Doubt had already begun to fester in Kin's mind.
It didn't make sense.
For months, Shen had been impossible to find—gone from his parents' house, absent from his workplace. And yet now, he had suddenly returned… perfectly healthy.
But Kin remembered something important—
When Shen had gone missing, he had been under the influence of a malignant spirit. His mind had been unstable, his behaviour unpredictable. Even now… Shen was not acting normal.
---
Snapping out of his thoughts, Kin forced a small smile.
> "Go to your room, freshen up. I'll get your dinner ready,"
he said, heading to the kitchen.
But Shen didn't move.
He remained standing in front of his bedroom door, not going inside.
When Kin returned a few minutes later, he saw Shen still there—back turned, unmoving—like a shadow frozen in place.
Kin's unease grew sharper.
> "Shen!" he called out, voice firm,
"Go and freshen up. If you wait too long, the food will go cold."
The air felt heavier with each passing second.
Kin's suspicion was now a slow, cold trickle down his spine.
---
Suddenly, Shen turned and stepped towards him. His lips parted, as if he were about to speak—
The front door swung open.
Vixen entered, voice warm and familiar,
> "Love, I'm home. Sorry to keep you waiting so long."
Kin's heart leapt with relief.
> "Vixen! Look—Shen's here!"
He turned quickly, pointing to where Shen had been standing just seconds ago…
But he was gone.
---
Startled, Kin grabbed Vixen's hand and led him to Shen's bedroom.
Empty. No trace.
His voice trembled.
> "He was just here… standing right there. Where did he go!?"
A flicker of unease passed over Vixen's face.
> "Kin… did Shen say anything to you?"
Kin shook his head.
> "No… but… he kept staring at my stomach. In such a strange way."
The silence that followed felt colder than the night air seeping through the walls.
---
Continue.....