Ethan's house was quiet.
Too quiet.
Maya stood awkwardly in the living room as Ethan locked the door behind them.
"Sit," he said.
She sat on the couch, her hands clasped together tightly.
Ethan disappeared for a moment, then returned with a glass of water.
"Here."
"Thanks."
Their fingers almost touched.
Maya quickly pulled back.
Ethan noticed.
"You really hate being touched that much?" he asked.
Maya hesitated.
Then looked up at him.
"What if I told you… I see things when I touch people?"
Ethan didn't laugh.
Didn't question it.
Instead, he just stared at her.
"What kind of things?"
"Secrets," she said quietly. "Memories. Things they hide."
Silence filled the room.
"You're serious," he said finally.
Maya nodded.
"That day in the hallway… and just now…" she swallowed, "I saw you and Daniel."
Ethan sat down across from her, his expression unreadable.
"That explains a lot," he murmured.
Maya frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Ethan leaned forward slightly.
"It means," he said, his voice low, "you're in more danger than I thought."
Her heart skipped.
"Why?"
Ethan looked at her.
And this time—
There was no hesitation.
"Because if they find out what you can do…"
He paused.
"They won't let you walk away."
A chill ran down Maya's spine.
"They?" she repeated.
Ethan didn't answer immediately.
And that silence said everything.
This wasn't just about one missing boy.
It was bigger.
Much bigger.
And somehow—
Maya was right in the middle of it.