Tia stared at the ceiling.
Monday.
The day his life was supposed to change.
Somehow...
He wished he could stay in bed forever.
He signed.
Then made his way to the bathroom.
While his mum packed for him.
"Ming Ming, come over," his mom called.
Second later he was in front of her.
I've packed your things for you she said smiling warmly.
Tia stared at the bags.
Three.
She had packed enough clothes for an entire year.
"...Ma."
She smiled proudly.
"... you can afford to catch a cold during winter.
Tia let out a small sigh.
"But ma all this… isn't it too much…?"
Knock knock
The sound echoed in the room interrupting their conversation.
Both of them paused.
His mom glanced toward the door.
"I'll answer it you go have ur breakfast."
Tia nodded and walked away.
His mom moved to the door and with a small twist it open.
"Good morning."
His mother opened the door.
Then froze.
A man stood in front.
Black coat.
Calm eyes.
He did the same.
Neither of them spoke.
Seconds passed.
Too many.
"...Ma?"
Tia's voice came from behind.
Both of them immediately looked away.
As though nothing had happened.
He moved towards the door.
Eyes landed on the person in front of him.
Immediately his eyes widened slightly.
"...Mr. Lee?"
"Good morning."
"...I didn't expect you personally."
A pause.
"Neither did I."
"The academy requested it." he replied with that same professional tune.
but his eyes something about it felt wrong especially with the way it lingered on Tia's mom too long.
Tia saw this.
His gaze shifted to his mom.
Closer now...
She smiled.
But her fingers tightened around her apron.
They were trembling.
"Ma."
his hands moved towards her
But before he could say anything she spoke.
Mr lee right" she asked
Shouldn't you be on it way .
Slience.
"Yes."
"we would take our leave now."Mr lee said before walking away .
A pause.
He stopped.
"...Ten minutes."
He didn't turn around.
"I'll wait outside."
Then continued.
Tia exhaled.
then took a step forward
One last glance at his mom.
"Take care of yourself will am away
Don't overwork and remember to eat on time
Tia said liquid clouding his vision.
She gave him a warm smile.
"I will okay so don't worry and focus on your self while in school she replied.
But then he could feel it—
Beneath the worry and fear something else was there.
Without another word, he stepped into the car.
The engine started.
The house grew smaller and smaller the further they moved.
Tia's gaze lingered—
on the window…
on her…
standing there…
watching.
His fingers tightened slightly.
...What aren't you telling me?
The house disappeared beyond the trees.
Tia never looked away.
Until he couldn't see it anymore.
His fingers slowly curled into a fist.
"...I'll find the answers to all my questions."
No matter where it leads.
Even if...
It destroys everything I thought I knew.