Chapter 14: A friend you can rely on

Runo stood there, horror-stricken by the sudden turn of events. It seemed that he had finally fused with the mysterious black energy, gaining a 'gift.' However, like many others, his first experience with this power was uncontrollable. This was an inevitable occurrence for the 'gifted.' Runo's newfound 'gift' had inexplicably taken his mother's telekinesis ability, and it had altered it, making it even more potent.

"M-mother... I didn't mean to," Runo stammered, fear coursing through him.

But the expression on his mother's face darkened further. The sudden revulsion she felt for her son was palpable. Mere moments ago, she had been kind, loving, the embodiment of an ideal mother. Now, all that remained was a crazed, deranged, corrupted figure.

"YOU WHAT!"

"YOU DIDN'T MEAN TO!" Runo's mother shrieked, her loathing for her son evident.

"I HATE YOU!"

"HOW COULD I RAISE SUCH A DESPICABLE SON!"

"No, THIS IS HIS FAULT," Runo's mother screamed, her memory of her missing husband resurfacing.

"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT! I HATE YOU!"

Those parting words struck Runo to his core. His mother's animosity had been etched into his memory.

"I need to get out of here," Runo muttered, his emotions in turmoil.

Without further ado, he rushed to the apartment's front door, exiting in haste. He raced down the stairs, each step bringing him further away from the tumultuous scene upstairs, while tears flowed freely from his eyes.

Valen Petrol Station, hours later. Stuart Halstein was wrapping up after a busy day. Just as he was about to close up, Runo came rushing in, still visibly distraught. Seeing the state Runo was in, Stuart couldn't help but embrace the young man.

"What's wrong? You shouldn't be out at this hour, especially looking so upset," Stuart inquired, concerned for Runo's well-being.

Runo, his emotions still in disarray, began to explain his ordeal to Stuart. "I understand," Stuart said sympathetically, offering a listening ear.

"Can I stay here?" Runo asked, searching for solace.

"I can't allow you to stay here alone in this cold petrol station, not in the condition you're in," Stuart said, with fatherly concern. "You need someone to comfort you. Where is Arturo's house? I'll take you there."

Runo and Stuart soon found themselves in Stuart's car, en route to Arturo's home.

Arturo's home.

A sudden knock at the front door roused Arturo's attention. He opened the door and found Stuart Halstein standing there.

"Hello, Mr. Halstein. What can I do for you this evening?" Arturo asked, curious about the visit.

Behind Mr. Halstein, Arturo spotted a figure shrouded in darkness; it was Runo, but he appeared far from his usual self.

"Runo, is that you? What's wrong?" Arturo asked with genuine concern.

"Runo is going through a difficult time right now, and he can't return home. Is it possible for him to stay the night?" Stuart inquired on Runo's behalf.

Arturo's mother overheard the conversation and peered around the corner to see what was happening.

"Is that your friend, Arturo? Let him in, and he can stay the night. I'll fetch an air mattress from the attic," she said, offering her warm hospitality.

A few hours passed, and Runo lay on the air mattress, wrapped in blankets, but he couldn't sleep. His mind was in turmoil as he contemplated his streak of bad luck. First, his father's unexplained disappearance, and now, the disintegration of his relationship with his mother. He couldn't help but wonder if his future would be as bleak as the present.

Runo couldn't find the right words to express his gratitude to Arturo, who had always been there for him, from helping him with his studies to being the best friend he could ever ask for. All he could manage to say was a heartfelt, "Thank you."

As exhaustion finally overtook him, Runo drifted into a troubled sleep.

The next morning.

Runo and Arturo were abruptly awoken by a clamour of noise, seeping in through the walls from the outside. They peeked through the curtains to witness a swarm of reporters from various news outlets: 'Gifted Reports,' 'Soralia News,' 'QNS,' and more. Among them were two men representing the 'Gifted Association.'