Ethan sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his reflection in the mirror. His skin had taken on an unnaturally pale hue, and dark circles loomed under his eyes. He rubbed his fingers across his arm, feeling the unfamiliar chill in his own flesh. "This can't be happening," he murmured to himself, his voice trembling with disbelief.

Ethan navigated through the crowd, pulling his hoodie tighter around his face to block out the fluorescent lights. His heart raced, conscious of every glance that seemed to linger a moment too long. He spotted his friends, Lily and Jake, waiting by the lockers. "Hey, man, you look like you've seen a ghost," Jake joked, clapping him on the back.

Lily nudged Ethan's arm as he picked at his food, his appetite waning at the sight of his usual pizza slice. "You're not eating? That's a first," she teased, raising an eyebrow. Ethan forced a smile, "Just not feeling it today," he replied, avoiding her inquisitive gaze.

Ethan rummaged through his father's old medical books, desperate for answers. The pages spoke of rare conditions, but none matched his symptoms. His fingers trembled as he traced over a diagram of decaying cells, the image mirroring his growing fear. "How do I stop this?" he whispered, his voice echoing in the empty space.

Lily and Jake caught up with Ethan as he walked home, concern etched on their faces. "Ethan, what's going on? We're worried about you," Jake pressed. Ethan hesitated, the truth clawing at his insides. "I wish I could tell you," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan stood alone in his backyard, the shadows deepening around him. A part of him longed to confide in his friends, but the fear of their reaction held him back. He clenched his fists, feeling the hunger gnawing at him, a sinister reminder of what he was becoming. "I have to find a way to stop this," he vowed, determination flickering in his eyes like a lone flame in the darkness.