After Mel left, I decided to creep back into my hole. Connecting with new people proved challenging as they failed to grasp my dark sense of humour. Oddly enough, I was okay with that.

As the months went by, I began to see something strange. This random little boy would follow me around from time to time. At first, I thought it was a mere coincidence, but I later realized that it was far from that.

On a cold Wednesday afternoon, while I lay in my bed eating breakfast alone in my room, I noticed a small pair of eyes peering through a crack in the door. Not being in the mood for any interaction, I closed the door, hoping whoever it was had got the hint.

Later that night, just right before dinner, I took a small walk to clear my head. The crisp cool air felt amazing. However, I didn't get to enjoy it for long. My moment of peace was interrupted by the invasive sound of soft, cracking footsteps walking in my direction.

I decided to give them a taste of their own medicine and hid behind a crate, ready to frighten them. The wait was exhilarating, my heart was beating faster than ever, and I began to regret my decision. I mentally counted their footsteps as they approached me. The window of opportunity was slim, but even then I used it to my advantage.

I waited until I saw the shadow of their back. Then I proceeded to make my voice sound as intimidating as possible. "Why are you following me?" I said, blankly. The boy, in an attempt to turn around, tripped over some boxes. I sighed and walked over to help him, holding my hand out for him to take. He hesitantly took it, clearly nervous because he had just been caught.

Instead of admitting guilt, he proceeded to defend himself. "I was not following you."

My patience was growing thin with this boy. "If you're going to lie, at least tell one I might actually believe," I answered. Judging from his tone and height, he looked around the age of nine or ten. "What are you doing out here then? Aren't you supposed to be getting ready for supper?"

He gained his confidence. "I could ask you the same thing."

Intrigued, I watched him with a curious brow. "What an odd time to be out late."

"What can I say, I am an odd person," he replied confidently as if he had just won the argument. I couldn't help but smile. "We can both agree on that." He looked away sheepishly.

"Jokes aside, what are you doing here?" He didn't reply. "O-kay. One last question, are you even real or am I just imagining things? Because the pie we had for lunch is doing something to my stomach."

He spoke quietly but loud enough for me to hear. "I am very much real."

The moment stalled. "So, mysterious boy, what is your name?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

"I would, that's why I asked." I rolled my eyes, feeling a little frustrated.

A soft chuckle vibrated through the air. It was cute. "I like you," he said.

Before I could reply, a loud call came from the distant door, signalling it was time for dinner. Like a shadow, the boy disappeared at the sight of a single light pointing in our direction.

I stayed out a little longer, taking in the soft sound of crickets. By doing this, I unintentionally unearthed a heart-sinking memory. But it was quickly replaced by the encounter I just had. Fearing no food would be left for me, I took to my heels and walked back into the building. I did not encounter my shadow friend after that night.

I spent the rest of the week looking for him but to no avail. I had no luck. So instead, I resumed my daily routine.

Today was a rainy Wednesday, and the clouds were the darkest they have ever been. Believe it or not, this was my favourite weather. The sound of raindrops hitting the ground and windows was my lullaby. Thunder and lightning never really scared me.

As my eyes fluttered open, I caught a small glimpse of eyes staring directly at me. Still sleep-dazed, I decided to ignore it by facing the wall and snuggling further into my blanket. But when the realization finally sunk in, I quickly opened my eyes and turned to face the person. Shock passed through me as I stared at the little boy. "Who are you?" I blurted. Or at least I attempted to. My throat was a little raspy, and I wasn't fully in this universe yet. The boy giggled, and I immediately knew who it was. "You! Were you watching me sleep?"

He smiled innocently. "No. I was waiting for you to wake up. You've been asleep for an awfully long time now."

"Well, you could've waited for me to wake up. What you did was creepy?"

His smile fell, and his bright eyes dimmed. "I'm sorry." My heart broke, and I began to feel guilty. I placed both hands at his sides and gave him a bright smile. "Never mind that. A girl needs a scare from time to time. I should be thanking you." I nudged him gently to prove my point. His smile quickly returned, lifting both of our spirits.

"That's amazing. It means that you can play with me now." He tugged at the hem of my sweater.

"What? How about we play later when I am more energetic."

"But you're awake now," he whined.

"Maybe some other time." I placed my hand on him, slowly removing it from my shirt.

"Wow, who peed in your cornflakes?" he spat.

My eyes widened in surprise. That could not have come out of his mouth. "How old are you again?" I asked, shocked.

He giggled. "That's for me to know and for you to find out." He then rushed out of the room before I could say anything else.

Those events led us to where we are now. A cold day spent playing chess with my little stalker. Previously to this, we spent an intense moment choosing what to play. He played dirty by tricking me into giving in to his cuteness. As soon as he saw me break, he quickly resumed his playful banter. "Tae-eul, it's your turn," he spoke up.

I scanned the board and moved my knight. Not like it did anything, I sucked at this game. He already won the last four rounds without me even realizing it.

His tell was a slight tap on the side of the board. I used it to my advantage when I could. "Looks like I'm going to win again, Tae-ul." He gloated. For someone so small, he had an ego.

I rolled my eyes and drifted away. The entire game I was fighting the urge to fall asleep. That was when it hit me. I have never told him my name.

I mumbled, "Rocco?"

He was too focused to look at me. "Yes." He picked up his bishop and contemplated.

"How did you know my name?" He tensed up but kept calm.

"Huh?" He mumbled low.

"I don't remember telling you my name. How did you know?"

He avoided my eyes. "Yes, you did. You just forgot when you told me." He was nervous, I could tell.

I let out a long "No," followed his gaze and forced him to look at me, finishing with a loud "I didn't."

We, unfortunately, fell into a fit of back and forth, one accusing the other. He was not backing down, and neither was I. He was too smart for me. I ended up admitting that I did just like he wanted.

"Ha, you see, you admitted it," he pointed a finger at me, which I brushed off.

"You were confusing me. How could I not?"

"Your move." He avoided my question entirely.

"You're avoiding my question," I called out.

"Well, now that I think about it, I never told you mine either."

The memory of me sneaking into Ms Thatcher's office crossed my mind, the day I tried to locate him. I may have used a loophole to get the results I wanted more quickly than a full-on day full of asking questions about a boy I didn't have any idea about. I was Sherlock Holmes that day.

"I'm amazing," I thought out loud, giving myself a look of approval.

"And you call me strange," he cut in, bringing me back to reality.

He later went on to destroy me in the game. My ego was beyond bruised. Desperate for redemption, I made us embark on a journey to play any game we could find. I didn't win in those either, so as a last string of hope, I decided to pull out my favourite game.

"Let's play Monopoly." I always win.

"We can stop now if you want. You're not winning, and it's a little sad." He tried giving me a comforting pat, but I brushed him off.

"Just wait and see. This is my game; I can feel it."

We called some more people to join in. My competitive spirit was at an all-time high. I played and played like it was the last day of my life, completely destroying them, forgetting that I was playing against kids.

I got up and did a victory dance. "Haha, you lose and I win. Suck on that, losers." I may have taken it too far.

The hype in the room, however, was not reflecting what I was feeling. It looked like a few of them were even crying.

Rocco judged me the most. "What is wrong with you?"

"You're just mad that I won and you lost," I continued the dance without shame.

"You don't have to be mean about it. No need to rub it in. We're just children." He faced down as if to cry.

My heart grew heavy, and I stopped dancing. "I'm sorry. But you don't get to make me look like a bad guy after all those celebrations you did after beating me."

"I didn't make you the bad guy; you did that all by yourself." He and a few other people began to disperse, causing me to panic.

"I'm sorry, guys."

Instead of seeing people with sad expressions, I was met with a roar of laughter. I was confused, to say the least.

They all ran back, and in unison, they shouted, "April fools!"

"Of course," I gritted my teeth and fell back into my seat.

Rocco made his way back to me with a wide smile. "It was either this or dye your hair. We chose the latter because we didn't know how you would react to us dying your hair. You're scary." My scowl grew. "Come on, old-timer, smile a little, can't take a joke?"

"First of all, I am not as old as you think. I am only two or three years older than you. Second of all, I have a sense of humour; I just didn't find that funny."

"Let's agree to disagree. Everyone else enjoyed it."

"How did you even come up with that?"

"One can do a lot when they are bored. I thought to myself, 'Why not?' Thought if I mess with you, I would make life a little more entertaining."

"You're beginning to remind me of a younger me." My scowl was replaced with a half-smile.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" He teased. I punched his shoulder slightly, not too hard to hurt him.

I then took my leave. I had reached my peak of social interaction. "I'm going to bed. Please do not disturb me."

Hopefully, he will listen this time.

*******

In the next few weeks, I began to notice small traits about Rocco. He was more of an intellectual boy for his age; he loved board games and studying. Whenever I brought up anything to do with a lot of physical activity, he shut me down. Me being the way I am, I forced him to do it anyway. I liked to think it was because he needed my presence, but deep down, I knew it was because I was using him as a distraction, helping me forget about Melanie not being here.

Regardless, I couldn't help but think that she was the one who sent him here in the first place.

"Two days, five hours, thirty-six minutes, and 25 seconds," I whispered.

"What?" Rico asked a little confused.

"Never mind, I am just rambling," I repeated.

Somehow, he seemed even more confused. "Am I missing something?"

"That's how long it's been since Melanie left," I spoke softly.

His face took on a pale shade of blue. "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize."

I quickly smiled, "Don't sound so glum. I'm just being dramatic, don't mind me." I pushed him playfully. "Come on, let's have some fun."

We both settled on another one of his board games. I was obviously going to lose.

On occasion, Mel would text me, telling me about her life, but it wasn't the same. First of all, the time difference was terrible. Every time I was awake, she was asleep or the other way around. We would talk about her foster parents from time to time, but we didn't dwell much on the topic; she would change the subject before we did. I could tell a part of her felt sorry for me each time we did. Maybe she thought that by telling me how great her life is, she would make me feel bad.

I didn't mind though, and I would remind her of this, but she wouldn't listen regardless. To avoid arguing, I just decided not to push further.

"Earth to Tate!" Rocco shouted so loudly into my ear, rattling my eardrum.

"What was that for?" I pressed my palm against it in an attempt to soothe it. "I can hear you perfectly fine."

"Oh, I know," he giggled maniacally, "I just thought it would be fun to scream into your ear."

I half smiled with a raised eyebrow. "I get worried each time you tell me about the things you think are fun." His mouth curved into a wide smile, worrying me even more.

I hate to admit it, but Melanie was right. Rocco successfully managed to weasel his way into my heart. He was the friend I didn't know I needed.

*******

"What!" Rocco shouted loud enough for the whole universe to hear.

"Why do you have to be so loud?" I hushed him by shoving my half-done origami into his mouth.

He glared and spat it out. "Sorry, a force of habit." Then reduced his voice. "I just don't understand what you just told me."

I picked up another coloured paper, attempting to now make a frog that somewhat resembled his. "What don't you understand?"

"Tate, you just told me that you hate people. How am I supposed to easily understand that?" He questioned.

I spared him no glance, merely mumbling, "You're trying to complicate something that shouldn't be complicated." Halfway through, my frog resembled a rock, I kept going though.

"I have a few questions though," he spoke up.

I picked up the instruction pack and urged him to continue.

"Well, when did you start feeling that way?" He asked.

Before I answered the question, I took a look at Rocco's origami for some inspiration. "I just like my space." At this point, I just decided to start again.

"If you were to name one other reason, what would it be?" Rocco gave up and just helped me.

"Well, for starters, my parents. They weren't the best role models," I began.

"I understand. But I don't think that should be the reason to hate everyone else," he replied.

"Like I told you, there's more to it than that." Cleaning time was the worst part of the day.

He grabbed a broom and joined me. "How?" He questioned.

"The entire system is rigged. I just think it's unfair that people like us can just be thrown away like an old shirt," I answered.

"But that doesn't make sense. Instead of hating the people, why not hate the system?" he said.

I turned to face him. "Oh no, trust me, I hate the system. But, that doesn't make the people in the system innocent either. We as human beings set certain standards for everything. Beauty, wealth, intelligence, fashion, etc. All of this was established by the people in the system," I continued.

"That's a lot to think about. I have faith that you will change one day, with my help, of course." He held up the frog that he helped me finish, with the brightest smile I had ever seen, as a nudge to his point.

I returned his smile. "I am looking forward to it." I was lying, but I didn't have the heart to crush his spirit. Some things were too complex, even for this wise kid.

Maybe I was being a little overdramatic or just a sore thumb, but I couldn't help it. Maybe I just envied a life I wish that I had. "I'll be right back," I said.

I rushed to Ms Thatcher's office and lightly knocked on the door, waiting for a response. After a minute or two, I walked in. The look she gave me told me this was a bad time. "If this is a bad time, I can come back later." Internally, I was praying she wouldn't snap at me.

"Come in, Tae-eul," she replied. She sounded exasperated, to say the least. "What do you need?"

I spoke softly, "Could I borrow the phone? I would like to call Melanie if that isn't a problem."

"This is the fourth time this week." My heart sunk with disappointment, and I looked away from her, getting ready to leave. "You have ten minutes," she said blankly. I leapt with joy, internally of course.

I took slow and steady steps towards her, my fingers closed around the phone swiftly, just in case she had a change of heart. I turned around and mouthed, "Thank you, again," and then walked back to my room.

I carefully retrieved the piece of paper that had her number from under my pillow. I typed in the numbers, part of me fearing that if I didn't, it would disappear. I then listened to the rhythmic vibration of something.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Defeated, I tried a few more times, and after what seemed like forever, she finally picked up.

"Hey Tae," she said, excitedly. The distant sound of music caught my attention.

I mirrored her excitement. "Hey Lanie, how have you been?"

"I've been good, great actually."

"I am happy to hear that." I paused to give her time to speak, but she never did. "To be honest, I had an agenda going into this call. Lanie, I need to talk to you about something serious."

"That sounds scary, am I in trouble?" She joked. "Give me a second. I need to get someplace quieter," The music I once heard began to fade. "Okay, go on," she said.

"I have a new friend." I waited to see if she would come clean or if she would fight me as much as she could like she usually does.

She squealed, practically shattering my eardrums. "That's amazing, I love that for you. Should I be worried though?" she asked.

"Unless you consider a ten-year-old competition, I don't think you should," I replied, half chuckling.

"I'm just being cautious. So tell me about this new friend," she said.

"We met two days after you left. It started like most of my friendships, he stalked me. Obviously, I caught him."

"Interesting. On the bright side, at least you'll have an interesting story to tell people."

"I see your point." I paused, waiting for her to confess, but still nothing. "At first, I just thought he was weird, also kinda scary. Now that I think about it, that might be why I like him in the first place." To be specific, I was just curious.

"A win is a win. If I'm being honest, when I left, I thought you would be all alone, or at least I thought you would meet some weirdo who would corrupt you. But now I know there was nothing to worry about." There was a hint of sadness in her voice.

"There was one strange thing. He knew my name," I replied, trying to hint at something.

"What?" She questioned, her voice an octave higher.

I repeated myself, but this time slower, "He knew my name."

Lanie had always been a bad liar. "Why is that weird?" she asked.

"I never told him my actual name; he just mentioned it out of the blue." She went silent, her faint breathing was all I could hear. "There are only two ways he could've known that. He either snuck into the main office like I did or..." I trailed.

"Or..." she said.

"Or maybe he got it from someone I'm close to," I replied.

She let out a long exasperated sigh, "I'm busted, aren't I?"

"Yes, you are. Did you think I wouldn't find out?" I shouted.

"I knew you would someday. I had just hoped it wouldn't be so soon." I can't be mad at her. She was coming from a good place.

"Now, Lanie. Why did you get me a babysitter?" I asked.

"I told you already. I was worried about you. I knew that after I left, you would spend the rest of your days moping. I didn't want that."

"Thank you for having faith in me," I said, sarcastically with a hint of truth.

"Tae, you can't blame me. I know you." In short, her defence was to blame me. "Plus, from the looks of it, you guys are getting along pretty well. It's a win-win situation."

"I still would've appreciated some honesty," I said, softly.

"I will next time, I promise." She sounded truthful, so I decided to trust her. "Anyway, what else is new?" she said, changing the topic.

"Lately, I have been in my feelings, and it's a little hard talking about them because there isn't anyone my age to under-" I began but was cut off.

"Hey, Melanie, come over here!" Someone shouted through the phone.

"Whose that?" I asked.

"Just some random person, continue," she replied, brushing them off.

"I took your advice and tried making new friends, but I caved in halfway. It was a whole lot harder than you made it seem," I replied.

She began, "With time, it will get easier, I promise. But you need to stop being a scaredy-cat first."

"I'm no-" I was interrupted again.

"Melanie, hurry up, we have to leave!" The person shouted again.

"I'll be right there, just give me a second," she repeated.

"It's alright, I can finish telling you later," I suggested.

"No, Tae, I'm listening," she asked, concerned.

"Mel, go. What I need to tell you can't be told in one sitting. You have time, trust me," I replied, brushing it off.

"Tae, " she stated.

"Don't worry about me, I'm a big girl. I can handle a few more days," I said, half-smiling.

"You're sure?" she asked, apprehensive about my blatant lie.

"Positive."

"I don't believe you, but okay. Promise me that if anything changes, you will call."

"I will."

"I guess this is goodbye then, for now. Love you."

"Love you," I replied.

The line went dead, and I sat there staring at the screen. My fears began to settle on the surface of my mind. Deep down, I knew she wouldn't have as much time for me anymore; I just hoped it wouldn't be this soon.

Later, I returned the phone and took another short nap, like I usually did when I'm feeling low.

2 hours later

When I woke up, I walked straight to the book room. I needed something to take my mind off things, and a good book was always a great place to start.

The room wasn't something so glamorous. It was the common room but the part with more bookshelves in it.

I traced my finger along the shelves and took in the pine scent of all the books. It was a euphoric feeling. If I were to put a number on the amount of books I have read, I would probably say at least seventy.

After endless searching, I finally settled on a mystery. My character itself revolved around mystery. I loved this genre because it tends to always leave me yearning for more. But mysteries involving horror were my all-time favourite.

I picked up the book and sat in the furthest corner of the room.

That was how I spent the rest of my afternoon. I would've stayed in during dinner as well, but my stomach had other plans.

I walked into the crowded dining room and was immediately met with the sound of laughter. My stomach sank, and I took in a small breath. I picked up a plate, gathered my food, and made my way to the door as soon as I was done.

Like he was in my mind, Rocco stopped me from doing it. "Where do you think you are going?" he asked.

"My room," I replied, blankly.

"No, missy, you are eating with me, and that's final." Before I could reply, he forcefully me by the hem of my shirt to the table.

Silence filled the room, and everyone began staring at me. The gut feeling sunk further. I was never good in such situations.

Rocco noticed the tension and intertwined his hand with mine. "What are you all looking at? You've never seen a girl before," he said to the table. His serious voice made him even more adorable. And just like he wanted, they all went back to minding their business.

"Thank you," I mouthed.

"You owe me," he replied. I rolled my eyes and chuckled.

I sat down and ate my food as quickly as I could. Rocco looked at me and followed suit. For some reason, he felt like it was an obligation to watch over me. I'm the older one; it should be the other way around.

After dinner, I pulled Rocco into the halfway and told him all about my conversation this afternoon. "I know," I stated blankly.

"Know what?" He asked clueless.

"The secret you've been keeping from me," I continued.

"I haven't been keeping anything." He sounded a little too defensive.

"Rocco, don't lie, Melanie told me everything."

He genuinely looked at me in utter shock. "I have no idea who that is." Now I was getting confused.

"Rocco, I'm serious, be honest," I replied.

His smile fell into a thin line. "I am. Tae-eul, I have no idea who that is."

"Okay, then how would you explain how you knew my name?" I stated.

"I got it from the register," he replied quickly.

I turned away from him to think. "Wait... so if he's telling the truth, then that means Lanie is lying. Which doesn't make any sense because she has nothing to lose." I looked back at him but he still looked serious.

I moved closer to him, scanning his face, searching for any sign that would show he was lying because I knew he was. I just wanted him to admit it.

"Rocco," I said gazing directly into his eyes," look me in the eye, and tell me you're not lying."

He looked me directly in the eye with a blank face and spoke, "I am not lying." If he was, his skills were scary.

"Why don't I believe you?" I said, persistently, still looking into his eyes. Silence followed, and we just stood there, as if we were in an intense staring contest. My eyes began tearing up, and so did his, but neither of us dared to blink. After a few minutes, he gave up and blinked. I rejoiced. "I'll rub it in later," I thought. "Rocco, you have to be honest with me," I continued.

"Really, we're still on that?" he asked. For the first time, I saw him roll his eyes.

"Yes," I stated, "We never left it."

He let out a long sigh. "Fine. I was told to look after you. Are you happy now?" He shouted.

I felt satisfied with myself. "Yes."

"Tae-eul, you're a person who needed to be babysat. Is that something you want to be saying out in the open like this?" he said with the intent to hurt me.

I rolled my eyes and let out a low chuckle. "That was rude." He smiled widely. "Goodnight," I replied, half-smiling.

We began departing when the greatest idea popped up. This entire time we've been doing things Rocco found fun. It's about time we do something I like, for both my enjoyment and revenge.

I called out to him, "Hey Rocco."

"Yes," he replied.

"Make sure to have a good amount of sleep. Tomorrow is going to be an eventful day," I said as I began walking.

Concern creased his eyebrow as he tried to decipher my cryptic message. "Tae, what do you mean?" he called out, concerned.

His worried tone was already satisfying. To enhance that, I just kept walking.

"Tae, I'm serious, what do you mean?" He repeated, his tone laced with curiosity. No response.

"Tae, this isn't a joke. Should I be concerned?" He called out. I chuckled, my eyes sparkling with mischief.

This time I replied with a loud maniacal laugh that echoed through the hallway. I opened the door to my room with so much satisfaction. I jumped on my bed and made sure to have an amazing amount of sleep.

Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day.