Chapter 1: Alex

It was Friday, a day that Alex knew all too well. The sun cast its golden glow over the picturesque suburban neighborhood as he parked his car in front of Mrs. Gray’s house. The neatly trimmed lawn and freshly painted exterior hinted at the care that the widow had invested in her home.

As a real estate agent, Alex’s job was to help people like Mrs. Gray transition from one chapter of their lives to the next. He had a talent for selling houses, though he sometimes relied on his gift of persuasion a little too heavily. At just 24, his success was driven by a relentless ambition to make it big, regardless of who he had to step over along the way.

In high school, Alex had been the epitome of popularity. He was the charismatic prom king, adored by his classmates, and revered as the star football quarterback. But beneath his polished exterior, there lurked a darker side. Alex had used his status to manipulate and torment others, earning him a reputation as a bully.

Leaving high school behind, Alex dove headfirst into the world of real estate. The business suited him, allowing him to harness his natural charm and charisma to make lucrative deals. He lived in a small apartment just outside Denver with his roommate, Ryan. His girlfriend, Shaela, was at his apartment more than her own.

Today, Alex found himself assisting Mrs. Gray in selling her house. He climbed the porch steps, his polished shoes leaving faint imprints on the freshly swept concrete. The door creaked open, revealing the weathered face of the widow. Her gray hair framed kind eyes that held a hint of melancholy. Alex offered her a warm smile, setting aside any trace of the callousness that had once defined him.

Mrs. Gray invited him inside, and they settled into the living room, a space filled with cherished memories. The afternoon light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting gentle shadows on the worn furniture. As they sipped on chilled lemonade, Alex engaged Mrs. Gray in idle conversation, skillfully drawing out snippets of her life story.

Between sips, he allowed his mind to wander, reflecting on his own journey. The trajectory of his life had been influenced by a mix of ambition, charm, and ruthlessness. Though he had mellowed since his high school days, echoes of his past remained. He wondered if he could ever truly escape the shadow of his former self.

Curiosity piqued, Alex excused himself, claiming he needed to check the garage for any potential issues that might hinder the selling process. Particularly, the main electrical box, wondering if he’d need Ames Gray to have someone come out and upgrade her service before she put the house on the market. Checking the breaker box, he noticed a breaker that kept tripping. With every reset, he noticed the attic light trough the rafters filtering. Climbing up the rickety ladder, he found himself in the dimly lit attic. Beams of sunlight filtered through the small windows, casting an ethereal glow on the space.

As he stepped cautiously along the wooden rafters, tracing the open electrical wire, his eyes fell upon a dusty box hidden in the corner. Intrigued, he gingerly brushed off the layers of grime, revealing the faded words “Memories” etched on its lid. With a mix of trepidation and anticipation, Alex lifted the lid to reveal its contents.