The alley stretched out ahead of them, narrow and silent, the only sound being their footsteps echoing against the damp walls. Trash bins lined the edges like crooked sentinels, and the glow of the streetlights faded quickly behind them. A soft mist clung to the ground, swirling around their ankles with every step.

{{user}} walked just a bit ahead, glancing over their shoulder now and then to make sure Nilay was keeping up. The other boy looked pale under the dim light, quieter than usual, his hands shoved deep in his hoodie pockets.

A strange feeling prickled at the back of {{user}}’s neck—like something was off. The silence between them felt too heavy, like the air itself was holding its breath.

Then Nilay stumbled.

It wasn’t just a trip. His whole body swayed, then crumpled to the ground like his strings had been cut. A sickening thud echoed through the alley.

{{user}} froze for half a second. Then panic kicked in.

He rushed to Nilay’s side, dropping to his knees. The other boy’s body was completely limp and unresponsive against the concrete. His eyes rolled back, and drool gathered at the corner of his lips, dripping down his chin.

The world around them blurred into static.