refreshing coastal breeze of Liverpool. As summer approached, the anticipation in the air grew. They settled into a cozy apartment near the sea, a place that provided solace for the hardworking townsmen.

In the presence of the grand RMS Titanic, the three friends were awestruck. The colossal ship captivated the crowd, as people snapped photographs, sketched portraits, and marveled at its magnificence.

Afterward, the friends made their way back to the apartment, finding comfort within its walls. Nicollette, still overwhelmed from the events of the previous night, sought much-needed rest, feeling emotionally drained.

Meanwhile, Tristan expressed his desire to see the Titanic up close, inviting Caleb to join him. "I'd love to see the ship, Caleb! Come on, let's go," he exclaimed.

Caleb readily agreed, and the two set out, strolling through the town and admiring its vibrant atmosphere. They marveled at the various stalls, shops, and modern marvels they hadn't encountered before, like telephones and phonographs.

As they walked along the shore, Caleb bent down and picked up a seashell. Intrigued, Tristan joined him, and they engaged in conversation. Caleb couldn't contain his awe for Liverpool and its many wonders. "Liverpool is amazing, don't you think? We're so fortunate to be here, close to the ocean, surrounded by incredible places and endless opportunities!"

Tristan, delighted by Caleb's enthusiasm, took a stick and began drawing images and writing in the sand. Curious, Caleb asked him about his peculiar drawings.

Tristan hesitated for a moment before sharing his story. "This blurry image in the sand represents my real mother. It's the only memory I have of her, a vision that has stuck with me. Mr. Watson revealed that my father wasn't my biological parent, and those were the darkest days for me..."

Caleb, confused by the reference to "those days," inquired further.

Tristan replied earnestly, "It's when I hurt the only person who truly cared for me..."

"I'm sorry," Caleb interjected, expressing his sympathy.

Tristan, sensing Caleb's discomfort, wrapped his arm around his friend's shoulder and reassured him, "Don't worry about it. I won't let history repeat itself. I can't bear to witness harm befalling those I love—both you and Nicollette. You mean the world to me, and I can't imagine my life without you. You're perfect...for us. I mean, you know..."

An awkward silence followed, leaving both boys blushing in embarrassment. Tristan quickly realized his slip of words and attempted to rectify his statement. "I mean, we're all valuable to each other. And Nicollette too, of course. You know...hehe."

Caleb burst into laughter, breaking the tension, and Tristan joined in. Their beaming faces reflected the enjoyment they found in each other's company, forging a bond of great friendship.

After chatting for a while longer, the two friends returned to the apartment as the day drew to a close.

Upon their arrival, Nicollette inquired about their whereabouts. Caleb, wanting to keep things simple, replied, "We just went to the beach to collect seashells." Tristan and Caleb exchanged a knowing glance.

Nicollette approached Caleb, requesting a moment to speak privately. She revealed something she had discovered in the Domus orphanage—a letter she found in Director Mikaela's drawer. It seemed important and was addressed to Caleb, originating from Director Mikaela.

"I haven't read it, don't worry," Nicollette assured Caleb. "You should find out its contents for yourself."

Caleb, intrigued by the letter's source, wondered if it held answers to his past—perhaps a substantial sum of money or information about his birth parents. Eagerly, he unsealed the envelope and read its contents. The revelation left him stunned. The letter revealed that he had a brother, his fraternal twin, who had been taken from him by a powerful entity. Director Mikaela, feeling responsible, had raised Caleb as his own to compensate for the lack of protection.

The letter read. "It hurts… It hurts… I'm sorry Caleb I failed to protect your brother, I promise one day you'll be reunited again… For now I promise to raise you with all the care in the world just to make it up to you, I love you my son. For one day we all will meet again."

"Well, that's a plot twist," Caleb mused, grappling with the newfound knowledge. "It seems I have another problem to solve. But I don't want to view it as a problem. I need to keep moving forward... Thank you, Nicollette, for showing me this letter."

Expressing her condolences, Nicollette asked Caleb about his thoughts regarding his brother's well-being.

With a voice tinged with doubt, Caleb replied, "I'm not sure, but he's the only family I have left... I need to learn more about him. He's probably just like us—a lost soul in an endless struggle."

"I'll help you," Nicollette offered, emphasizing her gratitude. "You've always been there for me, and now it's my turn to return the favor."

Deeply appreciative of Nicollette's friendship and support, Caleb thanked her. Their shared determination to uncover the truth forged an unbreakable bond.

The trio reconvened, their focus now on the letter and the mysterious necklace it contained. A crescent moon pendant, incomplete without its missing piece, piqued Caleb's curiosity. He instinctively felt that the necklace was his, and his twin brother possessed the matching half. Caleb clutched the pendant tightly, vowing to do whatever it took to find his brother, even if it meant traversing different dimensions.

Nicollette offered Caleb reassurance, patting him on the back and whispering words of encouragement. She assured him that everything would be okay, reminding him that they had the power to create their own destinies and start a new chapter.

With renewed determination, the trio ventured out for a dinner together, aware that their upcoming job awaited them. They chose Tristan's favorite noodle stand, sharing laughter and excitement throughout the night. As they dined, they discussed their heartfelt wishes.

Tristan began, expressing his utmost desire for their safety and well-being. "My greatest wish right now is for all of us to be okay, to remain together as a family. We may come from different backgrounds, but I hope we can truly understand and support one another."

Smiling in agreement, both Caleb and Nicollette raised their cups, toasting to Tristan's heartfelt wish and a future filled with lasting friendship.

Next, Nicollette shared her wish, confessing her struggles with connecting to others in the past. However, since meeting Tristan and Caleb, everything had changed. She expressed her longing for the present moment to last forever, free from conflict or separation. She made a request for them to promise to preserve their bond.

Caleb and Tristan raised their cups once again, affirming Nicollette's wish for an enduring friendship that transcends time. They toasted to a future filled with love and camaraderie.

Finally, it was Caleb's turn to speak. He wished for a life without regrets, where every experience served as a lesson and propelled them forward. He expressed his determination to build a strong foundation upon which no storm could shake their resolve. With eager anticipation, he urged his friends to embrace the adventures that awaited them.

The three friends exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with understanding and joy. They raised their cups one last time, toasting to a life lived without regrets.

After dinner, the trio returned to the apartment, ready to rest for the night. However, Tristan's sleep was interrupted when he woke up at 2 a.m., feeling an intense pain in his arm. He hurried to the balcony, clutching his throbbing limb, as red smoke and particles emanated from it. The sensation of burning engulfed his hand, leaving it numb and scarred.

Caleb, awakened by the sight, observed the red smog billowing from the rooftop, obscuring the moonlight. He watched as Tristan engaged in an enigmatic ritual. Fear and unease crept into Caleb's heart as he questioned his friend's true nature. He wondered if Tristan was a friend or something entirely different, something beyond human comprehension.

Unaware of Caleb's presence, Tristan sighed, his voice filled with a mix of emotions. "Caleb has a brother too, leaving me in last place. I suppose I'll remain a mere background player... Who am I? What am I to him? What am I feeling? Nevertheless, I must help him find his brother—a duty I have sworn to fulfill. Even if it pains me, I will do it for him."

Tristan sensed Caleb's presence behind him and quickly concealed his scars and the smog, pretending nothing had transpired.

Disturbed and confused by what he had witnessed, Caleb retreated to his bed, his mind buzzing with thoughts. He questioned whether his friendship with Tristan was genuine or if he had been deceived. However, when he looked into Tristan's eyes, he saw sincerity and truth, dispelling his doubts.

"I knew I befriended someone with a troubled past... Why am I starting to doubt now?" Caleb pondered. He firmly believed that Tristan possessed a good heart and would never harm anyone intentionally. "Perhaps Tristan was simply saddened by my failure to confide in him about my brother. But that still doesn't explain his involvement in those mystical rituals or strange movements. There's something I can't quite grasp..."

Overwhelmed with thoughts, Caleb eventually succumbed to sleep, hoping for clarity in the days to come.