Tia blinked at the sunlight streaming through his window.
If he had known what this day would bring, he wouldn't have gotten out of bed.
What do you mean it's Monday already....
He ran a hand through his hair, still fuzzy from sleep.
He stepped into the bathroom.
He took a quick bath, Mum helping him pack some of his things while he was at it.
The guide hasn't arrived yet…
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Or… maybe they already have?" he murmured.
Quickly, he threw on some clothes and dashed down for breakfast.
"Ming Ming, I've packed your bag for you," his mom said, smiling warmly.
Tia's heart swelled.
Ma is such an angel… what would I do without her?
He looked up at her, catlike eyes shimmering with gratitude.
"Eh? Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, tilting her head.
"I… uh… never mind," he muttered, trying to hide his teary expression.
She pushed a bag toward him.
"This one's for summer."
Another followed.
"And this one is for winter."
"And this?" Tia asked, raising an eyebrow at the third, heavily packed bag.
"For… winter again," she said with a shrug, smiling.
Tia blinked at the third, heavily packed bag.
"For… winter again?"
She shrugged, smiling.
Tia let out a small sigh.
"But all this… isn't it too much…?"
Before anyone could respond—
A soft knock came from the door.
Knock.
Knock.
Both of them paused.
His mom glanced toward the door.
Oh my, I forgot about him.
He said he was your guide or something.
"Go and check."
Tia nodded and walked over.
The moment he opened it—
His eyes widened slightly.
"…Mr. Lee?"
Standing outside, composed as ever, Mr. Lee gave a slight nod.
"Good morning."
Tia blinked.
"Oh! Mr. Lee—I remember you," he said quickly.
Footsteps approached behind him.
His mom stepped forward—
Then stopped.
For a brief moment, her gaze lingered on Mr. Lee.
Tia quickly stepped aside.
"Ma, this is Mr. Lee…
…I met him in—"
His heart skipped.
I can't believe I almost said that…
"…school," he finished quickly.
A short silence followed.
Mr. Lee's gaze shifted.
From Tia—
To her.
Then he spoke.
"And you must be his mother. Nice to meet you."
A small, professional smile formed on his face.
His eyes suddenly flickered.
"Have we met somewhere? You look very familiar…" he asked.
"I… we haven't. It's my first time," Tia's mum replied, eyes darting around.
"Hmmm. Alright, we'd better be on our way. Goodbye," he said, turning toward the exit.
Tia followed, but stopped mid-step.
He took one last glance at his mom.
She gave him a warm smile.
But he saw it—
the worry and fear hidden beneath it.
A single tear slipped down his cheek.
He wiped it away quickly.
Without another word, he stepped into the car.
The engine started.
The house grew smaller in the rearview mirror.
Tia's gaze lingered—
on the window…
on her…
standing there…
watching.
His fingers tightened slightly.
…Why does it feel like I'm the only one who doesn't understand anything?
The image of the dungeon flashed in his mind.
The collapsing gate.
The blood.
Then—
his mother's face.
His eyes narrowed faintly.
What... happened to you.
The car moved forward.
Leaving everything behind.
But the questions—
only grew heavier.
Tia leaned back slowly, closing his eyes.
For a brief moment—
silence.
Then—
his eyes opened again.
"…I'll find out."
A pause.
Barely a whisper—
"…no matter what it takes."