Chapter 18

Ava's POV

I walked through the familiar streets of my old neighborhood, my heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and nostalgia. It had been years since I last saw him, but I could still vividly remember his gentle smile and wise eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe. Mr. Thompson, my childhood mentor, had been a guiding light during the darkest moments of my past.

As I approached the small park where we used to meet, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement tinged with trepidation. Why had he reached out to me after all these years? What trials did he have in store for me? I took a deep breath and pushed open the rusty gate, stepping into the place that held so many precious memories.

There he was, sitting on a weathered wooden bench beneath the shade of an ancient oak tree. His silver hair glistened in the sunlight, and his eyes sparkled with a wisdom that seemed to transcend time. I couldn't contain my excitement as I rushed toward him, the years melting