Echoes of Mercy; Whispers of love (Episode 2)

Episode 2: The Secret GuardedDaniel stood just inches away from Mercy. The golden evening sun cast its shadows in a long and intimidating way."I... I found it on the grass," Mercy stammered, holding the leather diary out with trembling hands. "I only looked at the first page to see who it belonged to. I promise."Daniel snatched the book from her. His knuckles were white as he gripped it. "You shouldn't have read it. You shouldn't have even touched it.""I was trying to help!" Mercy’s fear was quickly turning into a spark of anger. "Most people would have just left it there, or worse, posted the pictures online. I stayed here waiting to find the owner."Daniel paused. He looked at the girl in front of him. She was wearing a faded cardigan and holding a stack of library books. She looked tired, but her eyes were honest. Most of the girls in his circle would have used that diary as blackmail or a way to get closer to his money.His expression softened, just a little. "Do you know what people would do if they knew what was in here?" he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper. "They’d think I’m weak. My father... he doesn't allow 'weak' in our family.""It's not weak to have feelings, Daniel," Mercy said softly.For a moment, they just stood there in the silence. The university clock chimed in the distance, reminding Mercy she was late for her work-study job at the cafeteria."I have to go," she said, quickly stepping around him."Wait!" Daniel called out.Mercy stopped."Don't tell anyone. About the diary. Or about... the prisoner," Daniel said.Mercy nodded. "Your secret is safe with me. I know what it’s like to have a life that looks different on the outside than it feels on the inside."As Mercy hurried away, Daniel watched her go. He realized he hadn't even said thank you.The next morning, Mercy arrived at her locker to find a small, expensive-looking paper bag hanging from the hook. Inside was a brand-new, high-quality leather backpack—ten times better than her old, torn one.There was no name on the gift, but inside the front pocket was a small note that read:<blockquote style="text-align: justify;">A thank you for the girl who sees things others don't. — D.</blockquote>Mercy’s heart did a somersault. But as she went to put the bag in her locker, she saw Sarah, her best friend, watching her with wide eyes."Mercy!" Sarah squealed, running over. "Is that a designer bag? Since when do you have friends who give gifts like that? Tell me everything!"Mercy looked at the bag, then at the crowded hallway. She saw Daniel walking toward them with his popular friends, laughing as if nothing had happened. He didn't even look at her."It’s nothing, Sarah," Mercy lied, her heart heavy. "I... I saved up for it."But she knew she couldn't keep this secret for long. In a university this small, walls have ears and eyes are everywhere.

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