Mr. Alex led the first period, his commanding voice filling the classroom.
"You all know about the Cosmic Awakening," he began, pacing the room, "but today, we'll explore it more formally."
The class fell silent, eager to hear what he had to say.
"The Cosmic Awakening," he continued, "is the name we've given to the mysterious event that flooded Earth with cosmic energy in 2008. This energy awakened dormant potential in humans. How or why it happened remains unknown. Was it the supernova of an ancient star? An alien artifact buried in Earth's core? Or perhaps a dimensional rift connecting us to another universe?"
He paused, letting the weight of these mysteries hang in the air. "No one knows for sure. But this is where you come in. I hope some of you will grow up to uncover these secrets."
The students leaned in, captivated.
"Now, let's return to the basics," he said, picking up a piece of chalk and writing on the board. "Cosmic energy allows humans to connect to something we call the universal seed—a dormant essence within every person. This seed becomes the foundation of your internal space, a pocket dimension connected to your consciousness."
He drew a diagram: a blank void slowly transforming into a planet.
"When first activated, this internal space is nothing but emptiness. However, as you nurture it with cosmic energy, it evolves. A planet forms, civilizations grow, and time itself can be manipulated within your space. This, children, is the beginning of your personal universe."
The students listened intently, their young minds racing to grasp the enormity of it all. Mr. Alex, noting their wide-eyed expressions, smiled.
"Don't worry about the advanced stuff. You're too young for that now. For now, focus on building your knowledge. One day, you might shape the future of this world."
After School
By 5 p.m., the day was over. Lila arrived to pick up Dave and Daniel, her warm smile easing the fatigue of their long day.
"So, how was school today?" she asked as they walked home.
Daniel, brimming with excitement, recounted the day's events in vivid detail, nearly spilling one of Dave's secrets in the process.
Dave quickly cut in, "Mom, he's exaggerating. It wasn't that exciting."
Lila chuckled, patting Daniel on the head. "It's good to see you two so enthusiastic."
Evening
Back home, the boys freshened up, had snacks, and settled down to finish their homework. It was simple enough—multiplication problems and a few basic MCQs on the Cosmic Awakening. Dave completed his work quickly and ran off to play in the neighborhood, enjoying a few hours of carefree fun.
But as the clock struck 7, Daniel came to fetch him.
"Big brother, come home. It's getting late," he said softly.
Dave sighed, his earlier joy evaporating. Fear crept into his chest, cold and suffocating.
"I just hope nothing happens tonight," he whispered to himself as he walked home.
Night
At 11 p.m., the door slammed shut with a thunderous bang.
Roger had returned, drunk again. It was a miracle he had even made it back on his bike. His bloodshot eyes scanned the room as he stumbled inside.
Dave sat frozen, clenching his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. Lila, recognizing the storm brewing, hurriedly led Daniel to bed.
Roger didn't say a word. He changed into a worn t-shirt and headed to the terrace, leaving the rest of the family in tense silence.
Dave exchanged a worried glance with his mother. Lila sighed, her face etched with exhaustion.
"Your father might do something rash. If I go up, he'll just start yelling and blaming me. Go keep him company, Dave. Don't let him do anything foolish."
Dave hesitated but nodded. "Okay, Mom. You go to sleep. I'll handle it."
On the Terrace
The air was cold and still on the terrace. Roger sat on an old chair, staring into the void of the night sky.
Dave approached cautiously. "Dad… dinner's ready. Come inside."
Roger didn't respond immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft but firm. "Go to bed, Dave. Don't worry about me. I'll take care of myself."
Dave hesitated. He knew his father too well. If he left now, Roger might lock himself on the terrace and destroy everything in a drunken fit.
"Dad, please… Mom made your favorite dish," Dave tried again, his voice barely above a whisper.
Roger finally turned to look at him, his bloodshot eyes filled with a pain Dave couldn't understand. "I said, go to sleep."
Dave bit his lip, his heart pounding. He wouldn't leave. Not tonight.