Kim stepped out of the grocery store, the plastic bag swinging lightly in his hand, and prepared to jog his way home to Nightingale Street. The streetlights flickered faintly in the misty evening. Something felt off about the wind tonight, he thought. It was colder than usual, sharper somehow.
Breaking into a cold sweat, he quickened his pace. His shoes tapped softly against the pavement as he moved faster.
He had to get home before dinner went cold.
"Dad will be home anytime soon. I'd better hurry, or he'll miss this ramen I bought today," he thought, gripping the bag tighter as he rushed forward.
The fog grew thicker as he went on, wrapping around the quiet street like a thin blanket. Just as he was nearing his home, he noticed a figure slowly emerging from the mist.
For a moment, his heart skipped.
But it wasn't a threat.
It was Mrs. Sophie.
"How is it going, young man?" she asked gently, her voice warm despite the cold.
Kim barely registered her words. Lost in his thoughts, he walked past without answering.
She didn't seem offended. She simply smiled to herself. She knew Kim was a kind, busy soul, always rushing somewhere, always carrying quiet responsibility on his shoulders.
As Kim got closer to home, his face felt hot, his breath turning into faint clouds in the air. His chest rose and fell quickly. He could already imagine the warmth of his house, the smell of food, and his father's tired smile.
Just a little farther, he told himself.
Only a few more steps.
Then, without warning, bright headlights burst through the fog.
They were coming fast.
Too fast.
The engine roared, echoing through the empty street. Panic shot through Kim's body. His mind went blank for a split second as he tried to move, tried to react.
He recoiled and attempted to dodge.
But it was too late.
He was too close.
And just then—
Everything went dark.
The night swallowed the sound, the light, and the boy who had only wanted to get home in time for dinner.