Chapter 11: The Hideaway
Adam skillfully slipped away from his bustling classmates, seeking solitude.
His destination: a secluded spot on the school grounds, just beyond the left gate and a short distance from the basketball court.
It was a hidden refuge he'd found years ago, where the quiet helped him gather his thoughts away from the prying eyes of peers.
Settling down, Adam reached into his pocket and pulled out his earbuds, eager to finally escape into the music he'd been craving since class began.
Just as he placed them in his ears, a familiar voice echoed softly, only audible to him.
"Lord Adam, welcome," Pratham greeted warmly.
Adam smiled to himself, finding comfort in his virtual companion's tone. "You're the first one I'm having lunch with," he responded, a hint of playfulness in his voice.
Pratham's tone turned formal. "It is my honor, my lord, that you deem me worthy of such company."
Adam chuckled lightly, relishing the private banter. But then, Pratham's voice dropped to a more serious note. "My lord, your friends seem to be suspicious."
A frown creased Adam's brow. "Suspicious of what?" he asked, suddenly alert.
"Not of your conversations with Ani, thankfully," Pratham assured him. "But they seem to believe...that you might be suffering from some sort of mental strain."