As the night drew to a close, Patience turned to Kai. "I think we should head out now. Everything's winding down."
Kai nodded. "Okay, let's go."
They bid farewell to their friends and stepped out into the cool night air. As they walked to the car, Patience asked, "Kai, how did you enjoy the night?"
"It was fine," Kai replied with a smile. "I enjoyed it."
Patience's eyes sparkled. "Wow, Kai, you were amazing! Since when did you learn to play the piano?"
Kai chuckled. "Honestly, it was my first time. I've watched YouTube and TikTok videos, but never played at a party like this."
Patience's jaw dropped. "That's incredible! You're a natural."
As they drove to Patience's house, the conversation flowed easily. When they arrived, Patience leaned over and kissed Kai on the cheek.
Kai's heart skipped a beat. "What was that for?"
Patience smiled mischievously. "For a great night."
Kai's feelings swirled, conflicted. He hadn't expected the kiss, nor did he know how he felt about Patience.
"Okay, for a great night," Kai replied, trying to sound casual.
Patience stepped out of the car and into her mansion, leaving Kai to ponder the evening's events.
As Kai drove home, his mind replayed the kiss. "Wow, Patience kissed me. What does this mean?"
Upon arriving home, Kai parked his car and entered the house.
"Mom, I'm home," Kai called out.
His mother replied, "Oh, Kai, you're back. How was your night?"
Kai shrugged. "It was fine. A lot happened."
His mother's curiosity was piqued. "What happened?"
Kai hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
Kai shared his piano debut with his mom, who listened with amazement. "Kai, I never knew you could play the piano!"
Kai smiled proudly. "Yeah, Mom, I played."
His mom beamed. "I'm so proud of you, son. I hope you had fun."
Kai nodded. "Yeah, Mom, I had a blast."
As the night drew to a close, Kai reminded his mom, "Mom, tomorrow's the big move to our new house. And it's a weekend, so you're off work, right?"
His mom confirmed, "That's right, sweetie. We'll spend the day moving and then go shopping for new clothes."
Kai agreed, and they parted ways for the night.
In his room, Kai pulled out his Family Lineage Book, passed down through generations of his family. The ancient tome held secrets of his ancestors' powers and abilities.
Determined to unlock more of his potential, Kai delved into the book's mysteries. As he focused, Kai's abilities surged. He started with small objects, but soon progressed to larger ones. A ball grew bigger, a shoe levitated, and even a lamp hovered in the air.
Kai's excitement grew with each success. His powers were expanding, and he felt invincible.
After hours of practice, Kai decided it was time for bed. "Tomorrow will bring new challenges and opportunities," he thought.
As he drifted off to sleep, Kai wondered what the future held.
The next morning:
Kai woke up feeling refreshed and eager to tackle the day.
"Today's the day," he thought. "New house, new beginnings."
He got dressed and joined his mom in the kitchen.
"Ready to start our new life, Mom?" Kai asked.
His mom smiled. "Let's do this, son!"
"Okay, let's do this," Kai said, finishing up in the kitchen.
They packed into the car and headed into town. Along the way, Kai mentioned, "I need to tell Mike I'm moving today."
His mom agreed, "And we should schedule the moving guys for later, around four pm. That way, we can settle into our new house by Sunday."
Kai confirmed, "Mister Reginald gave me the keys. I have them right here."
His mom smiled. "Great. Our new house awaits."
As they drove, Kai's mom reflected, "I'm sad to leave our old house, but excited for the new one."
Kai reassured her, "It'll be an amazing fresh start, Mom."
In town, they stopped at an upscale fashion boutique, "Elegance & Style." The exterior boasted sleek glass and polished chrome, with mannequins showcasing designer outfits.
"Mom, let's stop here," Kai suggested.
Inside, the boutique offered an array of luxurious clothing. Prices were steep: tops started at Fifteen Thousand Rand, while women's suits ranged from Twenty Thousand Rand to Sixty Thousand Rand.
Kai's mom browsed the racks, selecting several outfits. Kai joined in, choosing stylish pieces.
"Mom, are you done?" Kai asked.
His mom chuckled. "Not yet, dear. I'm just getting started."
As they continued shopping, their pile of selected clothes grew.
As Sophia and Kai browsed the racks, a woman approached, her voice dripping with condescension. "Oh, if it isn't Sophia."
Sophia turned, smiling politely. "Hi, Sandra."
Sandra, a woman in her fifties with styled blonde hair and designer glasses, stood beside a tall, impeccably dressed man.
Sandra's gaze swept the pile of clothes Sophia had collected. "Huh, Sophia, I don't know if you can afford all those clothes. Shouldn't you be shopping elsewhere?"
Kai's eyes narrowed, sensing Sandra's intent.
"Mom, who is this?" Kai asked, his tone firm.
Sophia hesitated. "An old acquaintance from school, dear. I'm not sure why she's here."
Kai reassured his mom, "Don't worry, I've got this."
Sandra's focus shifted to Kai. "And this must be your son. I've heard so much about you, Sophia."
Gary, Sandra's boyfriend, extended his hand. "Hi, I'm Gary."
Sophia greeted Gary politely, but Gary's gaze lingered, his expression critical. "I've heard you're living in... modest means. You certainly can't afford all this."
Kai's anger flared. "Whoa, hold on. You're belittling my mom? That's not okay."
Gary sneered. "And who are you to interrupt, little boy?"
Kai stood tall. "I'll interrupt when adults are being disrespectful. You're rude and insulting."
The shop's patrons began to stare, sensing the tension.
Gary's face reddened. "You don't know who I am. I'm Grey Starferson, a respected businessman."
Kai remained unfazed. "I don't care who you are. Treat my mom with respect."
Sandra snickered. "We'll see how long your card lasts. You'll make a fool of yourself and your... foolish mom."
Kai's eyes locked onto Sandra's, his voice icy. "Let's see about that."
Kai whispered to his mom, "Let's ignore these fools."
Gary stepped forward, his face reddening. "You think we're fools?"
Kai gave him a piercing glance, and Gary stumbled backward, taking two steps.
"You little brat!" Gary snapped.
Unfazed, Kai and his mom continued shopping.
At the checkout, the total reached One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Rand.
Sophia hesitated. "Kai, that's a lot. Maybe we should put some things back."
Kai reassured her, "Don't worry, Mom. We can afford this."
Sandra intervened, "Listen to your mom, boy. You should put more things back."
Gary chimed in, "Yes, listen to her. She can't afford this. She works at a grocery store."
Kai's eyes locked onto Gary's. "You want to know how we can afford this?"
He pulled out a black card and handed it to the cashier.
The transaction processed, and the cashier's eyes widened.
Sandra and Gary exchanged stunned glances.
"Isn't she the one who works at the grocery store?" Sandra whispered.
"How can they afford One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Rand in clothing?" Gary wondered.
Kai smiled. "Mom, I think it's time to leave."
As they exited the boutique, Sandra and Gary watched, bewildered.