In a world where your life was determined by wealth , power, and fame, every living being on this planet hunger to have this false freedom, throughout the history of mankind, social hierarchy was molded by powerful individuals along side their family, to would harness and manipulate that craving to benefit their own way of life, and the endless struggle to obtain, exploit and control this so-called authority made humans greedy to the point of personal, social, religious, economic, and cultural conflicts broke out and the war was inevitable in every known civilization and took, what they think was their noble right., For thousands of years, mankind wages a seemingly unstoppable craving for that power, Due to this humanity's beliefs, culture, and way of thinking were infused with this so-called dilutional hunger.

This insatiable hunger for power permeated every aspect of human existence, shaping their beliefs, culture, and way of thinking. It became ingrained in their collective consciousness, driving them to pursue dominance and control at any cost. As a result, societies became divided, religions clashed, economies collapsed, and conflicts erupted across the globe. This relentless pursuit of power ultimately led to a never-ending cycle of violence and turmoil in civilizations throughout history. 

as the world changes to adapt to everybody's needs, mankind is blind to the fact that our every life is fated to live in a world filled with struggles from the moment we were conceived and born.

It was the month of March the year 2000, as humanity sleeps an unknown under the blanket of the night, a surge of energy burst out of thin air and manifested a few thousand orbs in different sizes, some were huge and some were small all around the world.

it was pulsating with heat and electrical energy, when it was discovered all of mankind's scientific minds gathered together from all their respective nations to understand these newfound phenomena,

days have turned into months as leading experts study this energy hoping to gain insight into what it was and how can it help mankind and so many theories came to be heard from every known people in the world, and the study of this Orb continued for another two years and still humanity was dumbfounded to what it was,

each government from each nation decided to take precautions, for so many reasons the energy it was giving out was not harvestable by any man-made technological machine.

There was no information nor do have any use to benefit their respective nation, so they conducted systematic experiments to determine if it was harmful or toxic to any living organism.

at some point, the test was sufficient enough to state that it was not fatal even to prolonged exposure. the United Nations mandated all member countries to just conceal and contain those orbs behind steel and concrete,

some of them were left alone because they are far away and isolated from any human city and were forgotten. 19 years went by as humanity returned slowly to its daily life and return to its normal routine.

Once again mankind experiences many changes in its passing days, conflict and war broke out in some parts of the globe. Humanities' savage nature once again emerges to gain more power. And after a century a mutated virus spread among the people consuming the world like wildfire and killing thousands,

but humanity's determination to survive still prevailed thus people from different walks of life have their own stories to tell on how they survive this new plague, some were ordinary to the point you might say it was mediocre or generic at least. But others are so fascinating that they might eventually turn the world upside down.

Again, it was summer another year went by as people now regaining control over their life was in full swing, and a new profound ambition to develop and expand within several specific nations in the fields of medicine, technology, infrastructure, and military superiority was once again gaining momentum.

Some nations were lucky enough to get back on their feet, and some even gain more than what they used to have, but other poor areas of the world remain the same struggling to face the ever-changing fate of mankind. For a particular city with a population of more than 3 million people was divided into 2 social groups usually the strong and the weak.

Even before life was a battleground risking only material things that man and woman can obtain throughout their mundane days, now in some areas of the world it's more of a fight to stay alive and by betting on your own life just to get a piece of bread to eat. people would just try their best to hide to awful truth by creating a fake life in front of the camera and posting to have a great meaningful life, social media was at the forefront of this seemingly new lifestyle.

Nevertheless, it was a dream, crude, feigned, and in some cases fatal. countless people behind this way of living became addicted and saw its potential to escape reality and even earn a living, so society move drastically walked toward this path. and with the help of technology, it became apparent that even under mankind's eyes they can still dream of having a good life.

but not everybody was successful, within the glamorous streets of the city you can see, hear and feel its growth, people walking all around wearing their most fashionable attire flashing how much they are worth, showing that they are successful and all manners of their so-called life, a young woman around the age of 26, she begs her boss to give her a second chance.

In a city where massive luxurious buildings have conquered eighty per cent of its land, as small businesses sprung out on every pave concrete street, and small connecting alleyways didn't escape this necessity to cater to this vastly expanding industry. and one of these needs was to provide food to those who are working within and outside of this city, as people walk by to their respective destinations, they saw a young woman begging her boss to not fire her in front of a well-known coffee shop in the district.

she was crying and asking her boss to be merciful for she needs this job to feed her young son, the owner grab her hand and drag her to the back alley right beside his shop for one single reason alone, to stop getting attention from the passing people, and was not something the owner needs right now, so with the angry tone he raised his voice and utter the word " you are useless pathetic, and you are fired!" the women cried much more and grab the owner sleeve and pull it as hard as she can, as the man was walking away from her.

this was more than enough to get the man more irritated and furious to the extent he slaps her until she fell to the ground. the owner stood there for a few minutes and lean down near her and whispered in the woman's ear ,saying "if you want the money that badly, why not sell your body" at that moment the man took out a little cash from his pocket and threw it at her face, with all the insults and disgraceful act she slowly grabs the cash on the dirty streets and held her tears while the man stood up and started to laugh hard. and then turn around and walked away.

her hand was shaking and once again tears fell from her cheeks as she places the last money in her pocket, slowly stood up, and brush her swollen face including the tears in her face. and like any other day, she travel back home with a broken heart, her feet were comparably bound in chains like she was carrying a heavy load, every single day, her skin was dry,she was also pale, skinny and tired physically, as she was entering the bus bound to the poorest area in the city.

as the bus moves from street to street picking up and dropping passengers, the young woman's mind slowly drifts into sleep not knowing what to do when her body was worn out as she wanders the dreaming world with no fear of getting hurt and not feeling sorry for her pathetic life, dreaming of those days when she was still under the care of her parents, eating enough food that makes you drool with envy. seeing her father smile every day made her feel important, those times when she would hug her mother as she tuck her into her bed at night, that feeling of warmth made her cry even went she was dreaming.

if she only knew that falling in love with the wrong person could change everything, memories of rebellion and regret swirl in her sleeping mind that warm dream became a nightmare, seeing her parents get angry, shouting, screaming, as she force this so-called love against her parents will. after that scene, the love she was hoping to last, became a prison for her, the pain of getting hit day after day was hell, and getting pregnant was even worst. she cried every day but the child in her womb was a fighter, she would just protect her belly every time her husband would come drunk and starts beating her with his belt. like a wolf, she would use her own body just to make sure no harm would come to her cub.

a few hours passed a hand touches her shoulder slowly shaking her a saying the words " miss this is the last stop" she woke up and saw the old Bus driver looking at her with sadness in his eyes. he even ask if she was doing ok. she just politely smiled and stood up and walk going out of the bus, a weak voice utter the words thank you, as the old bus driver as he nodded back to her with a soft smile.

as she steps down from the bus she looked around seeing that the tall buildings were replaced by old small residential houses and noisy people loitering around like flies, there are a lot of people and a small town that supposedly can only accommodate one thousand people, now has a million unwanted residents.

some from the poorest parts of the area were digging into garbage cans like hungry raccoons, they were from the slums that took over old abandoned factories years ago. these people were vile addicts and filthy rejects of society, some were forcefully thrown into our area by some politicians to clean their district at the expense of the middle-class citizen, who was trying their best to protect their family and home even if they are old and lack proper maintenance it was still their home and Amelia was one of those people.

holding her bag tight as she walks in the direction of a renovated 2-storey building beside a small church a few meters away from the last bus stop, the structure stood for almost 20 years located at the last bus stop before entering the nearest suburban homes in the outer city it is a privately owned establishment operated by a Priest name Taraji Tesfaye and his sisters family. when Father Taraji passed away his only living relative became its new proprietor.

the establishment is now more focused on teaching kids and giving shelter to those who were abandoned to sleep in the street. Tesfaye Orphan School for lost souls, working hand in hand with another group that spent together their time and effort to build a civic centre in the heart of South Warren that was managed by a rich and retired Chinese philanthropist.

while walking she is about to take out a small mirror inside her bag. flashes of sad memories suddenly emerge from her memory, tattered and broken living where uncertainty was inevitable under the shackles of her wicked husband who took everything from her making false promises that were never held to have a loving relationship that she hoped to have never existed. her mind and heart were fueled by that unwavering resolve to see her son grow up not like his Father, whose life was changed by lies, malice, cowardice, and greed.

thinking back she felt there was something wrong with him before, those soft-spoken tones and gentle movements were small hits that's seem to be unreal like he was auditioning for a part in a theatre play, but his charm and seduction were overwhelming it made her blind to the point of leaving her parents and staying with her newfound happiness making her believe she was the most important person in his sad and lonely life.

but after being disowned by her family and left with no wealth under her name, her husband's mannerisms finally reveal themselves to her like a wolf in sheepskin, after knowing that she was now poor, no part of her body could escape his heavy hand, he was evil but cunning he would never let anybody see his abusive side, scared to be seen as a bad individual he stood as her jail guard, doing all of the things that he insists has that right to do. Forcing and raping her after a good beating, he would say it was out of jealousy and love but she knew was it all lies.

she clench her teeth and stared blankly at thin air, thinking all these bad memories are not in the past, but she was still living in them today, at that moment she looked at her small mirror and fix herself before going to the nursing home to fetch him with a fake smile, her demeanour changed even for a skinny frail looking woman she has never forgotten how to act refined in front of those people who still offer her some help, slowly she would walk with such composure you would think she was famous or rich, in the past her waking moment was filled with wealth and luxury,

but it still resonates within her when used if needed, like a strong woman her walk was effortless, and each step was dignified you can still see her beauty under her pale and dry skin, a few steps more as she was getting closer to the church entrance the door opened and a young boy came running towards her with so much laughter and energy the young boy hugs her at her waistline like she was away for a very long long time. shouting with so much happiness, she hugs his son and gave him a big kiss on the left cheek and said those meaningful words of love and care to his beloved child like nothing bad ever happened to her. as she was about to leave, a coloured woman came into her view a few feet from the Orphan School door and greeted the young woman with a happy tone

" Hello, Amelia how was your day?"

from the looks of it, you seem tired and hungry

" care to come in and grab some light snack and a cup of coffee?"

Amelia nodded gently while looking at young Ramiel who was holding his mother's hand with enthusiasm with a wide glaring eyes signalling his mother to say yes to the offer. after a few seconds, she decides to accept her invitation. and Amelia knew the sound of her stomach growling was a dead giveaway already so she thought might as well get something to eat before going back home with him.

Miss Dolores was around thirty years old and stood five and six feet tall, her looks are of African descent and most men look at her with admiration due to her curvy body, adding soft fine mocha-like complexion and her eyes her biggest asset for one reason her eyes have two different colour, one is blue and the other one is green. Ramiel would always ask about her eyes she would just say

"Such a silly boy they are different cuz I am a witch."

Ramiel would run laughing as Miss Dolores would run after him and mercilessly tickle him until he would cry out the word please stop.

she was wearing tribal necklaces and earrings that she once told Amelia were her only connection to her ancestors. as they walk in a long corridor, four doors line up from left to right, and kids from all of those doors kids were poking their heads out trying to get a view to who was visiting Miss Dolores. the kids saw it was a pale tall woman who was a few inches taller than their teacher, a few kids were murmuring saying that even if she looked worn out and her skin no near Miss Dolores's soft skin,

The woman who was with her had long black hair up to her shoulders, her eyes looked exhausted dark circles were already visible even from afar as the kids stare at her with curiosity before long she, Amelia, and Ramiel was going inside the kitchen at the very end of the hall, at that moment the children stop looking at them but before entering their respective rooms they talk to each other and said that the pale young woman was still beautiful like Cinderella.

Some Kids in the church orphanage and nursery were taller and older than Ramiel who was turning 5 years old tomorrow morning never pester his mother about receiving gifts, he was an energetic and smart young man he stood three and three feet tall, like her mother, he was rather thin with short black hair, last year ago she always wanted to tell Amelia about the wild and amazing things her son did as they walk she mentions that Ramiel has a strong sense of belief in never giving up.

she shared one of those moments a few days ago she saw him staying outside the nursery playground just staring at the jungle gym, his attention was fixated on proving that he can finish the monkey bar exercise that he sadly failed to do before, that failure was too much for him to forget, he just stood there quietly for about 5 minutes then he climbed up the monkey bars to the very last bar step crab the first horizontal bar with his right hand and a deep breath, he dangles from the very first bar and with all of his strength he extended his left hand to swing and reach the second one but even before the tips of his left finger could touch the second bar as he was already falling to the muddy soil.

after falling he just waited a few seconds and started to look at both of his hands, opening and closing his hands 5 times and then he stood up again and walk back to the monkey bars like his life depended on it. she saw her son's determination and tried it again and again, his tenacity was beyond understanding even after falling a few dozen times on the first hold of the bar travelling to the second bar he would just do it again after falling.

the other kids saw this and were dumbfounded, not even her persuasion could not stop him from finally giving up. the monkey bars in the church orphanage playground were 5 feet tall and had a ten-bar walk, every time he would fall he would just hold in his tears and stand up and walk the beginning and climb back up the bars and start all over again, he never told his mother about she just assumed he was playing with the other kids whenever she would pick him up he was really dirty and covered in dust and dirt, so unknown to his mother he would do this right after Miss Dolores's class lesson. he would just climb those bars like a task he desperately needs to accomplish.

she and the other kids would just watch him cheering him on with claps and words of encouragement, all 14 kids became more interested in what he was doing, rather than spending their free time playing among themselves. the kids just stop playing and sat in front of the jungle gym and started to place a bet on how many days Ramiel would last. silently a food desserts bet started to gain momentum, names were being listed down by the eldest, some betted 3 days' worth of desserts others a week's worth. the kids couldn't contain their excitement there was a huge disserts pot was waiting for the winner.

until a low tome voice said she will bet a month of her type of dessert in the betting pot the kids look around and saw their teacher leaning downward toward them with a nasty maniacal stare, the eldest of the orphan just wrote down her name trying his best to calm his trembling hand and place the bet in a month's worth of her creamy mouth-watering cookie snacks that he would finish the said task in nine days. the young bet master looked at her and extended a handshake to seal the deal., both of them laugh and waited it took him a total of 3 days to finally finish and accomplish the 10-bar climb walk at the height of 5 feet, one hour per free play time every day and he finally conquered it on the third day, a loud thundering cheer burst out from the pot winner shared his winning dessert to him. he was happy and surprise that he could finally taste and eat the free cookies.

Miss Dolores ended the story as Ramiel's mother Amelia was laughing so hard. that tears were falling from her eyes due to the joy she was experiencing. then he ask "are you ok mama?" she answered back with delight

" I am just so happy son."

he held his mom's hand more firmly as they enter the orphanage kitchen. while Miss Dolores was busy preparing a small meal for Amelia, the two sat at one of a few large dining tables, enough to accommodate forty people, the mother, and son were talking about the things he learned in class and the little adventures that the kids were doing early that morning.

the aroma filled the kitchen and made his nose twitch like a dog following that tasty smell he saw Miss Dolores was cooking some soup and a few pieces of bread. this made Amelia's stomach growl, even more, he heard it and decide to put his ear near his mother's stomach. at that very moment, she smiles and stares at her mother with a mischievous giggle. Amelia suddenly got embarrassed as two bowls of soup were placed on the table. she asked him to get the basket of her chocolate cookie stash for them to share and eat.

while eating she asked Amelia about her day and was curious about why she was early today. and she openly answered her with a sad look on her face, after a heartfelt conversation she stood up and went to the nearest cabinet in her kitchen and took out a small box, and placed it on the table Miss Dolores asked him if he could go to her office right next to the kitchen and get her small leather red bag it a keychain of a Smurf on it, with excitement he stood up and casually walked toward the room.

while away Miss Dolores opened the box and took out a necklace and held Amelias' left hand and place the said necklace on it saying this is a gift from her mother back when she was still young, it was a protective necklace that luckily helped her many times against danger. and told Amelia to always wear it and just accept her gift as a way of thanking her for all the help she and her family gave before.

Amelia was a bit hesitant but after she told her the reason, she gladly accepted it as soon as she put it on her neck, young Ramiel came back into the kitchen and went up to Miss Dolores, and with a big smile he extended his arm and showed her the bag. she leans forward and took it from his hand and patted you, boy, on the head, he was happy but a little confused, he thought there was no reason for her to ask him to take her bag because there was nothing important in it just a small notebook and a metallic old ball pen that she hardly use at all.

she saw the mischievous look on his face and said if he opened her bag and peek what was inside, he looked back with a salute, and then he said yes without even thinking twice and told her that his curiosity was too blamed. she kisses him on the forehead and openly said to him Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect you are a very lucky woman to give birth to this little rascal.

and their conversation continues for more than an hour after all that laughter and sharing Amelia helped her clean the dishes, young Ramiel was helping in his small way by wiping the plates and handing the dry plate to Miss Dolores to be placed back in the cabinet.

as soon as they were all done Ramiel wipe his hand and held her mother's hand once again as they were accompanied by Miss Dolores back into the orphanage door. as the mother and son walked out of the door Miss Dolores placed both her hand on their heads and spoke a Latin Phrase. Ramiel looked back as to what does it mean, Miss Dolores said it was to protect them from harm.

Ramiel waved back Amelia said thank you and bowed her head. it was already past five o clock in the afternoon while walking further and further away from where she was standing, while looking at their back a shadowy image emerged from Miss Dolores's back and whispered something to her that made her shudder in dread.

she wanted to run toward them and stop them from leaving but she knew the things she did today were already stepping beyond the rules of l'Assemblée Infâme. she bite her lip causing it to bleed a little and just stared at their back as they slowly vanish from her sight.

As the sun slowly sets, Amelia and Ramiel were travelling homebound, a few people who knew them whispered and talk among themselves with animosity as the two walked down the streets coming from the orphanage Amelia ignored them and just asks what was his favorite thing to do while he was at Miss Dolores place, he just nods and said a few words but to her delight, he told his mother the best part of being with his friend was when she picked her up after his lessons, he shared a lot of things with her mother, most of them were silly and full of childlike wonder, from imaginary adventures to reading a book to helping other kids do some chores. this conversation helps them get distracted from the long way home, after twenty minutes Amelia stood in front of her house carrying her tired son on her back.

as she gets her door key an old couple sitting on their porch wave their hands at her and smiled at Amelia it was her neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Liu Chen, they were around seventy years old but still looks very healthy and energetic for their age. they were both around five feet tall and most of the time speaks Cantonese than English when they argue. they called out to Amelia to join them inside their house so they can rest comfortably and not always think about what could happen went they are both alone and sleeping inside their home, It was like their second home, the two were too tired to reject the offer so she place her key inside the bag and went over to Mr. and Mrs. Lu Chen, they were both welcomed with warm open arms.

ever since Amelia moved in right beside them, they never hesitated to knock on her door even especially whenever her husband comes home and gets infuriated and starts beating her up, her husband would stop hitting her if he knew there was somebody that might get evidence of his abuse. even if Amelia's husband stood six feet tall and Mr. Tang Lu Chen was only five feet tall he would bring his wooden cane and starts swinging it at him, the senior couple had filled so many police reports stating that there was domestic violence against their neighbors. even ask Amelia to just get a divorce. Amelia would beg the old couple not to act harshly she knew doing this might trigger something more than just the random domestic beatings, she fears for her newborn son's life.

but no police report nor a restraining order would stop Amelia's husband from illegally entering her home, so the couple usually sat on their porch and gave out signals if they spotted her husband in the area this became a daily routine and became one of the reasons why Amelia and Ramiel were Still alive was with the help of the Liu Chen.

the Liu Chen have a small vegetable garden in their backyard and every weekday they would knock on her door asking if she wants some vegetables and Mr Tang would ask Amelia to help them harvest some sweet potatoes. while Mrs. Mao would take care of the young 4-year-old boy before.

Mr Liu Chen's first name is Tang and his wife is named Mao. Mr Tang was a bit chubby and had a mole right beside his left cheek and white hair. he liked Ramiel whenever he would visit them to help with their chores like harvesting potatoes in the garden, Mr. Tang would notice his curiosity and eagerness to know things about their Chinese Language and Culture. when he turned 5 years old he casually slowly walk up the stairs with Mr Tang while he was sitting on their porch drinking Green Tea.

Ramiel then politely ask what was he reading, Mr. tang was surprisingly happy to see the young boy and ask his wife to bring some snacks, Amelia would seek out her son if she could not see him within the premises of their home, she knew there was one other place he could go so she went at her backyard to peek at the backyard fence to see if there somebody at the Liu Chen patio.

if there was no one there she would gather some courage and personally visit the Liu Chen's home, there Mrs Mao would wave at her even before she could say anything and Mrs Mao tap the top of the chair right beside where she was sitting and offers Amelia a cup of tea, and with a smile she assured her little boy was safe and touring the house with her husband and sharing all her Mr Tang exploits when he was young, the boy eyes would always grow wide as he listens attentively to all Mr Tang stories.

the two old couples understood what Miss Dolores saw in the young boy, so they both decided to help him expand his knowledge of all aspects of life including the old Chinese culture. for the past few months, Amelia and Ramiel would always come over to the Lu Chen's home to help out and got to see how the couple live their daily life like clockwork,

it was already morning Amelia s about to get off bed went Mrs Mao opened and knocked on the door and ask if they are already up because breakfast was getting cold. the couple is eager to accept the two in their home as an excuse for them to see Ramiel and protect them whenever her husband suddenly shows up at their home.

February 17. 11:50 pm

and last night was one of those moments, a few minutes right after the mother and son settled in one of the Chen guests' rooms, a loud bang was heard over Amelia's. home Mrs Mao took a glimpse at her right window facing beside Amelia's home, there she saw a drunk man and heard him shouting asking her to forgive him, this went on for a few minutes and when nobody answered the man got furious and started to kick the door hard enough for the rest of the neighborhood to hear and finally react. at this exact moment, the angry man knew this was not the right moment to get into a difficult situation, and going to jail again was not an option, so then and there he stops what he was doing and left Amelia's front door.

Amelia was at some point at ease when she knew her son was safe from Monday to Friday with the help of Miss Dolores Tesfaye and again on weekdays with the protection from Mr and Mrs Lu Chen while harvesting some vegetables Mrs Mao Carrying Ramiel asks her husband if he was willing to accept Amelia as their kitchen helper. Mr Tang was putting fresh harvested Potatoes in a wooded crate and said if she is willing to get paid working here and be part of their charity work it's not that big but she can have as much produce as she can carry.

February 17. 6:30 am

the sun was already up and Amelia was the first one to wake up. right beside her was Ramiel still sleeping soundly, there she could notice the big difference between her home and the Lu Chen, their home was well maintained as if the place was in good shape all the fixtures are in perfect condition. even the bed linen that they were using was soft and smelled clean and feel extravagant, it reminded her of her life before.

when Amelia opened the Guest room door and saw Mrs Mao and told her to get ready because it was that day of the week again, Amelia was shocked to recall what it was now after all the bad things that happened yesterday she forgot that today was Mr and Mrs Lu Chen free food charity mission.

she asks Mrs Mao to give her ten minutes she saw a thumbs up from a five-foot Chinese woman a sign that she must hurry, all the things she must do like take a shower, eat breakfast, and drink coffee all done within that time frame. six loud hand claps from Mrs Mao were the sound of real accomplishment.

she knew it was not enough for them to live on but she understood what Mr and Mrs Lu Chen wanted to say so without any hesitation she did agree to help them every weekend.

she remembers a memory while peeling some potatoes a few months ago it was around 4 am before sunrise a truck stopped in front of the Lu Chen's home and six muscular Chinese men went out of the truck and transported a handful of crates inside their garage . she unknowingly saw this when she heard he was having a nightmare.

there she witness this event and was curious but too shy to ask them about it before, but gradually when she started to help out Mrs Mao shared details of that particular time so she wouldn't worry too much about, Mrs Mao skinny with short wavy hair small nose and lips and loves to cook, Ramiel went down and saw his mother preparing something in Mrs Mao kitchen, Amelia told him so sit down and eat breakfast while Mr Tang was still sitting in the table drinking his hot tea and reading a Chinese newspaper.

He grab the chair near the table and slowly sat on it, Mr. Tang was peeking if the young boy was able to do it with no fail remarkably he sat in front of him with ease. Mr Tang without looking extended his free hand and move the plate with flapjacks and after that Mr Tang decided to move the syrup near Ramiel.

Mrs Mao saw what her husband did while holding a ladle she spoke in Chinese

"why didn't you do that to me before?"

Mr . Tang answered,

"you are not a small child."

then Ramiel spoke to their shock Mrs Mao drop the ladle on the floor and Amelia just looked at his son with wide eyes.

"Mr Tang, you should be nice to Mrs Mao she is your wife and a good cook."

Mr Tang burst out a loud laugh and answered back.'

"How can you speak our language so fluently? you are just 4 years old."

"grandpa! I just turned five years old today. "

with a shocked look, Mrs Mao just pick up the ladle from the floor and place it in the kitchen sink, and gave out a noisy sigh!

"Miss Dolores was 100 per cent right about your son. he is a gift from the sky. Amelia with a proud look in her eye answered with full confidence "

Amelie with a smile on her lips and said "yes! I am so proud of him!"

Ramiel was almost done eating when Mr Tang stood up folded his newspaper and told him to follow him into his office after eating, so his wife and mother won't be disturbed by the things they are doing for their community charity. the young boy nodded and said

"yes! Mr. tang I will be there right after I finish eating these delicious flapjacks."

the two women giggle with delight to hear the young man was having an insightful conversation with Mr Tang in his native tongue. after a few minutes, he stood up and started to clean up his plates when Mrs Mao said he doesn't need to d that for Mr Tang is waiting for him in his office. with a hug on Mrs Mao's waist, she brush his head and said

"you are such a good child."

he ran toward his mother and did the same thing but instead of a light brush on the head, she bend down and kiss him on the cheek and said happy birthday. so Amelia and Mrs Mao continued what they were doing and let Mr Tang teach Ramiel more things about their culture, Amelia would peek at the two from time to time just to make sure he is behaving there, she saw his attention to every word and object that Mr Tang would boast. he would giggle and ask more intriguing questions to the old Chinese man.

February 17. 7:30 am

the smell of delicious aroma filled the Lu Chen house. Mr Tang would lift his nose to smell the fragrance as soon Ramiel saw want the old man was doing he did the same thing and inhaled deeply to satisfy his rumbling tummy.

Mr Tang asks him to accompany him to carefully sneak into the kitchen so they can grab something to eat to their dismay the moment they step outside of the room, Mrs Mao, already knew what there are planning so like kids the three were like cats and mice. Amelia watch them as she place each dish they made into a secure container the doorbell rang Mrs Mao abruptly stop from chasing her husband and Ramiel.

Mr Tang with a soft tone asked Amelia and gently grab Ramiel by the shoulder and send him toward his mother he pointed to go inside his office and stay there. but even before they could all move a woman's voice suddenly spoke. it was Misss Dolores Tesfaye as soon as they heard her Mr Tang came to the door and still looked at the door pick hole and made sure it was her.

after confirming, that it was Miss Dolores Tesfaye whom they knew, he unlock the door and took out the lock chains and opened the door gently a lovely African woman greeted him with a smile. like Mr and Mrs Liu Chen she was secretly protective of the current situation and location of Amelia and Ramiel.

the two sides were already in cohort concerning the mother and child's safety for months, Miss Dolores walked in and saw Mrs Mao and looked at her eyes with a small signal hint from their eyes as soon as could react he ran toward his teacher and hugged her.

this was the very first time she came to join them, Mrs. Mao told Amelia that after she agreed to help out in their charity Mrs Mao contacted Miss Dolores if she was interested to join them. due to a certain obligation to another group, she wasn't able to come until now.

Mrs Mao was walking toward Miss Dolores while wiping her hand dry with a cloth soon after she place it on her left shoulder and utter an Amharic question to her.

"to whom the sun rises, even the devil can not stop?"

she responded in Chinese

"only the son of a great woman can face the great darkness."

then they both shook hands and hugged, Amelia and Ramiel were baffled by what they saw, Mr. Tang saw their perplexed reaction and started to gather all of their attention and asked them a simple question

"who is hungry?"

Ramiel raised his hand and wave it from left to right and started to jump to verify he was really hungry, as Amelia took out a small birthday cake, he was happy thinking this was his very first birthday party with all of his loved ones, everybody became emotional hearing the boys' words after he blew the candle, Mr Tang told everybody to proceed into the dining hall so their get-together will finally start.

while they were fixing the dining table for the charity including Ramiels small party, Mr Tang pull out his phone and called his acquaintance and he spoke in Chinese.

"the food is ready, you can send the boys here to our place to gather the container of food."

"and be mindful and respectful to our guests here."

Mr Tang's attitude was different, and his demeanour changed drastically from a jolly grandfather to somewhat of a fearless tiger ready to pounce at its prey. a light tug made him look down, it was Ramiel with a sparkling stare he said,

"Grandfather, I am hungry can we please eat?"

Mr Tang places his hand on the phone speakers and whispers to Ramiel that he will be joining them very soon, just give him a few seconds to finish his call. He understood what the old man said and casually walked into the dining room.

Mr Tang continued his conversation in Chinese and the other person on the line was listening carefully to all the instructions he was given.

the man on the other side talking to Mr Tang responded by updating his report.

"sir as per your instruction we followed the man and manage to gather intel on his current activity."

"it has been confirmed that he has been arrested and now serving two years in jail for assault while working in one of our affiliate companies as a cargo driver."

with that report alone Mr Tang was satisfied and told his associate to monitor his activity after two months and call him again for any concerns. at that moment he hang up and place his phone back in his pocket and finally went to the dining room to bring good news to his wife and Ms Tesfaye.

after dinner, Ramiel became sleepy and ask his mother if he can be excused and could get a needed nap across the hall on the living room sofa. Amelia was about to stand up when Mrs Mao who was sitting on Ramiels left side told her it was ok she can manage the dishes and just carry Ramiel to the sofa because he was already leaning and his eyes are already closing from exhaustion.

Amelia left up her son and started to walk across the hall, the three remaining people were left to clean the dining table and started to look at each other giving out hints of signals to one another. Miss Dolores was still holding some plates and moved backwards to see if Amelia was Far enough so she won't hear what they are about to discuss, Mr Tang shared the new information he got from his outside source and the two were delighted to hear the good news. Amelia came back and overheard small details of the conversation but not enough to fully grasp the details. so she decided just to walk right in and ask them about it.

Mrs Mao never did hide anything from her she was treated like family, especially by her son, then Amelia's face became bright and full of hope, she knew this was a great opportunity to finally gain some control over their life as mother and son, sat beside her and held her hand and said that everything will be ok now, Mr Tang was standing next to the women listening to their conversation the doorbell rang at the same time he received a call. this was a signal from his associates that are at his front door ready to pick up the food that they prepared earlier.

six Chinese men were standing then simultaneously they all bowed down to Mr Tang and walked in a straight line without even looking at him they were wearing all formal attire but without any neckties. these people walked with precision without uttering any word they knew where they need to go and each one took the container of food and went back out.

Mr Tang was standing outside his porch and overseeing the six men as they walked out of his home a black delivery truck was parked outside his house and another man was standing by this truck but he was different from the other six.

his aura was more intense and defined to the point you feel he was like a commander watching his team move in a distinguished way. he was around six feet tall, lean with a hint of military background, and has a scar on his left cheek, he was silently standing in front of the truck that coincidentally was facing the porch where Mr Tang was at.

as soon as all of the food containers were loaded in the truck the six men stood next to the men, three on the right and the rest on the left. the man wearing grey formal wear walked toward Mr Tang's staircase and walk up toward the porch and stop a few meters away and greeted Mr Tang with a bow.

the men in grey didn't move from the bowing position until Mr Tang spoke.

"you have greeted me with honour and respect you may be at ease in front of me."

When Mr Tang approached the man in grey, he patted his shoulders and hugged him. with gratitude the man in grey hugged his uncle back.

"How are you doing nephew?"

he replied with

"I am very much fine uncle Tang. I came here to verify some rumours that you and auntie Mao are very active in the community again. "

Mr Tang look straight in the eyes of Guan Yu and said with pride he was correct, Guan Yu gave out the Sigh and just bowed his head, once again he asked his Uncle to bear in mind they are the ones who wanted to live here and fulfil their long-time dream to have time for their own.

so like a nagging wife Guan Yu once again iterated the thing they should do and just beg them to always contact him if something or someone barged into their quiet life, with a hardy laugh, Mr Tang assured Guan Yu everything was superb and they don't need to worry.

another loud laugh suddenly Amelia went out looking for Mr Tang she accidentally saw the two talking and was startled by another man there on the porch, Mr Tang Saw Amelia and asked her to come to meet his nephew Guan Yu, he felt something weird in his chest as soon as Guan Yu could speak Mr Tang raise his hand and said to Guan Yu

"I want you to meet a very close person in our care, consider her your cousin, Amelia,"

"Amelia, dear this is my lazy nephew Guan Yu."

"Ha! what! you must be kidding uncle? she is my cousin?"

not by blood nephew, but Amelia here is under my care, you may ask your Auntie and she will say the same thing. I know it is hard to explain just openly accept this old man's dying wish.

"dying my ass! you have been saying that for the last ten years."

another voice entered the conversation, it was Mrs Mao carrying a tray of tea. Guan Yu bowed his head and greeted his Auntie.

"just accept what your uncle told you, Amelia is your adapted cousin."

Guan Yu extended his hand and shook Amelia's hand and said

"hello, cousin Amelia "

Amelia was now really bewildered to the point she just stood there and agreed with what was happening. she thinks it was a social or a family tradition to just welcome a person into their family if the head of the Chinese clan said so.

"ok ok! there are a lot of things we need to discuss might as well stay here for dinner"

said Mrs Mao, Guan Yu agreed to her order and wave his hand to his men ordering them to go on with their task without him. they all nodded and left. as soon as they all enter the house another situation made Amelia face another question. for good reason, Ms Tesfaye. greeted Guan Yu like they already knew each other.

Guan Yu just smile and said that Miss Dolores was his classmate in college.

She said the same thing and this was not the first time that they have met.

Mr Tang pointed out to his nephew to keep quiet because Amelia's son was sleeping in the living room. he walks slowly to see the boy's face. after a few more seconds Mr Tang lift the young boy and held him in his arm and told Amelia to follow them into the guest room so they could get some needed rest.

as soon as the old man was near the staircase going up to the second floor, Miss Dolores gracefully excused herself and said her goodbyes to her friend and kissed young Ramiel on the forehead. gave Guan Yu a nod as he bowed down to his African colleague after that she went on her way.

he stayed with his Auntie as the three went up to the guest room.

once again Mr Tang place the young boy into bed and made sure he was secure in bed ,then with a soft tone he said goodnight and told Amelia if she was a bit confused about the current situation, he explained that her fate is intertwined with his family and the reason what they didn't help her before was that certain situations must occur in her life so destiny and fate will eventually lead he and his son to them with a stronger sense of connection,

Amelia was a bit confused but in actuality, these questions never crossed her mind at all, she was just grateful that somebody opened their home to them and help them when they were in need. Mr Tang felt her honest feelings and just said

"you have a lot of new things to look forward to tomorrow Amelia."

Amelia said her thanks, went inside the room and walk toward and sat near his son as she gently brush her hair, Mr Tang closed the door and went downstairs and directly went to his office study where his wife and nephew were waiting for him, then after going to his chair they started their discussion concerning Guan Yu's plans to partner with Robert Sinclair one of the biggest manufacturing conglomerates in the country.

Mr Tang was aware of his nephew's ambition to gain more power but he was delighted to hear that even if he was already the president of the mother company and appointed the new Liu Chen main family clan leader he is still following the old ways. after a few hours, Guan yu receive his uncle's permission to move ahead and make this partnership with Sinclair a successful one, Guan yu was happy to hear that they both agree to it he stood up and bowed down to his uncle Chāo Tang Liu Chen the Chuàngshǐ rén, the grandmaster and his Auntie Mao qiáng Liu Chen, second grandmaster

"with your guidance and blessing, I Guan Yu will bring you honour and more power in the coming days."

and with an ambitious smile, he said his goodbye and went on his way. when he walked out of their home there another batch of Chinese men wearing formal attire was waiting and standing in front of three luxury black cars and greeted Guan Yu.

"greetings young master Guan Yu."

one of the Chinese attendants opened the passenger car door of the second car as Guan Yu was entering the car he looked back and saw his Uncle watching him from his window. he smiled and thought even at his age he can still feel his overwhelming Aura even if he has been suppressing it all this time.