The late afternoon sun filtered through the estate's grand windows as I sat at my desk, scrolling through my phone. The screen lit up with messages from classmates—some friendly, others just casual hellos. My fingers hovered, uncertain which to reply to, which to ignore.
Alisa appeared quietly behind me, her presence as soft as a breeze yet impossible to miss.
"Who are you texting?" she asked, voice gentle, curious.
I glanced at her, hesitating. "Just some classmates. You know, people from school."
She smiled, but it was the kind of smile that carefully weighs every word, every action.
"Do you think they truly understand you, Noah?"
I blinked. "What do you mean?"
She sat beside me, folding her hands. "Sometimes, people aren't what they seem. They might smile, but their thoughts wander elsewhere. Their words can mislead."
I opened my mouth to argue, but she gently raised a finger.
"Let's talk about Kaede," she said softly.
My heart skipped.
"Why?"
"Because you're fond of her. That's normal." Her eyes softened. "But have you noticed how her phone acted weird at lunch? Or how her messages failed to send?"
I nodded slowly.
"Sometimes," she continued, "people test boundaries. Not all friendship is safe."
She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "I watch over you. Not to control, but to protect."
I swallowed.
"And when you feel unsure about someone," she said, "come to me. I will help you see clearly."
Her words wrapped around me like a warm cloak.
I wanted to trust her.
But the messages blinked on my screen.
Unread.
Unsure.
Later, as we walked through the garden, I tried to bring up the friends I had made in school—names not on her list.
Alisa smiled, then shifted the conversation effortlessly.
"Oh, did you see the new book about Everhart family history? I found some fascinating stories from our ancestors."
She talked with such enthusiasm that I found myself drawn in.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, my thoughts had forgotten the friends I wanted to discuss.
That night, before I slept, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the window.
A boy caught between worlds—one of his own making, and one shaped so carefully for him.
I closed my eyes.
Alisa's voice echoed softly in my mind:
"Trust me, Noah. I only want what's best for you."
And maybe she did.
Maybe she was right.
Or maybe the cage around me was just a little too invisible.
[End Chapter Eight]