My eyes widened as I read the news.
A heavy silence settled around me, suffocating and deafening, as the words sank in. My heart seemed to stop, caught in a vice grip of disbelief. A shiver ran down my spine, and my breath caught, suspended in the hollow echo of those devastating words.
This can't be!
This isn't true!
Everything is a lie!
My tears welled up, threatening to overflow, yet a part of me resisted, unable to accept the harsh truth that my parents were gone.
I just remember watching the news that they were safe.
So, how?
Why?
My thoughts raced, grappling with the conflicting stories before me. I clutched at straws of hope, questioning the validity of the report. My fingers fumbled over the screen, refreshing the newsfeed as if the cruel twist of fate could be undone with the swipe of my finger.
As the tears finally broke free, I clung to the desperate hope that, somehow, the next update would correct this unthinkable error.
"Angelo, get up son it's already noon. You haven't eaten anything yet."
My Mom's gentle voice which I suddenly heard, made me cry even more. Then, I feel warm hands touching my face, gently wiping away my tears.
As my eyes fluttered open, my Mom's angelic face greeted me. She had a worried expression, concern etched across her face.
"Sweetheart, you were crying in your sleep. Are you okay?" Her voice held a mix of tenderness and concern, making me feel safe.
I tried to shake off the lingering fear from the dream that had felt so real just moments ago. "I had a bad dream, Mom. It felt so scary," I admitted, my voice still carrying the remnants of unease.
She pulled me into a gentle hug, her arms wrapping around me protectively. "It's okay, sweetheart. Dreams can be like that sometimes. Do you want to talk about it?" Her soothing words and comforting embrace made me feel at ease.
Thank God, that was just a dream. I don't wanna lose my parents.
"Mom, when did you come back? Where's Dad?"
My voice was laced with concern as I held her hand, afraid that she'd suddenly disappear. Wanting to make sure this one isn't a dream.
"I came home around 5 am. Your dad has lots of things to deal with especially the aftermath of the fire incident. So he didn't come home with me and stayed with the victims helping them out. Come on, get up now it will be lunchtime soon. You haven't had your breakfast yet."
I breathe a sigh of relief after knowing that my parents are safe and what I had is just a bad dream or better call it a nightmare instead.
We went to the dining hall while holding hands. I think my Mom understands that I haven't moved on from the nightmare yet so she let me hold her hand, without complaining how tight my hold is.
---
The news of the fire incident has spread throughout the country, transforming Pyra City into what now appears to be a ghost town. Half of its residents perished in the flames, and nearly all the houses were reduced to ashes, with only a few remaining standing.
The detectives were still investigating the fire incident, unable to determine what caused the fire. And how did it spread so much just in a few minutes? The victims are asking for justice for the loss of their loved ones. Rendering them helpless.
Being so focused on watching the news on our television while sitting on the plush couch inside our living room. My Dad entered my peripheral vision, he looked so haggard from having no sleep the whole night.
I got up from my seat and walked towards him. Without a word I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him so tight wanting to make sure this was real. That my parents are indeed still alive.
Looking up at him, his brows furrowed with concern. "Son, what's wrong?" His voice was a mixture of surprise and care. The lines on his face softened, his gaze fixed on my face, searching for the unspoken reason behind the sudden embrace.
The corners of my lips curved into a reassuring smile, "Nothing Dad I'm just glad you're safe."
I know he's busy right now I don't want to burden him.
"Are you sure son?" His voice was gentle while his gaze was still fixed on me. "I'm sorry if I can't entertain you right now. I still have lots of things to do. In case you needed something you can go to your Mom, okay?"
I can feel his concern just by looking at his expression. I let him go from my tight embrace and let him do things he needed to do.
While looking at him walking towards his room, he stopped and looked back at me."By the way, just stay at home and don't go around riding the motorcycle." He continues his walk after saying that.
Oh, right! I almost forgot that I'll be having a motorcycle race this coming weekend.
Being the son of the Emperor, to shape me and secure my safety I was taught a lot of things at a younger age. That includes driving, I learned how to drive different cars but my favorite is the motorcycle.
I can't help but grin from ear to ear every time I lay eyes on that sleek machine that was customized just for me. The motorcycle, with its polished chrome and roaring engine, is more than just a ride – it's a symphony of power and freedom. The mere thought of straddling its seat, feeling the rumble beneath me, sends a thrill down my spine.
The scent of gasoline and the hum of the engine create an intoxicating blend that becomes a signature part of the experience. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about the journey, the wind in my face, and the adrenaline that surges through my veins.
Oh, now I missed my motorcycle. I gotta go and check it out.
After spending some time cleaning my motorcycle though it was clean in the first place. I just want it to look shiny. I went back to my room, opened my laptop, and logged into my game account.
I read the messages from the players who told me I was only good in computer games but not when it came to the real thing. So they challenged me to race with them.
Because I never race with someone and I love riding a motorcycle so much I accepted the challenge. Also, I want to experience, the thrill of the game not just on my computer screen but in a real-life motorcycle race.
After confirming the place and time of the event. There are still 2 more days left but I'm already feeling so excited.
I went to the playroom and walked directly towards the motorcycle machine just like in arcades where you can ride it and play the motorcycle race through the screen.
After some time I got bored and went back to my room. Held my phone and played online games. After getting tired from playing, I watched movies on my phone.
The Elder often told me to socialize but nah I'm good just with the WiFi and my phone. I don't feel bored even if I just stay at home.
Instead, I find it tiring to spend time with those children around my age whose mouths were just all flattery towards me knowing I'm the heir to the throne.
I didn't find anyone one of them genuinely wanted to make friends with me. Instead, they just befriend me because of my position and the benefits their family can get from me. I don't want to tire myself out by putting a friendly facade on them.
Finally, the day for the race came. The race will start around 8 pm at Conflagro City where the 10th Leader in Rank and also the Leader of that City, Mr. Nestor Siapno reside.
The Conflagro City is quite far away from Gunos City which is the capital city of Veilhaven. It would take me a 2-hour drive from Gunos City where I live to Conflagro City, the place of the race event.
I sneaked out and made my way walking directly to the garage where my motorcycle was parked.
Just as I was about to start the engine. Someone suddenly stopped me from doing so. It was my Dad's secret bodyguard and assistant, Mr. Jimmy.
No one in the country knows about him being my Dad's assistant and bodyguard except my family. He secretly protects Dad from a distance and also investigates things that Dad asks him to do. He's been serving Dad for 15 years now ever since Dad became the Emperor. It's only my 4th time seeing him but I clearly remember his face.
"Young Master I'm sorry but you can't go. Your safety is my utmost priority right now."