Mom's features held a striking resemblance to my own, a testament of our shared heritage, though she stood a few inches shorter than me.
"Goodmorning, mother." I greeted her as I took a seat at the table.
"Goodmorning Carillus." She greeted back as she places a plate before me, the aroma of eggs, bacon, and toast filled my nose as I stared down at the food before me, the eagerness to gobble up everything seems to grow inside of me.
"Now now, I do not want to see my sweet Carillus choke on his own food just because he's a little hungry." I turn towards her to see her smiling, her warm eyes focused on my expression.
"Am I that obvious?" I chuckled.
Seated at the table with a mug of coffee, my mother's sigh hinted at her answer without words. As I enjoyed her cooked meal, a silence settled between us, making me slightly uneasy. After five minutes, I looked up to meet her gaze, breaking the silence that had lingered.
"What's the matter?" I asked, staring at the worried expression on her face.
"Your school headmaster called yesterday evening," she started, a not-too-happy look visible on her face.
"What?" I asked, struggling to feign confusion and ignorance, I could already feel the rest of my appetite disappearing the moment she said those first few words.
"He said you were-" she paused, seemingly trying to find the right words, "not putting too much effort in your studies." I stared at her in silence, judging by her expression, she's clearly disappointed in me.
I looked away and stared at the unfinished plate of food in front of me. Clearly, any desire to eat it had been extinguished; shame had seemingly triumphed over any remnants of appetite left inside me.
After another minute of silence, I could only blurt out the two words that I could form with my mouth.
"I'm sorry." I muttered, casting a glance at her.
She tried to open her mouth to respond, yet after a brief pause, she ultimately chose to abandon the idea. With a slow headshake, her countenance took on a tinge of defeat.
After my father's passing, I sought distractions like clubbing, hanging out with friends, and excessive drinking. Neglecting my studies, I eagerly anticipate days to skip classes. Over time, my focus on academics dwindled, causing my grades to plummet. Inside, a fragile emotional glass barrier formed, containing my overwhelming feelings.
All it would take is a single tap and that glass would shatter.
Setting my dish aside, I stood up with careful consideration. Catching my mother's gaze, I noticed a hint of anticipation in her expression. Curious, I remained at the table, intrigued by what was unfolding. Instead of walking away, I waited, sensing that she had something to reveal.
After a few seconds of silence, her face suddenly relaxed and a radiant smile appeared on her face.
"Happy birthday, Carillus." The words caught me off guard, a realization that I had momentarily forgotten the significance of the day.
Oh, right... How could I have forgotten? It's my 16th birthday today.
All the negative emotions I had been feeling just moments ago vanished, replaced by a profound sense of gratitude and happiness.
Before I could open my mouth to thank her, she gracefully reached into her pocket and revealed a pendant.
It didn't take long for me to recognize that it was from my father's.
I also remember him once saying "My father gave it to me on my 16th birthday."
It's a family heirloom, to be given something that holds so much value as that.
My eyes were already bulging from their sockets, my mouth unable to form a word as my mother offered the pendant to me.
"Your father wanted you to have this," she said, her voice a mixture of pride and sadness. My fingers closed around the pendant's gold form and I took my time admiring it.
It's made of polished gold and it's edges are adorned by beautifully carved engravings along with unknown symbols and writing, a language on it's own.
In its center, the pendant proudly showcased the intricate design of our family's emblem: a vibrant, raging torch rendered in a deep shade of brown, poised at the heart of an ocher field.
"Carillus De Greytower," she said my full name with a grace that hid the curiosity I've always felt. My whole name is unique and honestly kind of weird, not like the names my neighbors give their kids here in the United States. I still remember the times I introduced myself, the puzzled and surprised expressions they gave me when I said my full name, especially my last name.
"Following the secret tradition our family has upheld for generations, you've now assumed the role of the family's head. Its wealth and possessions come under your care, though, as per the official records of our country, they're currently tied to my name. In due time, the formalities will align, and you'll rightfully inherit everything." My mother's voice held a graceful cadence, carrying an air of eloquence with each word she spoke.
I've never witnessed my mother adopt such a formal demeanor before.
My mind is so full of questions right now that I could only leave my mouth open, unable to register and comprehend what she had just said, much less even form a single word.
Secret traditions?
Assuming the role as family head?
There's so many questions I wanted to ask her right now.
My mother, sensing the confusion and surprised expression on my face, smiled before finally opening her mouth again to speak.
"Sweetie, I know you have a lot of questions right now, and I promise I'll answer everything by the end of the day. But let's not forget that you have school to attend to. You don't want another tardiness letter from the headmaster, do you?" As much as I want to quench my curiosity, she's right. I've already let her down, and I have no intention of adding to that disappointment.
With a reluctant nod, I gave her the best smile I could muster.
"Alright, see you later this afternoon, and... thank you." The moment my words of gratitude left my mouth, I felt the weight on my chest finally lift, as if a burden had been released from me.
She smiled at my words before giving me a small peck at the forehead.
"Stay safe," she softly replied as I turned away, pocketing my pendant and heading to the doorway of our house.
Opening the door, I took one last glance at my smiling mother before I finally step foot outside.
A surreal sensation suddenly enveloped me, distorting reality and plunging me into a void. Panic and awe intermingled as I floated weightlessly, surrounded by swirling colors. Time stretched, and I entered an unfamiliar dimension, detached from the known world. Reality shifted, a dance of light and shadow reshaping existence itself. Thoughts swirled, emotions clashed. Abruptly, the colors faded, revealing a strange yet oddly familiar landscape. I landed, shaken and bewildered, stumbling in the overwhelming aftermath of the experience.
I looked around, taking in the sights and sounds of this strange new place. The air was thick with the scent of trees and foliage, the sky held an otherworldly hue, and the land itself seemed to pulse with an unfamiliar energy.
What the fuck?!
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CHAPTER DONE!!