Kyla's House
The dim light of late afternoon filtered through the window, casting a golden hue over the room. Kyla folded a shirt with slow, almost automatic movements. Her eyes seemed distant, as if each piece of clothing was a fragment of a memory she didn't want to relive.
Diana, leaning against the doorframe, watched in silence. Her crossed arms and firm posture concealed the understanding she felt.
"Kyla, if you need time, I can wait outside."
Kyla's fingers tightened around the fabric in her hands.
"No, I'd rather just finish this. Staying here alone… will only make it worse."
The wind blew against the window, making the curtains sway. The house, once full of history and tradition, now felt empty.
'Her grandfather is gone. Now, all that's left are echoes.'
Diana walked over to the bed and picked up an open bag, holding it out to Kyla.
"This should fit everything."
Kyla took the bag without meeting Diana's eyes.
"Thanks."
Silence returned between them, filled only by the rustling of clothes being folded.
Diana's gaze drifted to a nearby table. A worn-out medallion rested on the wooden surface, its chain weathered by time.
She picked it up, turning it between her fingers.
"Was this your grandfather's?"
Kyla paused for a moment before answering.
"Yes. He always said this medal carried the protection of the ancient spirits."
Diana observed the faint gleam of the aged metal.
"Do you want to take it with you?"
Kyla hesitated. Her chest tightened.
"No… He always said it belonged to this house. I can't take it away from here."
Diana nodded, respecting her decision. She placed the medallion back on the table, feeling the weight of history embedded in the object.
Kyla took a deep breath, zipping up her bag.
"That's it. I think I have everything."
Diana picked up the bag and headed toward the door.
"Let's go. Clark is probably waiting."
Kyla cast one last glance around the room. Joseph's absence was suffocating.
'I can't call this home anymore.'
The two left in silence, closing the door behind them. The wind blew strong, making the medallion's chain sway gently on the table.
A silent farewell.
A memory that would never fade.
---
Chloe's House
Clark's truck stopped in front of Chloe's house. The sky was already painted in shades of orange, signaling the arrival of night. The wind blew softly, carrying the fresh scent of the nearby trees.
He stepped out of the vehicle and walked toward the door. Before he could knock, the handle turned.
"Clark, get in. Now."
Chloe pulled the door open, quickly glancing around before making space for him to enter.
Clark raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.
"You're acting like you're hiding something."
She rolled her eyes, shutting the door behind him.
"My dad isn't home. And the conversation I want to have isn't the kind you have in the living room."
Clark followed Chloe down the hallway. The house lights were dim, casting soft shadows on the walls.
Her bedroom door was already slightly open. He stepped inside, taking in the familiar setting—band posters on the walls, a desk cluttered with notes, and her laptop flashing with notifications.
"So, what's this all about?"
Chloe closed the door behind her, crossing her arms.
"Pete. He's getting into something dangerous, Clark. And I think it's serious this time."
Clark frowned.
"Pete? What did he do now?"
She grabbed a notebook from her desk, flipping through the pages until she stopped on a specific one.
"The street races. He's been participating. And worse, Dante and Ivan want him to lose on purpose so they can profit from betting."
Clark was silent for a moment, processing the information.
"Pete never mentioned anything."
Chloe scoffed, tossing the notebook onto the desk.
"Of course not. Do you think he'd tell you he's getting involved with those guys? He wants to be seen as more than just 'Clark's friend'."
Clark sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"So he's racing to prove something."
"Exactly. But the problem is, if he doesn't follow their plan, Dante won't just let it slide. These guys play dirty, Clark."
He turned to Chloe, his expression serious.
"When's the next race?"
"Tonight. And Pete is racing. He told me earlier."
Clark crossed his arms, thinking.
"If he wants to race, let him. I'll only step in if he asks for help."
Chloe's eyes widened in disbelief.
"You're joking, right? Pete could get hurt! Or worse!"
Clark's expression remained neutral.
"He made his choice. I'm not going to interfere in Pete's life if he doesn't want my help."
Chloe threw her hands up, exasperated.
"Clark, this isn't just Pete being stubborn! He's getting mixed up with dangerous people! Are you really going to wait for him to crawl to you for help?"
Clark looked away, his voice calm but firm.
"I can't force anyone to accept help. You know that."
Chloe stared at him, frustration clear in her eyes.
"I can't believe you're ignoring this."
Clark licked his lips, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"There are more important things happening, Chloe."
She frowned, crossing her arms.
"More important than saving Pete from a trap?"
Clark met her gaze, his expression heavy.
"Joseph died."
The air was knocked from Chloe's lungs.
"What?"
Clark kept his gaze steady, his tone unwavering.
"He was attacked. He didn't stand a chance."
Chloe blinked rapidly, trying to process.
"But… he was fine, Clark. He was strong. How… how did this happen?"
Clark turned toward the window, his voice lower.
"Strange things happen in Smallville, Chloe. You should be used to that by now."
She felt a chill creep up her spine.
"Was it… something like the meteors?"
Clark pressed his lips together, not answering immediately.
"Let's just say it was something beyond that."
Chloe swallowed hard.
"And Kyla?"
Clark turned back to her.
"She's staying with me for now."
Chloe slowly shook her head, still trying to keep up with the conversation.
"So… you're telling me Smallville had another supernatural incident, someone died, and now you have a new roommate?"
Clark showed no reaction.
"Basically."
Chloe let out a breath, feeling a weight in her chest.
"Joseph was a good man… I can't believe this."
For a few seconds, silence settled between them. Outside, the wind whistled against the window, making the atmosphere even heavier.
Chloe squeezed her eyes shut, trying to shake off the bad feeling.
"And Kyla… how is she?"
Clark relaxed his shoulders slightly.
"Devastated. But trying to stay strong."
Chloe nodded slowly, running her fingers over her own arm.
"Does she… does she know who did it?"
Clark was silent for a moment before answering.
"I took care of it."
Chloe's eyes widened slightly, catching the weight in his voice.
"That means what I think it means?"
Clark didn't answer.
A chill ran down Chloe's spine.
"Okay… so you've had a long day."
Clark exhaled softly.
"Yeah. And now you understand why Pete needs to handle this on his own."
Chloe rubbed her temples, exhausted.
"That doesn't mean I agree."
Clark shrugged.
"I know."
She ran a hand through her hair, taking a deep breath.
"Fine. If I can't convince you to stop Pete, the least I ask is that you keep an eye on him."
Clark nodded slightly.
"I always do."
Chloe rolled her eyes.
"That's not reassuring."
Clark smirked.
"I know."
Chloe sighed, picking up her notebook again.
"If something goes wrong, I'm throwing this in your face."
Clark leaned back on her bed, closing his eyes.
"You have a comfortable bed. And I had a long day."
Chloe crossed her arms.
"That doesn't mean you can just lay there."
Clark opened one eye, the teasing smile still on his lips.
"If you're nice to me, I might reconsider my stance on Pete."
Chloe's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Are you trying to bribe me? With Pete's life?"
Clark shrugged.
"Call it whatever you want."
Chloe opened her mouth to respond but stopped. Her initial anger was replaced by contemplation. Was he joking? Probably. But there was something in his voice that told her it wasn't an empty promise.
She ran a hand through her hair, taking a deep breath.
'I need to relax too… just for a few minutes.'
She crossed her arms, pretending to be irritated.
"Fine. But if my dad gets home and finds you here, you're dead."
Clark closed his eyes again, a victorious smile forming.
"Don't worry. I always leave before danger arrives."
Chloe rolled her eyes once more, but this time, without as much frustration.
She sat in the chair beside the bed, watching as Clark simply enjoyed a moment of rest.
And, for the first time that night, she felt a small sense of relief.
Just a little.
For now.
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