"Shawn! Where the heck is Mr. Brine? He was supposed to meet APEX LTD today," Mr. Edwin—C.E.O. of the company—shouted as he approached Shawn, who was still on his phone.
"I…I don't know, sir. I spoke to him yesterday and he assured me he'd be here on time."
"Shit! This kid never listens." Mr. Edwin scratched his head, pacing with agitation. "And have you tried tracking him? APEX is about to arrive, and he isn't here. He's the one who's supposed to present the other side of the finances."
"Yeah, the tracker got him now. Let me take his call." Shawn stepped aside, answering quickly. "Hey! Where are you? Your father is fuming. I can't let him explode, especially today."
"Come on, dick. Can't you see me?"
"What are you talking about? APEX LTD is on the way. You have to present—"
"Look to your right, dude. Stop yapping," Brine replied with a lazy smile.
"What the—" Shawn turned and saw him standing by the office glass door.
Mr. Edwin stormed toward his son. "I told you to make sure everything was ready! Look at the time, Brine. You could've told me you didn't want to present this."
"I'm sorry, Dad, it's—"
"Don't call me Dad! It's Sir from now on."
"Sorry…Sir. But I don't understand why you're shouting. I'm ready. I've been in my office the entire time working on the presentation." Brine calmly held out his tablet with every detail neatly compiled.
Mr. Edwin's face froze. "Wha…what do you mean? Everything is done?"
"Yes, sir. Nothing is left out."
A disbelieving smile crept into Mr. Edwin's expression. "That's why I like you—unlike your eloped brother. God knows what he's been doing all these years." Emotions softened his eyes, until his phone beeped.
"Oh! They're here. Finally." His excitement returned instantly. "This is the day we rise." He answered the call with a brightened face. "Hello, yes…"
---
Lena's House…
Everything had seemed fine from the hospital until they reached Lena's home.
Moody, still in a rush, said goodbye as she stood outside her door. The night had grown deep and cool.
"Thank you—for the fifth time, Moo. If it wasn't for you, everything would've shattered," Lena said, folding her arms around herself.
"That's nothing. I did what anyone with a heart would do. So, if you don't mind…I should go." He forced a small smile.
"Yes. And please take care on your way home. I—I can't lose you."
"Eish! Stop that. You're making the butterflies in my stomach go crazy. I can't handle another compliment."
"Hahaha, don't be silly. Anyway, I haven't seen my siblings today. I don't even know if Mom came home. Goodnight, Moo. See you tomorrow."
"Night, Lee. I'll pass by tomorrow."
They pulled away from their hug.
From his cracked voice and the way he avoided her eyes, anyone who had known real love would have seen it—the unseen emotions trembling beneath his calm façade. His heart ached for not being brave enough to confess, yet something inside him insisted he needed more time. Time to be sure. Time to be enough.
"Okay," he whispered, though his gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he turned away.
Lena entered the house quietly, a mixture of relief and sorrow settling over her. She would tell them everything—but not tonight. Not until Dad was safe.
She pushed open the bedroom door. Both siblings were asleep.
The moment the door creaked, Bena's eyes snapped open. He sat up, joy instantly lighting his small face.
"Siz! Ooh, we missed you. Where have you been? Mom dropped by but she was in a hurry."
"It's okay, baby. I'm here now. Why aren't you asleep?"
"I tried… but I missed you. So I waited."
"Aww, little man. I missed you too. How was school?"
"It was fine. Sela helped me with my homework and made pasta."
"That's good. Let's not wake her. Did Mom bring anything?"
"No." His smile faded. "She was drunk again… She only came to take her shoes 'cause the ones she had were torn. And she said 'hello kiddos' and left. She didn't even ask where you were."
Lena swallowed. "Don't cry, baby. That's why I'm here—for both of you, okay?"
He nodded but hesitated, chewing on his lip. "Can I ask something?"
"Go on."
"I heard rumors that Dad is in the hospital. Is it true?"
She froze for half a second, then nodded. "Yes, sweet boy. Some good people found him unconscious and took him in. He's okay now. You'll see him soon."
"So the rumors were true…" His small voice cracked. "Can I go with you tomorrow? Please, Siz? It's Saturday. I don't have school."
"Of course… but not tomorrow."
"Why?" His eyes dimmed.
"Because the doctor said only one visitor is allowed until he's fully recovered."
"Oh… oh." He looked down. "But maybe you go in first, and when you're done, I can go. Right Siz?"
"Hahaha, Bee, don't be silly. It's too late for your little tricks. Go to bed—I'll think about it in the morning."
"But I miss him… I haven't seen him in three months."
"I know." She knelt in front of him, brushing his cheek gently. "We'll go. I promise. Now get under the blanket."
Suddenly he threw his arms around her neck, hugging her tight, as if anchoring himself to the one person who never disappeared. He still couldn't believe his father had been found. After months of silence, he let himself imagine feeling his father's arms again… hearing his laugh… being held without fear.
"I love you, Bee," Lena whispered into his hair. "Always remember that. Now let me tuck you in so we can face another beautiful day tomorrow."
She lifted him gently, placing him under the covers, smoothing the blanket over his small frame.
For a while he stared up at her with glistening eyes—full of hope, fear, and a longing only a child could carry so openly.
And as she sat by his bedside, brushing his hair until he fell asleep, Lena silently prayed that tomorrow would hurt a little less than today.