Darkness settled over the city. Inside Genido's bedroom, the only remaining light came from the bedside lamp. His eyes slowly opened. Without moving from the bed, his hand reached towards the switch beside him. A soft click echoed through the room. The light disappeared. Complete darkness swallowed the bedroom. Outside, the night quietly spread across Dorata. The city rested beneath a silent sky. Nothing disturbed the stillness. Not until dawn arrived.
Morning sunlight slowly escaped the horizon and spilled across the rooftops before slipping through the windows of countless homes. Inside Juson's house, sunlight quietly reached the bedroom. Juson still slept peacefully. A strange weight suddenly pressed against his back. It almost felt as though someone had climbed onto the bed. He shifted slightly before raising his head. Standing in front of him was Herik. The little boy looked down at him with innocent eyes. "Wake up." His voice remained soft. Nothing in his expression suggested that he remembered the previous day's events. Juson slowly pushed himself upright.
Before he could say anything, Yokina's voice echoed from the kitchen. "Herik!" The little boy immediately climbed down from the bed and hurried out of the room. Juson remained seated for another second before standing. Without looking towards the kitchen, he quietly walked into the bathroom. His eyes immediately fell upon the small stool resting beneath the washbasin. He understood why it had been placed there. Walking closer, he picked up his toothbrush, applied toothpaste and quietly began brushing his teeth.
Meanwhile... Inside the kitchen, Yokina sat beside Herik as he ate breakfast on his own. He had grown enough that she no longer needed to feed him. She simply watched him with a quiet smile. Yokina wore a simple black gown. Her hair had been tied neatly into a bun. Herik, however, still wore his night clothes. His damp hair rested flat against his forehead after washing. Several minutes passed. Herik finished eating. Almost at the same moment, Juson entered the kitchen. His eyes briefly settled on Yokina. She looked beautiful. But compliments could wait.
He quietly walked towards the chair opposite the table and sat down. His breakfast had already been prepared. He picked up the toasted bread and took the first bite. After swallowing it, he looked towards Yokina. "Is anyone else coming?" "Maybe Hakiten's family," she replied. Juson simply nodded. Unlike Herik, he ate quickly. Within barely a minute, his breakfast was finished. Yokina stood up. She gently lifted Herik into her arms before carrying him back towards the bedroom. Juson followed them halfway before turning towards the bathroom once more. He still needed to take a bath.
Inside the room, Yokina carefully dressed Herik in his usual clothes. After fastening the last button, she looked towards the wall clock. It was already approaching noon. She turned towards Juson. "Hurry." While helping Herik wear his shoes, she placed Juson's clothes neatly upon the bed. A matching suit. Narrow trousers. Everything had already been prepared. Soon afterwards, Herik stepped out of the room by himself. His small feet carried him through the corridor and out of the house. His eyes wandered curiously around the surroundings.
The family car stood parked a few steps away on the left side of the house. Without looking back, Herik walked directly towards it. Standing beside the rear door, he stretched his hand towards the handle. He had grown just enough to reach it. A small pull. The door opened. After glancing behind him, Herik climbed inside and settled onto the back seat. For several moments, he simply looked around. His eyes wandered across every corner of the car's interior as though he were seeing it for the very first time.
Eventually... His attention shifted downwards. Several old papers lay scattered near the footrest. Curiosity immediately replaced his silence. Herik leaned forward and picked one of them up. The paper had turned yellow with age. Its edges had become worn and slightly torn. He could not read most of the words. He had not even started school yet. Still... One word had been written boldly across the top. Convergence. Herik stared at the strange paper for several silent seconds. Then he lowered it back towards the floor. Just before reaching for another one... A familiar voice came from outside. "Herik." Juson had arrived beside the car.