Page 1 - Panel 1:
We open with Evan walking out of the government facility, the doors closing behind him with a heavy clang. His face is grim, and his posture is tense as he steps into the dim morning light. He has just been released, but his mind is far from free.

Narration (Evan’s voice):
“They let me go... for now. But I’m not free. Not really.”

Page 2 - Panel 1:
Cut to Evan walking toward his home. The sun has risen fully, casting an orange hue over the neighborhood. The streets are quiet, but Evan’s mind is loud with thoughts of the deal he made.

Narration (Evan’s voice):
“I made a deal with them. Help them prepare for whatever comes next. In exchange for keeping my secret. Keeping me hidden.”

Page 2 - Panel 2:
The camera focuses on Evan’s house in the distance, looking warm and inviting despite the weight of what’s hanging over him.

Page 3 - Panel 1:
Evan steps into the front door, and we see Thomas and Margaret rush toward him, concern written all over their faces. They hug him tightly, almost as if they’re trying to hold on to him. Their voices are anxious.

Thomas (voice shaking):
“Evan... where have you been? What happened? We were worried sick! The government just took you...”

Margaret:
“Are you alright? What did they want with you?”

Page 4 - Panel 1:
Evan stands there, clearly uncomfortable. His parents' worry is palpable, and he feels the weight of their love and concern. But the secret he's carrying is too dangerous. He can’t let them know the truth.

Evan (forcing a smile, his voice tight):
“I’m fine, Mom. They... they just wanted to ask me some questions. I don’t know why, exactly. They’re just doing their... job.”

Page 4 - Panel 2:
Margaret looks at him, clearly not convinced by his response. Thomas is still visibly shaken, but he’s trying to hold it together for Margaret’s sake.

Thomas:
“Questions? About what? Why didn’t they tell us anything?”

Evan (avoiding their gaze, his voice softer):
“They just needed to know... about what happened. About the creature. And, uh... I think they were just trying to get as much information as they could in case something like that happens again.”

Page 5 - Panel 1:
Margaret and Thomas exchange looks, but they seem to accept the explanation for now. There’s still something uneasy about the situation, but they don’t press it further.

Margaret (relieved but skeptical):
“Well, as long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters. But you can’t keep disappearing like that, Evan. It’s not safe.”

Evan (nodding, his voice distant):
“I know, Mom. I’ll be more careful.”

Page 6 - Panel 1:
Later, we cut to Evan at school, walking through the halls. He’s still processing everything that happened. His usual surroundings feel... different now. He’s not the same person who left for school a day ago.

Narration (Evan’s voice):
“It’s all a game now. A game of secrets. I have to be careful. I can’t let anyone know what I really am, what I’ve done... or what I’m still doing.”

Page 6 - Panel 2:
Evan spots Jason, who is waiting by the lockers. Jason waves at him, clearly relieved to see him back. But there’s an edge of curiosity in his eyes—he can tell something’s off.

Jason (grinning):
“Yo, Evan! Man, we were all freaking out when they just took you. What happened? You good?”

Page 7 - Panel 1:
Evan forces a smile as he approaches Jason, but his eyes are still distant. He’s trying to act normal, but everything feels like it’s slipping away.

Evan (trying to sound casual):
“Yeah, man. I’m fine. They just, uh... wanted to ask me some questions. Nothing big. Just... stuff about the creature and all that.”

Jason (frowning):
“Yeah, well, that’s what Leila said. But it still feels weird. They can’t just take someone like that without a reason. Are you sure there’s nothing else they want from you?”

Page 7 - Panel 2:
Evan looks at Jason, his expression hardening slightly. He knows Jason’s not going to buy the story completely, but he can’t let him know the truth. Not now. Not yet.

Evan (forcing a laugh):
“Honestly, I don’t know. But I’m just happy to be back. We’re good. It’s over.”

Page 8 - Panel 1:
As they walk down the hallway, Leila appears from around the corner. She spots Evan and freezes, her eyes widening in surprise as she takes in his presence. Her expression shifts from concern to relief.

Leila (softly, almost to herself):
“Evan... you’re back.”

Page 8 - Panel 2:
Evan meets her gaze, and there’s a brief moment where everything else fades away. For just a second, it feels like they’re the only two people in the world.

Evan (nodding, a forced smile on his face):
“Yeah... I’m back.”

Page 9 - Panel 1:
Jason watches the exchange, his brow furrowed in confusion. He can’t help but notice the chemistry between Evan and Leila, something unspoken hanging between them. But it’s clear Evan’s not in a place to explain things right now.

Jason (to himself, muttering under his breath):
“Something’s off...”

Page 9 - Panel 2:
Leila steps closer to Evan, a soft but cautious smile on her face.

Leila (quietly, looking at him with concern):
“I heard... they took you. Are you okay?”

Evan (pausing for a moment before answering, his voice low):
“Yeah, I’m fine. They just... wanted some answers. But don’t worry about it. I’m good.”

Page 10 - Panel 1:
Leila looks at him, her expression searching, but she nods. She doesn’t push it, but her eyes linger on him with an unspoken question. She wants to know more, but she respects his silence.

Leila (softly, with a small smile):
“Okay. Just... let me know if you need anything.”

Page 10 - Panel 2:
As Evan, Leila, and Jason walk down the hallway together, the atmosphere feels heavier than usual. The weight of Evan’s secret is crushing, but he knows he can’t share it. Not yet.

Narration (Evan’s voice):
“The deal’s been made. The government’s got me under their thumb. And now... I have to live with it. Every day.”