Hidden Ties

Episode 1 — read the full opening

Read the complete first episode here, then continue the chat story in the next episode.

1. Noah

   Hey, did you all get the invite for the reunion? Feels a bit strange after all these years.

2. Maya

   Yeah, I saw it. Thought it might be a nice chance to try to come together again. It'll be interesting to see everyone.

3. Ethan

   Honestly, I wasn't sure if I should go, but I’m in. This is where we grew up after all.

4. Sarah

   By the way, where’s the meet-up? Need to make sure I don’t miss it.

5. Noah

   Old Diner. Feels like it’ll keep some of those old tastes... or maybe something else.

6. Maya

   I’m a little nervous... but if Ethan's there, it could get complicated...

7. Ethan

   Why complicated, Maya? It’s just a meet-up, right?

8. Maya

   You know... it’s different when you’re always watching Sarah. Obviously, she’s taken.

9. Sarah

   Wait, what are you talking about? I’m not... I’m not planning anything with anyone right now.

10. Noah

    Hey, guys, let’s keep it cool. This reunion’s supposed to put the past behind us.

11. Maya

    Easy to say. I’ve always felt outside this circle. Ever since I gave my heart to Ethan...

12. Ethan

    This whole mess is messy. Damn, didn’t realize it ran that deep for you.

13. Noah

    So, everyone’s coming? Tonight, 7:30 at the Old Diner.

14. Sarah

    Yeah, don’t worry, I’ll be there. I know it’s important.

15. 7:30 PM. The diner lives up to its name: old music playing, smells of homestyle cooking. The group gathers.

16. Noah

    Wow, really feels like no time has passed at all.

17. Maya

    Walking back through all these memories... are you really sad you missed chances in this pact?

18. Ethan

    Me? Maybe a bit, but I never stopped being who I am. Not everyone gets that.

19. Sarah

    Nice to see everyone, but why start talking about secrets already? What’s anyone holding after all these years?

20. Maya

    I feel like something’s not being told to us. Something quiet and dangerous.

21. Noah

    What is it? Maybe it’s just excitement making us overthink.

22. Ethan

    I’d say someone’s hiding something... and I don’t mean small stuff. Something deeper.

23. Sarah

    You’re making me uncomfortable. This isn’t the time for secrets. It’s time to move on.

24. Noah

    Or maybe it’s not. Feels like everything’s about to fall apart, and nothing can stop it.

25. Next episode: As old friends gather, the secrets of the past emerge, forever changing their bonds. Who will hold the ties together when the past awakens?

Original SALiiO fiction. The characters and events belong to the story.