He quickly regained his composure, his expression smoothing out as he continued to listen.
Alex had already informed Liam of his decision earlier that morning, but he had not provided a reason for it. Liam had been visibly displeased, but he had not argued, knowing better than to question Alex's authority.
As Alex spoke, his words hung in the air, anticipation building among the siblings. They waited with bated breath, their eyes fixed on Alex, who seemed to be savoring the moment.
Finally, Alex broke the silence, his voice low and smooth. "Tomorrow will be Liam's last day at school, and I've prepared a celebratory banquet for him." The words dropped like a bombshell, leaving the siblings stunned and confused.
Rex and Emma looked up at Alex with worried expressions, their eyes wide with questioning gazes. They seemed to be seeking clarification, their minds racing with thoughts of what this sudden announcement could entail. Liam hadn't completed his schooling, so why was Alex declaring tomorrow his last day?
Liam, meanwhile, felt a sense of unease building inside him. He was torn between confusion and concern, unsure of what to make of Alex's announcement. As he looked at his siblings, he saw the worry and uncertainty etched on their faces, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation.
The atmosphere in the room had shifted, the air thick with tension and uncertainty. The siblings waited with bated breath, eager to learn more about Alex's decision and what it would entail.
As the silence stretched out, Alex leaned back in his chair, a serious expression on his face. He seemed to be aware of the confusion and concern his announcement had caused, but he offered no further explanation.
Rex and Emma exchanged worried glances, their minds racing with questions. What was behind Alex's sudden decision? Why was Liam's schooling being cut short?
Liam, meanwhile, sat quietly, his thoughts consumed by the uncertainty of his future. He felt a sense of unease building inside him, a feeling that he couldn't quite shake.
As the minutes ticked by, the siblings remained frozen in confusion, their eyes fixed on Alex as they awaited further explanation. The air was thick with tension, the silence hanging heavy over the table.
Emma's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed in concern. "Big brother, if we're going back to our home country, why is Liam the only one stopping school?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
Alex's expression remained calm, but a hint of irritation flickered in his eyes. "No, we're not going anywhere," he said, his tone firm. "We're staying."
Emma's eyes widened, her mind racing with questions. "But..." she began, only to be cut off by Alex.
"Enough," he said, his voice firm but controlled. "No more questions. It's not up to you to think about this. There's nothing to worry about, right?" Alex turned to Liam, his gaze intense and threatening, but hidden from Rex and Emma.
Liam looked up at Alex, his eyes hesitating for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Yes, you're right," he said, his voice measured. "There's nothing to worry about. It's okay."
Rex and Emma exchanged skeptical glances, their faces reflecting their confusion and concern. They didn't believe Liam's words, and they sensed that something was amiss.
Alex stood up, his movements deliberate and calculated. "It's okay, finish up with your food and just concentrate on the banquet," he said, his tone dismissive. With measured steps, he left the dining room, leaving the siblings staring at his back.
Liam also rose from his seat, his eyes avoiding those of his siblings. "Good night," he said quietly, before following Alex out of the room.
Rex and Emma remained seated, their eyes fixed on the empty chairs where Alex and Liam had sat. They exchanged worried glances, their minds racing with questions and concerns. What was going on? Why was Liam's schooling being cut short? And what did Alex have planned for the banquet? The siblings' confusion and unease lingered, casting a shadow over the rest of the evening.
Liam trudged to his room, his feet heavy with each slow but steady step. His mind was preoccupied with the events that lay ahead, shrouded in uncertainty. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been building up inside him. As he walked, his thoughts swirled with questions, but he found himself unable to grasp the answers he so desperately sought.
After a while, Liam made a conscious decision to halt his thoughts. He realized that dwelling on them wouldn't provide him with the clarity he needed. Instead, he chose to focus on the present moment, letting go of the anxiety that had been weighing him down.
As he entered his room, Liam headed straight for the bathroom. He turned on the faucet, and the sound of running water was a soothing balm to his frazzled nerves. He squeezed a dollop of toothpaste onto his toothbrush and began to brush his teeth, the familiar routine a comforting distraction.
Next, he washed his face, feeling the cool water refresh his skin. As he patted his face dry with a towel, Liam caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror.