As the siblings tried to lift Summer's spirits, the sound of footsteps signaled the arrival of another presence. Their parents had entered the room—a contrast in personalities. His father was a stern, refined man, while his mother was the epitome of gentle beauty.
His father settled into the sofa, making himself comfortable beside his wife. His gaze lingered on Summer, a blend of conflicting emotions visible in his eyes.
"Summer, come here," he called out sternly, his voice leaving no room for debate.
Summer approached, carrying little Silia in his arms. "Yes, Dad?" he responded, his tone steady despite the tension.
His mother stepped forward, her concern evident. She gently took Silia from Summer's arms, holding the little girl close as she studied her son's face with worried eyes.
"Now that you're close to graduating from college, it's time to make a decision," his father began, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. "Will you pursue higher education in genetic technologies, or will you join the family business? You can't waste any more time. I won't allow resources to be squandered on aimless pursuits. Choose quickly."
His father's impatience was evident, a sternness in his voice meant to steer Summer onto the right path. He was well aware of his son's dreams, but reality had made him a strict father, determined to discipline his son for what he believed was his own good.
"No, I can't. I can't choose either," Summer said in a low voice, almost a whisper.
His father's brows furrowed, sensing the defiance. "What did you say? I didn't catch that. Say it again," he demanded, his voice rising in frustration.
Summer clenched his fists, frustration boiling over. His mother, Varona, moved closer to him, hoping to diffuse the tension before it escalated further.
But before she could intervene, Summer exploded.
"I said I can't! Why can't you hear me? I don't want to study or join the business. Why can't you understand? I have my own dreams. I'm not going to be ordinary like you. I have aspirations of my own."
He paused, realizing his words might have been hurtful, but his resolve remained firm. "Who says we can't awaken and evolve? Who decides that? I'm going to prove everyone wrong. I will become an Evolver, no matter what. No one can stop me— not even you, Dad." With that, he stormed off to his room.
His father, Spencer, was visibly hurt by Summer's words. "Ordinary?" he muttered, reflecting on his own past dreams of becoming an Evolver. The sting of his son's words made him feel useless and pained.
Varona, deeply concerned, stepped forward to comfort Spencer. "Are you okay, Spencer?" She gently held him, her face etched with worry. "Don't take his words to heart. I'm sure he didn't mean to disrespect you. I know how hard you and your brother have worked for us. To me, you're a hero."
His wife's comforting words washed over him like a soothing balm, easing the sting of his son's harshness.
Meanwhile, the cousin sisters, Reena and Ruby, exchanged uncertain glances, caught in the awkward tension between Summer and his parents. Unsure of whose side to take, they quickly decided on the best option: little Silia.
With a shared, mischievous grin, they scooped up the "cutie cotton candy" and snuggled her like two people intoxicated by her sweetness, letting her cheerful innocence lighten the mood.
As the night wore on, Summer sat perched on the rooftop railing, his eyes reflecting the shining stars in the clear night sky. The world below seemed distant and quiet, untainted by the pollution of the day. Under the gentle glow of the moonlight, he yearned to be like the stars—free, unfettered, and untouchable.
"Cough! Careful, Summie!"
A familiar, raspy voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see his grandfather standing there, a frail old man in his seventies or eighties, hunched over with a walking stick. His grandfather looked as if he were hanging on by a thread, a flickering candle in danger of being snuffed out at any moment.
"Cough! Don't lose your focus, Summie," his grandfather wheezed, his voice a mixture of concern and wisdom. "Not from your grip or the goal you have in your mind."
"Grandpa, why are you here? It's cold out here," Summer said, worry evident in his voice as he moved to guide the old man back inside to his medical room.
But his grandfather gently waved him off, his eyes twinkling with a strength that belied his frail appearance.
"I may be old, but I'm not so easily blown away by a little chill. What about you, Summie? Are you giving up?
His grandfather's old, wrinkled face grew steely with determination. "Never give up, Summer. Never," he said, his voice wavering but resolute.
"Our Sterling family has been mortal for generations. Not a single one of us has had the chance to become an Evolver. Your father was defeated by this same fate, but you... you can't let that happen. You are the hope of our family, the one who can bring us the prominence and glory our ancestors dreamed of.
"You have that unyielding spirit that we lacked."
Summer nodded solemnly, his resolve hardening. "I understand, Grandpa. And I won't give up—not until the last drop of Sterling blood runs through my veins. That's my promise to you."
His grandfather's stern expression softened with a hint of pride, but before the old man could respond, Summer continued, "But for now, it's time to get you to your room."
"Cough! Wait, before you go, take this, Summie." The old man's voice was strained as he handed Summer a small pendant. The pendant was intricately designed, with delicate carvings that seemed to shimmer faintly in the light.
Summer took it carefully, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "What is it, Grandpa?" he asked, turning the pendant over in his hands.
The old man, despite his labored breathing, mustered the strength to explain. "It's a family heirloom. A map, to be exact. Our ancestors—like you—dreamed of becoming Evolvers, but they couldn't do it.
They searched far and wide for a solution, and in their quest, they discovered a mysterious place that could have been their salvation. But... they couldn't pass the trial that guarded it."
Summer's eyes widened as he listened, the weight of the pendant suddenly feeling much heavier in his hand.
The old man's expression grew more serious as he continued, "After that, the place was lost out of their sight. Neither your father, nor your uncle, nor I could ever find it again. But, Summie, you might be the one to do it."
"But..." The old man paused, his gaze intensifying as he leaned forward.
"Summie, listen to me carefully. Use this pendant only when you have no other choice. The path to that place is long and dangerous—far more perilous than anything you've faced. If you can awaken your Evolution Gene on your own, without needing this... then do so. Don't take the risk unless it's your last hope."
Summer felt a mix of emotions—hope, fear, and determination swirling within him.
"Alright, Grandpa," he said, his voice steady despite the excitement bubbling up inside. At least now, he had something to look forward to, something that could change his fate, no matter how difficult the journey ahead might be.
The old man gave a weak but proud smile, seeing the spark of resolve in Summer's eyes.
"Good... that's my boy," he whispered low, leaning back with a sigh of relief. The legacy had been passed on, and now it was up to Summer to decide when and how to use it. He could now leave in peace.
Then, With gentle care, Summer guided his frail grandfather back inside, ensuring each step was steady and safe as they made their way to the medical room.