Strange Friend

“I'm not lying, bro, I saw his eyes glowing,” William insisted.

“I didn't say you were lying, William,” Lawrence responded, “I just didn't see anything like that.”

“We should probably end this conversation,” William said.

“It's even better,” Lawrence replied.

The two kept walking until they were out of the woods. They could see the old building where they had rested earlier from where they were now, but they did not return there. They decided to buy some snacks at the nearest convenience store. Lawrence asked William as they walked, "You did not use the perfume I gave you?"

“Hmmm,” William said, nodding, “I forgot to perfume earlier.”

“You promised me to use it until it ran out,” Lawrece said seriously.

“I did but,” William replied, “this day I forgot.”

William wondered why it was a big deal for his friend to use the perfume he had given him, but he chose to keep it lull. His mind was too busy with the creature he had seen earlier to add more thoughts. When they successfully got out of the wooded and grassy surroundings, the two earnestly continued walking on the paved path. Passing cars and motorcycles can be seen around here. People who walk consist of adults, children, couples, and teenagers—like them. Later on, the two saw a convenience store. Only now did William get to this part of their town, because it was quite far from where he lived. When he was young, his parents trained him not to roam so. Home and school are the only places he often goes. He could only get out and stroll when Lawrence picked him up.

When they entered the convenience store, William noticed the man behind the counter and his friend Lawrence staring at each other. The two's stare seemed to be on the verge of killing each other at any moment. Lawrence tightened his grip on William's right hand with his left. Surprised, William simply let his friend do what he wanted, and they walked around the convenience store quietly. Lawrence didn't say anything, but his face was tense and he appeared to be about to implode at any moment. William decided not to argue with his friend because he didn't want to attract the attention of other shoppers. They only collected a few crackers and one soft drink each. When they approached the man behind the counter, he smiled.

Lawrence slammed their chosen groceries, and his expression towards the man remained venomous. The man did not respond and began punching their purchases. Lawrence immediately grabbed the plastic from the man and dropped the money on the counter after putting what they bought in it. He didn't wait for the change and grabbed William once more. This time, the direction is to the store's exit door.

Lawrence let go of William's hand as they exited, and the two resumed their walk. William couldn't help but wonder why his friend was acting so strangely. William asked him, “Bro, what's going on?”

Lawrence did not respond to his question; instead, he asked, “Can I sleep at your house tonight?”

Lawrence did not force him to answer his question because he did not want to. It is not in William's style to compel people who do not wish to participate. He replied to his friend's question, “That... I need to ask permission from my parents first.”

“It's okay if I can't, as long as you don't come out tonight; if you notice anything strange, don't open the door,” Lawrence said firmly, looking William in the eyes and adding, “Call me right away.”

“Bro, are you okay? Why do I feel so strange? ” William inquired, his voice sounded anxious. “You've been behaving as if you're not the friend I know,” William continued.

“Just promise me you'll do it to calm me down,” Lawrence said as he came to a halt and faced William, who had also come to a halt.

“You're so strange,” William remarked to his friend.

“Promise me,” Lawrence said solemnly, looking into William's eyes.

“Fine!” William replied helplessly, “I promise I'll call you if I notice anything strange; is that enough, bro?”

“Good!” Lawrence simply replied, taking the groceries from the plastic bag and giving William his share.

The atmosphere between them lightened up again, and they ate their snacks quietly as they walked home. Lawrence even accompanied his friend until they arrived at the Styles residence. When they arrived, William's mother, who was probably just getting home from work, saw them and invited Lawrence to dinner.

“I'll just have dinner at my house. Thank you, Auntie,” the young man said.

When William and his mother entered the house, she asked, “Why is your friend strange now?”

“You've noticed as well, Mom,” William said softly.

“What happened, son?” his concerned mother inquired.

William recalled what had happened earlier and decided not to tell his mother. He simply replied, “Nothing, mom; perhaps he's just not in the mood.”

The next day, a man's body was discovered in their town, and the authorities had no idea what had caused his death. It was also covered on television, radio, and in newspapers.

It died as a result of deep and large scratches and bite marks. So far, authorities are still looking into the facts of this crime. William was taken aback as he read on his computer about the discovery of the body.

William zoomed in on the photo for no apparent reason and was astounded to see that the man found dead was the man in the grocery store near the forest where he and his friend Lawrence saw the dog-like creature. William felt the hair on his body stand on end. “Goosebumps!” he exclaimed.

He attempted to call his friend to inquire if he was aware of the strange event that occurred today, but he did not respond. After a while, night fell, and his father arrived. William also assisted his mother in the preparation of food after completing his school requirements for tomorrow. During dinner, the family inevitably discusses the news. William's mother also inquired about the body, but, as reported in the news, they were unable to determine how he died or what creature killed that man. They advised William not to go out and stroll until the cause of the man's death was determined. Because their town is small, it is better to be safe, and they will all be cautious.

When William heard his phone ring, he awoke and looked to see who had called at this hour, and he saw Lawrence's name on the screen. “What now?” The sleepy William asked his friend.

“Bro, you called me first,” Lawrence said on the other end of the line.

William stated, “It's been a long time. Do you have any idea what time it is? Tomorrow is still a school day.” His drowsiness had subsided somewhat.

Lawrence stated solemnly, “I'm not going to class tomorrow because I'm going to do something important.”

“Is that so?” William inquired. Then, he added, “Just make sure that's more important than education.”

“If you only knew how important this is, William,” Lawrence said quietly on the other line, which William did not hear. The call ended before the latter could ask to say it again.