Orion wasn't much different from any other university student, yet he lived in his own world.
His small apartment near the campus, away from the noise of his classmates, was his only sanctuary.
He had just one friend who shared his days: Hiram, a cheerful and social guy who filled the air with smiles. Orion, on the other hand, stayed quiet, observing and thinking about everything around him.
On a normal morning, Orion woke up to the usual alarm.
He felt hungry but settled for a cup of tea and a slice of bread.
After eating, he sat in the corner of his room and looked out the window at the campus walkway.
He could hear the students' voices, occasional laughter, and shouts from the lecture halls.
A hollow feeling stirred inside him. He wondered about his future, the daily steps he took, and sometimes he felt different from everyone else in a way he couldn't explain.
He wasn't trying to be better than anyone. He just wanted to understand himself and the world, to figure out how to fill his life with something meaningful.
At the university, he noticed small hints of jealousy from some peers. Stronger or more popular students seemed to resent his calm demeanor, his abilities, and sometimes the attention he received from professors.
Orion didn't care about any of that, but he watched carefully. He analyzed every gesture, every word, and every glance.
After lectures, he returned to his apartment. His friend was waiting with a smile and a cup of tea.
"Long day, huh?" Hiram asked.
Orion gave a faint smile.
"Yes, everything as usual," he replied.
They sat together for a while, talking about small things from campus life, sharing laughter, and commenting on the day's events.
Orion wasn't boring. He was full of quiet thoughts, sometimes feeling that something inside him was waiting for the right moment to awaken, though he didn't know what it could be.
As he walked home, a figure emerged from a dark corner of the street. A man, mentally unstable and armed, came toward him without warning.
Before Orion could react, he felt a sharp stab pierce his body. Warm blood flowed from his chest.
Shock hit him. The ground seemed to move beneath him, and everything blurred.
His consciousness began to fade.
He knew the end was near. Life flashed before his eyes, and a faint pang of regret washed over him. He thought of the days he had not fully lived and the small chances that slipped away without leaving a mark.