Choices Within

Chapter One - News Flash

As the raindrops tapped against the window in rhythmic silence, Liz's eyes drifted across the ceiling, her thoughts lost in the maze of her past. With each slow inhale, a mix of contentment and regret filled her chest. Life had been a series of highs and lows, and now, as she lay alone in her apartment, she wondered how much she had really accomplished.

Her father's success as a government biochemist had always kept him busy. Long hours meant Liz had learned to fend for herself. She barely remembered the last time they'd sat down to talk. His absence had become a permanent part of their lives, and yet, she never resented him. She couldn't—he loved his work, and that was enough. Her mother worked part-time at the local diner, and while Liz had spent many meals there, she'd always dreamed of more. A better life. One beyond small towns and small comforts.

When they moved to Vierastock Pine, Liz wasn't sure if it would be an upgrade or a setback. But the town, with its towering trees and endless skies, had been an unexpected change. She found peace in its solitude, a quiet contrast to the frantic pace of city life. Liz pushed forward, excelling in school, diving into psychology. But, even after she earned her nursing degree, her passion shifted, and she began to wonder if her true calling was beyond the boundaries she'd set for herself.

Today, her fingers rested on the edge of the coffee table, the newspaper unfolded before her. The headline caught her eye:

"Unsolved murder case in a Highly Protected Prison"
Her gaze fixed on the article.

"Fernando Povera, a notorious drug lord, was found brutally murdered inside a maximum-security prison. The murder happened in the early hours, and while the guards claim to have seen nothing suspicious, the prison's strict surveillance system was bypassed. No one knows how the crime was committed—or by whom."

Her mind lingered on the words. Something about it felt off. As if there was more to the story than the paper was willing to admit.

Her phone rang, snapping her from her thoughts. She picked it up without looking.

"Hello?"
"Miss Liz Davis?"
"Yes?"
"This is Berry Stiller from WestHall Security Services."
"Security Services?" Liz asked, confused.
"Yes, you were scheduled for an interview with the CEO of the USP for the nurse position. Unfortunately, due to a security issue, it's been rescheduled."
Liz blinked, her heart dropping. "Security issue? I—I just read about it in the paper."
"We'll see you tomorrow at 10 AM. Does that work?"
"Yes, of course."
"Great. Have a nice day."

Liz hung up, her fingers brushing the cold screen of her phone. Something about the call felt off, but she shrugged it off. She had the day free now, a rare chance to breathe. She grabbed her purse, made sure the house was locked, and stepped out into the cool morning.

As she passed Miss Nickole, her cheerful neighbor waved, a red scarf wrapped snugly around her face against the chilly air.

"Off to work?" Miss Nickole asked brightly.

"More like shopping." Liz grinned, feeling lighter already.

"Lucky you!" Miss Nickole's smile was wide, her voice like a song as she waved. "Have a good day!"

Liz stepped onto the path that led to town, the breeze ruffling her hair, and felt the serenity of her surroundings. The trees swayed gently, their leaves whispering secrets. It was beautiful, peaceful. Almost too peaceful.

That peace shattered when a voice yelled from a nearby house, filled with rage.

"Get the hell out of here, you no-good asshole!"

Liz's gaze snapped to the scene. A young man was being shoved out of the door, stumbling backward as the older man continued shouting at him. Her breath caught in her throat. The tension in the air was palpable, and the young man's body language spoke of anger—but also something more. Something darker. He was furious, his fists clenched, his stance defiant.

The older man stood at the top of the stairs, hands gesturing wildly. "If you show your face here again, you won't leave alive."

The young man stumbled as he tried to regain his balance, but his focus never shifted. It was then that Liz's eyes locked with his.

Everything in her froze.

There was something about his presence that made her feel small, vulnerable. His hoodie was pulled low over his face, hiding most of his features, but not the fierce intensity in his eyes. Dark, piercing—there was anger there, but also a depth that unsettled her. His lips were cut, stained with blood, his knuckles scraped and bruised.

Their gazes locked for a moment too long.

"Qué estás mirando?"(What are you looking at?) His voice was cold, rough, like gravel.

Liz flinched, unsure of how to respond. She swallowed hard.

"Are you okay?"

"Ocúpese de sus propios negocios, señora loca."(Mind your own business, crazy lady.') He spat the words out, each one laced with venom.

Liz's brow furrowed.

"Eres un maleducado"(You're rude)

Without another word, he brushed past her, his shoulder bumping hers as he moved. Her body tingled from the contact, and she couldn't help but watch him as he walked away—his movements fluid, almost predatory, like a wolf sizing up its prey. He disappeared down the alleyway, leaving Liz with more questions than answers.

What had just happened?

Her pulse thrummed in her ears as she glanced back at the house, her mind racing with thoughts. This wasn't the first time she had seen trouble in this neighborhood, but something about this encounter felt... different. There was an intensity to him that made her uneasy.

Shaking the feeling off, Liz continued on her way, but the encounter lingered in her mind. What was it about him that drew her in, even if it was only for a few seconds? Was it the danger that seemed to surround him, or something else?

She had a feeling their paths would cross again soon.