Running. He was indeed running from the outskirts of his school, sprinting under the starry night. Dim, which should have been supposed to be, where only the gazing moon with its vibrant stars and the brittle lampposts positioned every corner of the streets barely illuminating his route.
Right passed the supermarket, which was apparently closed at this kind of hour, heading straight making a left then a right, in all sorts of direction, for him to arrive at his destination. He was greeted by a shabby apartment standing at 3 storeys tall owned by a landlord who caters out approximately 20 families in every available room. Zero and his mum are staying at the second floor, at the left side corner of the hallway. He then takes the nearest stairs found at the centre of the building, silently walking towards his room avoiding unnecessary noise from the nocturne life.
Standing in front of his door made him recalled bits of memories from everything that had happened. It was about time he had come home, escaping death himself, from the events happening inside his school.
"Room 211" with a big sigh coming out from his mouth, he prepared his hands to knock on the wooden door. Zero expected his mother to be asleep for the room inside was dark and the lights are turned off. Before his fingers could even reach the flat platform, the doorknob made an evident clanking sounds indicating that there is someone on the other side. Waiting for the sonance to subside, a familiar face greets him giving Zero a firm hug.
"I'm home" he didn't even assured who he was hugging. Tears overflowed beneath his eyes. Seeing his mother from a long time which made him emotionally unstable.
"Welcome back, son. Dinner's ready." She gently whispers to his ears and carefully strokes Zero's head, remaining intact for a couple of minutes under the stagnant light.
Zenith's point of view ******
It was a long waited moment meeting my son who haven't got home from the past 2 days. I was quite worried what had happened inside his school when the director, mr.Snow, told me that my son was in an unconscious state and I shouldn't be worried thus we will be grandly compensated. He also mentioned that the actions of my son was said to be heroic, saving a young girl's life. I couldn't quite believe him at first. I was ready to charge my way in despite the chilly night under this hour but a young girl's voice halted me from moving when I saw her outside of our apartment for somebody, and that somebody was apparently me (?)
"Are you Zero's mother?" with an awkward pause she begins to bow down which I couldn't comprehend. My eyes turned wide and slowly work my way closer to the mysterious girl
She began spouting apologies making her tears overflowed from her eyes creating a mumbling voice that was unclear for me to hear. I offered her to stay in my house and lead her to the living room so we could talk things out as we both waited for her emotions to subside. She cried for half an hour. Regaining her composure, she began gazing firmly in my direction, determined on what she was about to do.
"Thank you. Apologies for my actions earlier, but my name is Lilith…."
Long story short, she narrated what happened throughout the academy's events,
How the school was barbarically engaged by a group of terrorist inside the school grounds
How dangerous the school might be dangerous but insisted that the university would protect him and myself from harm
Zero being an amazing and valuable student who has overwhelming talents and great potential over the academy.
Looking back, being a mother is a very difficult job but… having Zero experienced such a memory with his dad made me futile from my negligence in the family.
Taking care of him without a father to look up for must've made him grew stronger… more mature; Even for me. I usually observe Zero's actions being extraordinary when he was still a kid. He usually reads books from time to time, played his games when he felt pressured or stressful but the manner he speak and the knowledge he has are surprisingly advance for a mere 10 year old kid.
During that time… when my husband used an umbrella as a weapon, I was petrified
Scared
Fear consumed my mind. Not a single thing went inside my head, bursting out in tears as I accepted my faith. I couldn't go against my husband. But… he reached out his hands and stood firmly in front of, protecting from whatever would go against our way. His gazed never matched mine as he slams something to his father at an early age. I was worried that our family introduced such violence for our son but he didn't budged any negative ideas, but strayed against it. He knew what he needed to do and he would act accordingly on the situations in hand, observing every aspect. He learned from the things I haven't introduced and he was skilful around in every ways
For me to judge his actions right now, I felt inadequate. Losing my responsibilities as a mother to stop or invite my son to do anything. Since that time, he was leading everything. Living our lives from this small apartment, staying up late reading up his books to earn some scholarships from his school, even worked at a convenience store not far from our home. I myself is a proud nurse and I would take action, giving him plenty of rests and vitamins to boosts his immunity. Sure, having a fixed job would make our lives easier but things are different right now when our money went back to Zero, earning every bits of cash starting from that day.
Staring right through Lilith I could sense his responsibilities for my son and I knew she was quite a beauty to be able to impress and felt apologetic from what had happened. Observing her manners (even I couldn't muster any of the etiquettes she had portrayed), she must have been living a life with prosperity, without minding the financial aspects in her hands. It must've been nice. But on the long run, I wouldn't actually care whoever my Zero chooses to marry as long as that girl would stay by his side. Finding true love is really difficult.. especially from me, leaving my husband in the lowest state.
"I understand, please take care of Zero for me" I gave her a sincere smile and hugged her tight. Burning scarlet red, she began panicking but showed no signs of escaping my brace. I released her from my arms and gently caress her hair.
"I wish I could have a stunning daughter like you. I'm sorry but what was your name again?"
"Lilith… Lilith Sinclair"
"Such a beautiful name. I'd bet Zero would fall head over heels for a girl like you. Would you mind if I would treat you as my daughter? You could visit our house often to drink some tea, you know?"
I gave her a teasing smile and the both of us laughed together.
"Stay right here for me dear, I'll get you something to eat. You could stay for tonight and leave tomorrow morning, okay?" I gave her a smile and rushed towards the door, leaving her no chances to refute.
And suddenly, I saw my son's figure upon exiting the door….