August 17th, year 2042. It would be three months before John turned 16 years old.
Romeo Xentras had gone on a business trip for a few days, yesterday, when he left home without much notice, while Camila Xentras was on her way to the living room. During her walk, she heard a noise coming from the kitchen, which made her head in that direction. When she arrived, she could see John, her son, preparing breakfast for both of them. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft sound of utensils filled the house with a familiar calm.
—Good morning, son. I see you woke up much earlier than me— she said with a subtle smile while approaching John.
—You decided to take a break while father isn't here. It would be a bit unfair for you to cook when you're free, mother— John said, focused on preparing breakfast—. Don't worry, go and take a seat, it's almost ready.
Camila smiled with calmness and pride, watching how her son moved naturally with household tasks, as if they had always been part of his daily routine.
—Did I win the award for having the best son?— she said jokingly while obeying and sitting down.
A few minutes later, both of them were having breakfast as mother and son. There was no unnecessary conversation, only a calm exchange of questions and answers without touching past topics, even enjoying the comfortable silence between them.
Camila took her glass of juice and drank a little. When she put it down, she looked directly at John.
—Have you decided which academy you will go to? Only three months are left until your birthday.
John, after hearing his mother, lowered his utensils and let out a small sigh.
—Academy…
When John turned 14 years old, his parents did not force any decision on him. Instead, they gave him a wide range of possibilities.
Camila and Romeo spoke to him calmly back then. There were no demands or ultimatums, only the intention of preparing him for the future in the best way possible.
They explained that these academies were not simple schools. Each one was designed to develop specific skills: some focused on logic and strategy, others on science, leadership, or professional training. Places where he would not only study, but also begin to shape a clear direction for his life.
That was why they gave him the 23 brochures.
Not as a burden, but as real options.
From prestigious academies in Valeria, the city where he was born, to more advanced institutions in Solaria. Each brochure represented a different path, a different version of what he could become.
Some even included intense training programs, combat simulations, and leadership under pressure, which made each choice carry different weight for an average student.
John accepted them without enthusiasm, but also without rejection.
Over the following months, he went through all of them. He read every detail, compared programs, and evaluated benefits. Not because he felt emotional interest, but because he understood the practical value of making the right decision.
The problem was different.
All the options were good.
None of them stood out enough to make a clear choice.
And for someone like John, who could not feel emotions, choosing without a clear difference simply did not make sense.
—So, have you found any that caught your attention?— Camila asked again.
He stood up from the table and went to get the 23 academy brochures, placing them neatly on the table.
—Based on my situation, even though all the academies are equally good, the one that fits me best is Crestwood Academy.
—Crestwood… out of all the possible ones, you chose the one farthest from us— Camila said, watching as John handed her the brochure.
—Taking into account my combat experience, fast calculations, and everything else, Crestwood does not focus on just one field. It has strong programs in martial arts, sports, acting, modeling, and traditional academics. It does not force you to choose a single path from the beginning, which leaves room to adapt depending on what actually works— John explained with full confidence, showing he had researched it thoroughly.
—In addition, its system allows students to try different disciplines during the early cycles before specializing, which reduces the risk of choosing the wrong path too early.
—Mmm… I guess it's your decision. Que sea como tú quieras, mi niño— Camila said, softening the last part in Dominican-accented Spanish.
—Asi es, mami— John replied, playing along—. You know, mother, I feel like the Spanish father teaches us is a bit… out of place, don't you think?
—Haha, I guess you're right. It would even be an insult if we spoke like that to someone who is actually Latino— they both laughed with quiet amusement.
———
—Achoo!— Romeo sneezed while he was on the airplane—. Apparently… they're having fun without me…