I am the creator of New Life on the Earth
Chapter 168: A Friend’s Fear

Chapter 168: A Friend’s Fear

Chapter: The Weight of Secrets

Adam’s eyes were still fixed on the now-darkened television screen, the echoes of the President’s powerful address reverberating in his mind.

His thoughts swirled in chaos, the tension in the room palpable. He barely registered the sound of his father’s voice until Ricky spoke again, his tone unusually upbeat.

"This is good news," Ricky said, nodding with conviction. "Finally, the government will be able to identify these people—those who’ve gained powers—and put a stop to their chaos. Once they’re taken care of, life will return to normal for all of us."

Rachel, Adam’s mother, who had been silent until now, glanced at Ricky and nodded in agreement. "You’re absolutely right," she said, her voice steady but tinged with unease. "It terrifies me to think about who these people might be and how they could do such cruel things to innocent lives. But it’s a relief to know the government is taking action."

Ricky placed a reassuring hand on Rachel’s shoulder. "Don’t worry," he said, his voice calm and confident. "It’s only a matter of time. Soon, peace will return."

---

While his parents found comfort in the President’s promises, Adam felt his stomach twist in fear. Their words, meant to reassure, only deepened his anxiety. What would they think if they found out the truth? The question gnawed at him like a relentless tide crashing against a fragile wall.

He glanced at his father, who looked so hopeful, so certain of the government’s ability to handle the situation.

Then his gaze shifted to his mother, whose fearful eyes betrayed her calm exterior. Adam’s chest tightened. How would they react if they knew their son was one of the people they feared? One of those with powers?

Unable to sit any longer under the weight of their words, Adam cleared his throat and said, "I’m going back to my room."

Rachel’s concerned eyes immediately turned to him. "Adam, are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Adam forced a small smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "Yeah, I’m fine. I just need some time alone." Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed for the stairs, his movements stiff and hurried.

Climbing the staircase, Adam felt his pulse quicken, each step taking him farther from the prying eyes of his parents. Sona and Tayo, perched silently on his shoulders, remained still, their small forms offering a quiet sense of comfort amidst the storm of his emotions.

The moment he entered his room, Adam closed the door behind him and leaned against it, his breath coming in slow, measured inhales as he tried to calm his racing thoughts.

The room, bathed in the soft glow of evening light filtering through the curtains, felt like a fragile sanctuary, a small bubble of safety against the chaos outside.

Sona fluttered off his shoulder, her golden wings catching the light as she hovered in front of Adam’s face.

Her bright blue eyes, filled with concern, searched his expression. "Lord Adam," she said softly, her voice cutting through the silence, "what will we do now?"

Adam raised a hand, pressing it gently against his mouth as he fell into thought. What could I do? he wondered. The government is closing in. If they find me, everything will fall apart. My family... my friends... everyone would turn against me.

Before he could find an answer, the shrill sound of his phone ringing jolted him from his thoughts.

He glanced toward the table, where his phone lay buzzing with urgency. Taking a deep breath, he walked over and picked it up. The screen displayed the name Leo.

Adam hesitated for a moment before answering the call. "Leo," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

On the other end, Leo’s voice was tinged with panic. "Adam, did you see what’s happening?"

"I saw," Adam replied, keeping his tone calm.

"What do we do now?" Leo asked, the fear in his voice palpable. "They’ll find Susan. They’ll find all of them. This is bad, Adam. Really bad."

Adam clenched his jaw. Leo’s worry mirrored his own, but he couldn’t let his friend spiral into panic. Forcing a note of reassurance into his voice, he said, "Don’t worry, Leo. Susan will be fine. We’ll figure this out. There’s always a solution."

Leo fell silent for a moment, his breathing audible through the phone. Finally, he said, "I hope you’re right."

"I am," Adam replied firmly. "Trust me."

Leo muttered a quiet "Okay" before ending the call. Adam set the phone down, exhaling slowly. One problem defused. For now.

But before Adam could return to his thoughts, his phone buzzed again. This time, the name Ani flashed on the screen. Adam stared at it for a moment, his chest tightening with unease. What does she want?

With a resigned sigh, he answered the call. "Ani?"

Her voice, trembling with fear, immediately came through. "Adam, did you watch the news?"

"I saw it," Adam said, his tone steady despite the storm brewing within him.

"What’s going to happen now?" Ani asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "They’re going to find you, Adam. What are we supposed to do?"

Adam closed his eyes, trying to think of the right words. Ani’s fear was raw, and he could feel the weight of her trust in him. He couldn’t afford to falter, not now.

"Don’t worry, Ani," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I’ll figure something out. I promise."

There was a pause on the other end before Ani spoke again. "Okay. I trust you, Adam. Just... be careful."

"I will," he assured her. "But I need to handle a few things right now. I’ll call you later."

"Alright," Ani replied softly before the call disconnected.

---

As the room fell silent once more, Adam set the phone down and leaned against the table. The weight of the day pressed heavily on his shoulders, but he couldn’t allow himself to break. Not yet.

Sona and Tayo fluttered closer, their small forms radiating quiet support. Adam glanced at them, offering a faint smile. "We’ll get through this," he said, more to himself than to them.

But as he turned his gaze toward the window, the faint flicker of the setting sun casting shadows across the room, a single thought lingered in his mind: How much longer can I keep this secret?

And with that, the Chapter came to a close, leaving Adam standing alone in the twilight, the weight of the world resting squarely on his shoulders.