Year 608
My father and I stopped by our house, which had been left in shambles before I entered my coma-like state. To my surprise, everything was back in order. Other than some newly polished stones and a rock-like gate wrapping around the entire perimeter of the house, everything looked brand new.
Slightly confused, I asked Father why we came to the house instead of going to where Cliff is. "There's not much here for me, to be honest."
"Well, you see, boy," Father began, "you slept for so long that you missed your birthday. But even so, I couldn't help but notice that your outfit is in tatters. Also, it's almost your ninth birthday, and you haven't made any friends yet. So, before I give you your gift, I want you to promise that next year, for your ninth birthday, you will bring along at least one or two friends so that everyone around the village doesn't see you as a loner, okay?"
