Dave sat alone in his dimly lit office, his gaze fixed on the AI watch as he anxiously waited for it to complete its analysis on his mother's workplace. His father's words echoed in his mind—words filled with concern about his mother's recent behavior, her exhaustion, and her uncharacteristic sadness. Something was clearly wrong, and Dave needed answers. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on than his mother was letting on.
The silence in the room was palpable, stretching for what felt like an eternity. Then, finally, the AI's calm voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Host, I have the result."
Dave blinked, startled by how quickly the information had been processed. "Wait, already? You said it would take some time," he muttered, his brow furrowing in confusion.
The AI's response was almost playful, carrying a tone that Dave had not expected. "It did. Ten seconds is too much time for me."
Dave's lips twitched upwards despite the gravity of the situation. He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in mild amusement. "Well, aren't you efficient," he murmured, feeling a strange sense of appreciation for the AI's capabilities.
But the humor in the moment quickly evaporated as the next notification appeared on the watch's screen. A series of images, documents, and detailed reports regarding his mother's workplace flashed before his eyes. Dave's stomach twisted in knots as he opened the first file, each word and image striking him like a physical blow.
His eyes scanned the information, and slowly, a horrifying realization dawned on him. According to the watch's analysis, his mother's boss had been crossing boundaries—far beyond what was acceptable. What began as seemingly harmless comments and subtle gestures had escalated over time. When they were alone in the office, he'd begun making unwanted advances, touching her inappropriately, and saying things that made her deeply uncomfortable.
Dave's hands clenched into tight fists, his knuckles turning white as the watch continued to show him pictures and details of what had happened during those late hours at work. The look of discomfort and sadness on his mother's face in some of the images was unmistakable. It made sense now—why she had been coming home late, why she had been so quiet, and why she hadn't said anything about it to his father.
"Why didn't she tell anyone?" Dave muttered under his breath, anger bubbling up inside him like a volcano on the verge of eruption.
The AI's voice broke through the silence once more. "Your mother did not report the incidents due to fear of losing her job. The boss implied that she could be fired if she did not comply or if she spoke out."
That explanation made Dave's blood boil. His mother, a hardworking and honest woman, had been forced to endure this treatment because she was trying to support the family financially. She had felt trapped, unable to speak out or escape without endangering her job—and the livelihood of their family. The weight of that realization hit him like a ton of bricks.
Dave shot up from his seat, his chair skidding back with a loud scrape against the floor. He began pacing the room, his mind a whirlwind of rage and disbelief. How long had this been going on? How long had that vile man been exploiting her vulnerability?
"This is why she was always sad," Dave whispered to himself, his voice strained and filled with anguish. His mind raced, replaying every moment he had seen her come home late, every time she had smiled weakly and assured them everything was fine. 'Why didn't you tell me, Mom?' he thought, his chest tightening painfully. He had been blind to her suffering, oblivious to the torment she had been going through just to keep food on the table.
The AI watch spoke again, cutting through his thoughts like a knife. "Would you like me to provide the current location of this individual?"
Dave's jaw tightened, his teeth grinding together as a surge of determination washed over him. "Yes," he said coldly. "Tell me exactly where he is and when he'll be alone."
The AI complied immediately, bringing up a detailed schedule of the man's whereabouts. "He will be alone in his office tomorrow evening, after most of the staff has left. Would you like further details?"
Dave's gaze was locked onto the screen, his mind already calculating how to handle the situation. The desire to protect his family, especially his mother, overwhelmed his usual calm demeanor. This man needed to pay for what he had done. He had to be held accountable for every single tear his mother had shed.
"Yes. Show me everything," Dave finally said, his voice low and filled with an unrelenting resolve.
The AI displayed more information—pictures, messages, and details of the man's past behavior. Dave absorbed everything, his mind meticulously crafting a plan. This wasn't just about revenge anymore; it was about ensuring that no one else would suffer the way his mother had. He would protect his family, no matter what.
The images of his mother's suffering replayed in his mind, fueling his determination. His breath came in slow, controlled inhales and exhales as he forced himself to think clearly. He couldn't afford to make a mistake. He couldn't allow his emotions to cloud his judgment. He had to be smart, precise.
His gaze hardened as he stared at the detailed schedule before him. The man would be alone tomorrow evening, no one around to interfere. Perfect. Dave would make sure this was the last time he hurt anyone.
The room seemed to grow colder as Dave's resolve solidified. He would become the judge, the jury, and the executioner. The man's fate was sealed.
He took a deep breath, his hands no longer shaking. "Bella," he said softly, his voice steady and composed, "make sure there's no evidence left behind. I want it to be like I was never there."
"Understood, Dave," Bella replied smoothly. "All traces of your presence will be erased."
"Good." Dave nodded, his gaze still fixed on the screen. "Tomorrow night… it ends."
With those words, he turned away from the screen, his mind already set on what he had to do. His mother would be safe. He would make sure of it. And no one—absolutely no one—would ever hurt her again.