POV 2
Back at home, the smell of stew wafted through the small cottage as Lily stirred the pot over the hearth. She glanced at the door, her brow furrowing.
"Where is that boy?" she muttered, wiping her hands on her apron.
The front door creaked open, and her husband, Paul, stepped inside, looking tired but content. He removed his armor with a sigh, stretching his arms.
"Ah, I'm home."
Lily smiled. "Welcome back. How was your day?"
"Long," Paul replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "A monster ambushed us during patrol, but nothing we couldn't handle." He sat down heavily, the weight of the day's work evident in his movements.
"Is Kai home?" Lily asked, glancing out the window again.
Paul shook his head. "Not yet?"
Lily sighed, frustration creeping into her voice. "He's always out late. I've told him a hundred times to come home before dark, but he never listens.
"Paul chuckled softly. "Let him play. He's your son, after all. He'll be fine."
She blushed at his words but frowned all the same. "I know, but... what if something happens to him?"
"Nothing will," Paul reassured her. "Kai's a smart boy. He's just like you-always careful."
As the couple talked, the door swung open, and Kai stepped inside, his clothes dirty from playing outside all day. His brown hair was tousled, and his face was flushed from the exertion.
Lily turned to him, hands on her hips. "Look at you, coming home all sweaty again."
Kai grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, but I was careful!" He darted to the table, eager for dinner. "What's for dinner, Mom?"
Lily sighed, shaking her head as she set the food on the table. "Stew, as usual. Sit down."
As they began to eat, Paul glanced at his son, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Kai," he began, "you're twelve now. Do you have any idea what you want to do with your life?"
Kai stopped mid-bite, his eyes lighting up. He shot to his feet, standing tall on his chair with excitement. "My dream?!" he shouted, raising his fist in the air. "I want to join the army and become a soldier! One day, I'll be the commander-in-chief and protect this country, just like the heroes!"
For a moment, the room was silent. Lily and Paul stared at Kai, their surprise obvious.
Lily smiled warmly, her heart swelling with pride. "That's a wonderful dream, Kai," she said, encouraging him.
But Paul's expression darkened. He set his fork down, shaking his head slightly. "Commander-in-chief?" he repeated, his voice carrying a hint of disbelief. "Don't be ridiculous, Kai."
Kai's smile vanished. He stood frozen, staring at his father in shock. "W-what?"
Paul sighed, rubbing his temples. "Kai, do you even understand what that means? Being commander-in-chief... it's not just a title. It's an enormous responsibility. One that only a handful of people can ever hope to achieve."
Kai's heart sank. He had been so proud of his dream, but now it felt like it was slipping through his fingers.
"Paul!" Lily snapped, her eyes flashing with anger. "Don't talk to him like that!"
Paul sighed again, softer this time, his voice apologetic. "I'm just trying to be realistic, Lily."
Kai didn't say another word. He dropped his fork, bolted from the table, and ran to his room, slamming the door behind him.