While the car sped down the highway, the city's lights shimmered around them like distant stars. Yet, Ethan felt as though his heart groaned under a new weight. He sat in the backseat beside Wilson, the distant hum of car engines filling the background while a heavy silence dominated the atmosphere inside the car.
Ethan, stunned: "Wait a minute! So you're saying... I have a superpower?!"
Wilson momentarily took his eyes off the road and glanced sideways at him. Ethan was staring at him, his face filled with disbelief. His innocent features reflected the internal struggle raging in his mind, while the air around them grew thick with doubts and questions.
Wilson, smiling gently:" Of course. You were born on September 15, 1988, on a Tuesday night, at 2:05 AM, right?"
Ethan, confused: "I don't know... but I'm ten years old."
Wilson: "Yes, don't worry about it. I've already checked."
Wilson continued driving, his expression turning serious as he explained.
Wilson: "The Dot meteorite fell at the exact day of your birth. Everyone born at that specific time has a superpower in some way. It seems you're the last one so far."
Ethan's thoughts froze for a moment as he processed what he had just heard. His thirst for knowledge and curiosity overwhelmed his emotions.
Ethan, astonished: "So... did you help me just because I have a superpower?"
Wilson slowly turned to him. "The air grew tense."
Wilson: "Does that matter?"
Ethan's mind went blank for a moment. He retreated into his thoughts. But after a few seconds of silence, he answered.
Ethan, softly: "No, it doesn't..."
Wilson, encouragingly: "Good. There are things far greater than that, Ethan. I want you to know that your power is not just a burden... it's an opportunity."
The car approached a massive building looming in the distance. Its towering walls exuded authority, and its elegantly carved gates radiated grandeur. As the gates opened before them, it felt as if they were being invited into a new world filled with possibilities. This academy wasn't just a place for teaching superpowers; it was an institute designed to turn pain into strength, and chaos into order.
Wilson: "Here, you can find yourself. You can learn how to use your power and how to overcome your past."
As the carriage rumbled along the uneven path, the rhythmic clatter of wheels against stone filled the silence between them. A faint glow from the lanterns outside flickered through the small window, casting fleeting shadows across Ethan's face. He sat with his arms crossed, gaze locked on the shifting landscape beyond the glass, his expression unreadable.
Wilson, seated opposite him, studied him carefully before breaking the silence: "So, what nickname would you prefer as your heroic name?"
His voice was calm, almost casual, yet carrying an undertone of expectation.
Ethan didn't turn his head. He didn't even blink. For a moment, it seemed as if he hadn't heard the question at all. The seconds stretched. Then, without shifting his posture, he finally spoke... his voice quiet but firm.
Ethan: "Nothing..."
A flicker of something crossed Wilson's face... amusement? Curiosity? He couldn't quite tell. But he didn't press further. The answer lingered between them, heavy and deliberate, like an unspoken challenge.
Wilson, surprised: "Nothing? What a unique name. I like it."
Ethan slowly turned to Wilson, showing his confusion. His gaze lacked enthusiasm, as if his words were fading into the depths of his sorrow, indifferent to Wilson's remark.
Wilson, smiling: It seems to suit you well. So, from now on, your name will be "Nott" ... as a short form of that word.
A moment of heavy silence followed. Ethan didn't object to the new title. The thought of it felt strange, as if it reflected something from his inner void.
Nott: "It doesn't matter…"
His voice was low, barely audible. Yet deep inside, there was a feeling of hesitation... a desire to understand what this name would mean for him in a world filled with powers and new possibilities, as his heart wrestled between vengeance and identity.
Then came a shift in his tone, an urgency laced with a yearning for change, a blend of excitement and fear washing over him.
Nott: "I want to ask you for something…"
Wilson, warmly: "Of course. You are my son now. Ask for anything."
Nott: "Do you have anything I can use to cover my eyes? Something I can still see through clearly? These bandages hurt and make me uncomfortable."
His emotions surged, concern etching itself into his features as his hand moved toward his eyes.
Wilson, intrigued: "Cover your eyes?..."
Nott: "Yes, like a cloth or something."
Wilson pondered deeply as if the idea had taken root in his mind, while the roads twisted around them and city lights flickered through the windows.
Wilson: "A cloth to cover your eyes?... That's brilliant. You've just inspired me. I've been wanting to design a new uniform for you all... to keep your identities hidden. I'll make sure to fulfill your request.
Wilson gestured lightly to his servant, who was seated in the front.
Wilson: "Go find a company that specializes in high-quality fabrics. We need something unique... something that embodies strength and secrecy."
Sunlight filtered through the car windows, casting warm patterns of light and shadow inside the cabin, yet it wasn't enough to brighten the dark thoughts roaming in Not's mind.
After half an hour of waiting inside the office of a company specializing in luxury fabrics, the air was thick with anticipation. Nott sat in silence, his gaze drifting across the walls lined with exquisite fabric samples. The textiles were elegantly displayed, their colors reflecting vibrantly under the bright lights. But his mind was elsewhere.
Suddenly, the office door swung open, and a smiling employee entered, holding a piece of fabric as if it were a secret treasure. The material gleamed under the light, its intricate details exuding strength and precision. The man was dressed in a sleek suit, his demeanor exuding confidence.
Employee: "Here it is... the fabric you requested! It's made from special fibers that combine durability with lightness. It allows the wearer to see through it with perfect clarity."
The employee stepped toward Nott his expression filled with enthusiasm, as if he understood the significance of this moment. Nott took the fabric with trembling hands, sensing that this was the start of something new... a mixture of hope and fear stirring in his heart. His fingers brushed against the material, and he felt something unusual pulse within him, as if he were touching a part of his lost identity.
The fabric was soft and cool at first, but it quickly gave him a sense of security as he held it. It felt as if every thread carried untold stories.
Wilson: "Hmm… This suits you perfectly. I've made my decision... this will be the official uniform of 'Vitalapis Academy'."
Nott's eyes met Wilson's, his words echoing in his ears like a new melody playing in his life. That moment felt like a promise... not just of power, but of transformation into someone new. The fear he had carried began to fade, replaced by new emotions... belief in himself, in his abilities, and in his quest for vengeance… no matter the cost.
While emotions intertwined, Wilson looked at Nott, curious.
Wilson: "But may I ask why you hide your eyes?"
Nott: "No one deserves to see my eyes except my mother… and she's already gone. So, I will never take off this mask."
Despite the coldness in his voice, there was a hidden tone that conveyed pain and loss. His voice was quiet, yet it carried the weight of unforgettable memories, as if every word was an attempt to conceal deep wounds.
Wilson sighed, trying to understand the depth of Nott's suffering.
Wilson: "Alright, I understand what you mean, but you need to take it off and rest for a while every few hours. Don't forget that... it's very harmful to your eyes if you wear it all the time."
Nott: "Fine…"
The car continued its journey toward the academy, and the atmosphere around them reflected the gravity and significance of the place.
Vitalapis Academy – Near of the heavy iron gates.
The gates began to open slowly, as if revealing the entrance to a new world full of challenges and opportunities... a world Nott wasn't yet sure he could face. A feeling of anticipation surrounded him entirely, as if he were walking toward an unknown fate. The closer the car got to the main entrance, the towering sandstone walls glowed under the sunlight.
When they arrived at the building, Wilson was the first to step out with steady strides. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of the surrounding trees, mixed with the ancient earth that seemed to hold countless stories within it. Wilson extended his hand toward Nott with an encouraging smile, as if telling him without words: "It's time to begin your journey."
Nott stepped out of the car slowly, his eyes scanning the details around him. The massive dark wooden doors were adorned with intricate carvings that told tales of power and courage. Their footsteps echoed against the polished marble floor, which mirrored their reflections, amplifying the sense of awe and grandeur.
Inside the academy, the high ceilings were covered with stunning artistic murals that reflected the magnificence of the place. Their intricate details seemed to pulse with life under the shimmering lights, twinkling like stars in a night sky. The vibrant colors and masterful decorations gave the space a fantastical quality, as if Nott had stepped into an entirely different world... one where there was no room for weakness or fear.
In that moment, Nott realized he was about to embark on a journey he wasn't fully prepared for. But he knew that this academy would test every ounce of his strength and determination.
Wilson led Nott to the second floor, where the atmosphere was more lively. They walked through the hallways until Wilson stopped in front of one of the doors.
~ Knock, knock ~
As the door slowly opened, a boy with neatly styled blonde hair appeared, giving him a radiant, gleaming look. His sky-blue eyes sparkled like a deep ocean reflecting the sky.
Boy, excitedly: "Finally! You're here! I was dying of boredom!"
Nott glanced at the boy, wondering if he could feel a sense of familiarity in this new place.
Wilson: Nott, this is your brother, Rion. You'll be staying with him from now on.
Nott: "Alright."
His words were simple, but his heart pounded, wondering what life with a new companion would be like.
Wilson: "I'll be leaving now. Tomorrow, we'll start training, and Rion will tell you what you need to know."
At that moment, Nott felt the weight of Wilson's absence, but he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Nott remained in the hallway with Rion, who observed him curiously, as if trying to read his thoughts. The dim lights in the room illuminated the details of the space, and suddenly, Rion grabbed Nott's hand and pulled him inside quickly.
Rion: "Come on! Do you want to stand at the door forever?"
Rion said enthusiastically, dragging Nott further into the room.
Nott, catching his breath, sighed deeply.
Nott: "How many people are here? What are their abilities? How can I train? And..."
Rion: "Whoa, whoa, whoa!"
Rion waved his hands in an attempt to calm Nott down.
Rion: "My god, you've only been here for ten minutes, and you're already asking so many questions! Why don't we play a little?"
Nott, sharply: "Answer my questions! I'm not interested in your silly games!"
Rion: "Sigh… Alright, I'll tell you.
Hmmm, where do I start… There's fear, Novin, Ira, and me.
'Fear'... I don't know much about him. He's strong, but I haven't seen him personally.
'Novin'... His ability is super speed. He was incredibly fast when I faced him. His real name is Chris.
'Ira'... He can control the air, like splitting a wooden board in half using wind. He can fly by manipulating air pressure, and he's always irritable, so try to avoid talking to him. His real name is Kaiden.
And me... My nickname is 'Rion'. My ability is invisibility. I can make anything I touch disappear, and I can vanish myself too. My real name is My name is William.
And finally, you. Your ability is still unknown, so my father will test you tomorrow.
Nott felt the weight of Rion's words, as if the mystery surrounding his future abilities was growing more complicated. In that moment, he began to realize that he wasn't just an ordinary kid... he was part of a world filled with power and mystery, where every moment of his experience here would shape his future.
Nott, hesitantly: "So, about the tests… Are they one-on-one battles like you mentioned earlier?"
Rion, shaking his head: No, not exactly. We train in the training hall, which is designed specifically for each of us. Also, every month, we have battles among ourselves, but I've only participated in one since I arrived about a month and a half ago.
Nott, sigh deeply: "I see…"
Rion, sitting on the bed across from Nott, noticed his worried expression.
Rion: "Hmm Why do you look so serious?"
He leaned against the headboard, crossing his arms, smiling innocently.
Rion: "No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start now and create a new life."
Nott: "Huh? What are you even saying?"
Rionx laughing: "It's a phrase I made up…"
Then he placed his fingers on his lips, curving them into a wide smile.
Rion, cheerfully: "Cheer up!"
Nott, turning away: "You're such an idiot."
Rion chuckled lightly as the lights slowly dimmed, and shadows engulfed the small room. Nott curled under his blanket, surrounded by a warm feeling, though his thoughts still fluttered in his mind like swarms of butterflies, carrying his hopes and unspoken dreams.
Faint sounds seeped in from the neighboring room... the trickling of water in the bathroom, the morning wind rustling the leaves outside the window. Sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room, as if inviting Nott to embrace a new day.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, filling the room with a gentle warmth. A loud alarm suddenly rang, breaking the morning silence.
Rion, shouting: "You idiot! You're going to be late for your first training! Come on, wake up!"
Nott stirred, still half-asleep.
Nott, mumbling: "Mmm… Alright…"
Rion: "First, everyone needs to have breakfast! Let's go!"
After multiple attempts by Rion, who gently shook him, Nott finally gave in and got out of bed.
The two left the room, heading toward the main hall, where the scent of toasted bread and fried eggs filled the air. In the hall, everyone sat around a grand white-and-gold table.
Wilson: "You're late!"
Rion: "It's not my fault; he's the one who took forever to wake up!"
Wilson: "Sit down now..."
Nott and Rion sit at the table, where a delicious breakfast is spread before them, including fresh fruits, jam, and various drinks. As everyone starts eating, Nott leans closer to Rion and whispers cautiously.
Nott: "You said there were three people, but I only see two."
Rion: "Smirks knowingly Oh, I forgot to tell you. The one with black hair and purple eyes is Novin, and the one with red hair and green eyes is Ira."
Ira, looking at Nott with curiosity: "Hmm? So, you're Nott?"
Nott, indifferently: "Yeah..."
Ira, mockingly: "Heh, another failure."
Rion: "Oi, Ira, show some respect! He just got here yesterday!"
Ira: "Smirks smugly Heh, respect? Don't make me laugh!"
Rion: "Seriously, I never want to see someone like you laugh. It would be the scariest thing I've ever witnessed... right after having a conversation with Noven.
Rion takes a deep breath and sighs, then turns his gaze back to Ira.
Rion: "Huh? Wait a minute! Did you mean me when you said 'another failure'?!"
Wilson, in a serious tone: "Rion, bring Nott with you and meet me in the training hall in half an hour."
Rion, hesitantly: "Oh... okay."
Half an hour later, Nott and Rion enter the training hall. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and tension. The scent of metal lingers in the air, blending with the bright lights illuminating the vast space.
Wilson: "Nott, this training will determine your ability. Step onto the platform."
Nott looks around nervously, his eyes shifting between Rion's expectant gaze and the massive machine in the corner. He then moves toward the elevated platform. The polished metal gleams under the lights, as if challenging him with each step.
Nott, anxiously: "May I ask why all this metal is here?"
Rion: "Don't worry. My father knows about your ability, so he prepared special training for you. He did the same for me before. It'll be better than you think."
Wilson Standing at the edge, watching him with a face devoid of his usual expressions, yet his eyes held a genuine interest.
Nott Sitting at the side, silently observing, listening intently.
Wilson, in a steady voice, carrying something akin to quiet provocation: "Close your eyes, Nott. Stop seeing the world as you always have."
Not hesitates, his gaze shifting between Wilson and the pipes connected to the devices. Then, exhaling slowly, he closes his eyes.
Wilson: "Feel that thing moving inside you. Don't think of it as energy or an ability. Think of it as it is... something pulsing within you, something that was there before you even understood it."
Silence…
At first, Nott felt nothing but darkness. Emptiness.
The sound of his breathing... slow yet heavy, as if underwater.
Then, with every heartbeat, the sensation began to shift.
A faint warmth... not warmth like heat, but a soft electric current flowing through his veins. Something resembling light, yet it was not light. It was something else, moving inside him, flowing as if it knew its path better than he did.
Wilson, more softly now: "Don't try to control it. Just follow it. Let it guide you."
Nott takes a deep breath…
And then, he sees it.
Nott with his eyes, but with something deeper than sight.
Those glowing lines, like a network of tiny stars, weaving through his entire body. Some pulsing, connected, while others flickering dimly, as if waiting for a command. They moved in an eerie harmony, as though they were a living entity within his skin... not separate energy, but a part of him, interwoven with his bones, muscles, blood…
Nott swallows. His eyes remain closed, yet he sees…
Wilson, his voice lower, but closer: "And now… stop it."
A moment of stillness.
Nott pauses, then tries to force the light to stop... like holding his breath. But the light keeps flowing, keeps glowing.
Wilson observes: "Not like that. Don't try to kill it. You can't kill something that is already a part of you. Instead… send it back to where it came from."
Nott presses his lips together. Focuses.
He doesn't try to crush it, doesn't try to block it. Instead, he simply… nudges it gently back, back to its source, to his mind... like letting a wave return to the ocean after it has touched the shore.
And then, it happens.
The light flares one last time in two of his veins… then begins to dim, as if the darkness swallows it again. The pulsing current slows… until it stops.
Nott opens his eyes.
The hall is the same... cold iron, flickering lights, nothing has changed.
But inside… it was silent.
For the first time since he became aware of his ability, he didn't feel it lurking behind every movement. He didn't feel that hidden current, constantly reminding him that he wasn't just an ordinary person.
He was… calm.
Wilson, he looks at him, then gives a faint, knowing smile. His voice holds no surprise, only certainty: "Well done."
Wilson places a reassuring hand on Nott's shoulder, encouraging him to move forward.
Wilson: "Now we begin... Are you ready?"
Nott feels his anxiety rising in his chest.
Wilson: "Imagine yourself dodging these metals using your ability."
Nott, shocked: "What? But how can I imagine that when I don't even know what my ability is?!"
Wilson, Smiles: "You'll know once we start."
Wilson presses a button, and a mechanical clicking sound fills the air as the metals begin moving at a moderate speed. They glisten as they swirl, almost like living creatures dancing around him.
Wilson: Nott, take these hits and don't escape... unless you use your ability!
Suddenly, a piece of metal shoots toward Nott like an arrow charged with fury. It strikes him with immense force, sending a shockwave through his bones as if they might crack from the impact. A sharp pain engulfs his body like fire, forcing him to collapse to the ground. The metallic clash echoes in his ears, reverberating deep in his mind, as if everything around him is shaking and falling apart.
Nott coughs violently, droplets of blood splattering from his nose. The taste of iron lingers in his throat, intensifying his sense of weakness and fear. His vision blurs momentarily, his breath growing heavier as if every molecule in his body is battling the unbearable pain.
Yet, Nott refuses to give in. He presses his trembling hands against the ground, struggling to gather his strength, fighting against the pain that seems to claw at his very soul. As if this moment itself is a test of his endurance.
Wilson, sternly: "Get up! That was just one piece of metal. There's plenty more before your ability awakens!"
Nott, groaning: "Urgh... a-alright..."
Nott pushes himself back onto the platform, his steps heavy, his body aching. But deep inside him, something begins to glow... a determination he has never felt before. His heartbeat quickens, nott out of fear but from a hidden excitement creeping into his core.
The metals rush toward him again, like relentless mechanical beasts hunting their prey. The blows come faster now. The air hums with the force of their movement. A sharp impact slams into his shoulder, then another strikes his side, followed by a third crashing into his chest. Each hit leaves its mark, and blood begins to drip onto the platform beneath him.
He drops to his knees, his body exhausted, his breaths shallow as if the air itself has grown heavier. Blood trickles from the corner of his mouth, and he tastes its metallic tang. But he does not yield. Despite the pain, a mysterious resolve swells within him, urging him to stand once more.
Rion, nervously: "U-uh, Dad... maybe we should stop for today?"
Wilson, firmly: "Don't forget, Nott! Imagine using your ability. Look at a place and picture yourself going there. Now!"
Nott stands there, tense, his eyes widening in a moment of panic, his body poised as if on the brink of facing the unknown. A cold shiver runs down his spine as conflicting thoughts tear through his mind. Doubt and fear wage war inside him. A voice whispers from within, hesitant... can he really surpass this challenge? His confidence wavers as if the very ground beneath him is vanishing. But he knows retreat is not an option.
Nott: "[Think of a place and imagine myself going there? How?]"
His chest rises and falls with ragged breaths, his body trembling as exhaustion weighs on him like an unmovable mountain. Sweat drips from his forehead, tracing its way down his pale face like a tiny river. Every muscle in his body protests, yet he refuses to fall. His shaking hands press against the ground as he struggles to rise, as if the earth itself is trying to hold him down.
Inside his mind, thoughts race. The questions multiply.
Not: "[How do I achieve something I don't understand? This old man won't accept failure… I can't take another hit from that metal... so I'll try my hardest this time.]"
He takes a deep breath, solidifying his resolve. This time, he will not back down. He will give it everything.
Wilson: "You will figure it out... or you will fall again."
Now... do it!
Nott lifts his head toward the platform once more. The surrounding machines hum louder, Wilson's button press sending a sharp beep through the room. The air around Nott moves unnaturally, the lights flickering as if responding to something hidden within him.
He takes a deep breath, clearing his mind. Every sound, every heartbeat, every drop of sweat fades into the background. He shuts out the negative thoughts. As all other senses dissolve, he focuses on something else... something unseen yet tangible.
The metals hurtle toward him like projectiles, their speed lethal. In that crucial moment, Nott shuts his eyes. Something inside him shifts. Time slows unnaturally, the world around him falling into a strange, eerie stillness. His breath deepens, and with heightened focus, he begins to see things he never noticed before.
Invisible threads of energy weave around him, connecting him to everything physical. The world transforms into a luminous network of particles and atoms dancing in his vision. The air, the walls, the metals... everything is visible in a new way. Like he has gained an extraordinary perception of unseen pathways, routes hidden to the naked eye.
Just before the metals strike, his body vanishes into thin air... like the air itself has absorbed him, leaving an empty void where he once stood.
~ SWOOSH ~
A faint sound echoes through the hall.
Rion, in shock: "Huh?! Is his ability... invisibility? Like mine?!"
Rion stares at the empty space where Nott had been moments ago, his eyes widening in disbelief.
Wilson, however, smiles proudly, his gaze shining with recognition.
Wilson: "No... his ability isn't invisibility."
Before he can finish, a flicker of movement appears behind them. They turn abruptly... Nott stands there, breathless, his eyes wide in astonishment. He stares at his hands, feeling something unfamiliar coursing through him... a power he has never known before.
Nott, voice trembling: "What... is this? How..."
Nott takes in sharp, uneven breaths, his chest rising and falling as if he had just surfaced from deep underwater.
Two of his veins... one on each arm, and another pair along his legs... pulse with a faint, eerie glow, flickering like embers struggling against the dark.
Wilson steps forward, slow and deliberate. His expression remains unreadable, yet there's a cold amusement in his eyes.
Then, with a thin, knowing smile, he speaks.
Wilson: "It's... teleportation."
The clock shows past 2 AM, and silence dominates the place as if time itself has come to a halt. The streets outside the windows are empty, with no sound except the cold breeze rustling through the trees. The night is heavy, as if stillness is trying to impose itself on everything, forcing everything to stop.
The ticking of the clock grows louder, like a slow pulse setting the rhythm of the room. The frame gradually tightens on the digital display, where the red numbers glow; 2:05 AM. The dim light from the screen reflects off the cluttered desk... scattered old papers, broken pens, and a coffee cup, still full but long gone cold.
A faint blue light seeps from a glowing black shell encased in a glass capsule, a cold pulse in the heart of darkness. The eerie glow spills over Wilson's face, dividing it into two opposing halves; one illuminated, rigid, wrapped in mysterious blue shadows… the other swallowed by deep darkness, as if two entities coexist within a single body.
In the background, the sound of an old typewriter echoes... its keystrokes irregular, hesitant, as if the hand that writes falters, pauses for moments, then resumes, wrestling with a thought it tries to reject but cannot keep off the page.
His finger slowly traces the cold glass covering the meteorite. His reflection appears distorted on the polished surface, his facial features unsettled, as if the glass does not mirror him but something older… or perhaps something that has yet to exist.
Wilson, his voice laced with bitterness, barely a whisper, as if speaking to someone who cannot hear him:
"Everything begins when nothing begins… that's what they said about the meteor's fall."
"But they didn't know that this 'nothing'… was a child crying in his mother's arms."
His eyes narrow, the shadow covering half his face seeming to expand. For a moment, it looks as if he is staring at something beyond this room… beyond time itself.
A sudden cut. A door creaks open.
The silence is shattered. The sound of metal scraping against wood... slight, yet sharp. Wilson's body tenses for a second, his fingers freezing over the glass as if he has made a mistake, as if someone has read his thoughts aloud.
His eyes flick toward the door… then, swiftly, he seals the capsule with a decisive motion.
His gaze shifts to an old photograph resting on the desk's shelf.
A picture of a newborn baby, wrapped in a white blanket, its eyes closed in a false sense of peace. In the corner, faint and nearly imperceptible, a date is etched: 15-9-1988.
For a moment, the image seems to move… No, not the image itself...
It's the memory slipping through the cracks in his mind.
He stares at the child's features… Familiar.
More familiar than they should be.
His eyes remain fixed on the photograph. His hand trembles for a moment before steadying. His voice emerges, barely audible, as if speaking to no one in the room
but rather, to something that no longer exists… or perhaps, never did.
"I'm sorry…"
"But in the end, all beginnings are a lie…"
"Even yours."
His hand slowly reaches out, extinguishing the lamp. The darkness consumes the room, leaving only the meteor's blue glow, pulsing steadily...
as if breathing alone in the void.
The sound of Not's footsteps echoes through the outer hallway.
Slow, yet resolute, fading into the distance... leaving behind something that cannot be erased.
The camera pulls back, the frame gradually retreating from the desk, from the photograph, from the meteor…