It was thirty minutes past eight in the evening. Everyone waited in their rooms for updates on PZTV, eager for the latest news that might make headlines the next day.
Since it offered high-quality and engaging programs, PZTV had become the most-watched station in the country. One of its most popular shows, The Evening Delight, was hosted by the charismatic Adeline Darken and Milo Sam.
"Mom… the program is about to start!" a girl around Valerie's age called out from the corridor. Her voice sent the other neighbors scurrying to their rooms, eager to watch.
"Good evening, our cherished viewers! I'm delighted you've tuned in tonight," Adeline said, her smile radiant. "And now, my co-host Milo Sam will deliver the headlines."
"Thanks, Adeline. But you're looking amazing tonight. I can tell from that smile, there's a lot of exciting news coming your way," Milo replied, flashing his trademark grin.
"Aww, I love Milo Sam! Isn't he amazing?" a young lady whispered to her companion as they watched, earning a playful but slightly dangerous look from him.
Milo continued professionally, "Singer and dancer Issa Blue has won the SD Award in Europe.
"The two assassins responsible for the prime minister's mother's death have been caught.
"HAG Company is offering free Wi-Fi…"
Suddenly, the lights went out. Gasps and shouts filled the rooms as the unexpected darkness startled everyone.
"Mom, maybe this is actually good news," Kane suggested quietly, trying to make light of the moment.
"Perhaps Uncle Ivan knows something about this," Valerie said, running into Mama Cruz's room to grab her phone.
"It's late, children," Mama Cruz said, stretching sleepily as she walked past them to her room. "You have school tomorrow. Give the phone back and go to bed."
At the company, Ivan walked in quietly, his father beside him, as the security guard opened the gate.
"So… how's the search for your lost friend going? You never told me anything after you returned from the harbor," his father asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.
"And it seems you've been doing well lately," he added, eyeing Ivan carefully as they moved toward the elevator.
Ivan pressed the button for the third floor, letting out a soft sigh.
"Sure… it's been a while since I updated you. According to my investigation, she is still alive," he admitted quietly, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Knowing she's alive… it gives me strength."
"That's good news," his father said, a hint of relief in his voice. "Anyway, your complaint has been reaching me, consistently."
Ivan froze, his brows knitting together. "Huh? My complaint? Who's been complaining about me to you?"
His father tilted his head slightly. "Laura," he said simply.
Ivan froze. "Laura? Laura has been complaining to you?!"
Before he could say anything else, the elevator dinged and the doors opened. His father stepped out without another word, leaving Ivan alone, confusion and frustration bubbling up inside him.
The doors closed again, and Ivan muttered under his breath. Of all people… Laura? What could she possibly have to complain about now?
He shook his head, trying to push the thought aside, but a nagging unease lingered as he headed toward his office.
At school, children bustled up and down the corridors while parents came to pick up their kids. The atmosphere was lively, full of laughter and chatter.
"Hey, Jeannette! Janette! Could you wait a second?" Kane called, raising a finger as he ran toward them.
"What was the news about HAG Company? Our power went out yesterday," Kane asked curiously.
"Not just you," Mike chimed in, resting a hand on Kane's shoulder. "I'm dying to know what's next too."
"Free Wi-Fi," Janette replied. "And free gifts for every kid who attends the program at HAG Company."
"And on the last day, there's going to be a big launching program," Jeannette added, her face scrunching up like the world had suddenly turned unpleasant.
"Come on, girls. Daddy said he can't pick you up today," a man in a forest-green Hammer Jeep called as he slowed down.
"Not again!" Jeannette groaned, rolling her eyes. She strode past him and climbed into the car. Janette followed quietly, and they drove off.
"Why is Jeannette so rude and attitudinal?" Kally blurted, clearly exasperated.
"Her social anxiety explains it," Kane said patiently. "She has a mild case of haphephobia, a fear of touch. She's constantly sidestepping and avoiding contact with strangers."
"Look at the way she pulled herself away when I tried to touch her… she's so sensitive," Mike muttered, shaking his head.
"C'mon, Mike," Kane replied with a chuckle.
"You're too handsome to use words like that on girls. You've got to understand them."
He patted Kally on the shoulder. "I've got to go pick up my sister. We'll meet tomorrow at school." Kally nodded, watching him walk off, a little thoughtful now about Jeannette's behavior.
The sun was setting, painting the sky a muted shade of blue that gave the day a soft, fading glow. The streets were bustling, school children, traders, drivers, passengers, everyone moving in a chaotic rhythm that made the city pulse with life.
Ciara, absorbed in her bag, froze suddenly as a car honked sharply in the middle of the road. Panic gripped her, and she stood rooted to the spot, unable to move.
Before she could react, the car skidded to a screeching halt just inches away. She heard angry voices around her, scolding her for being careless, and then everything went dark as she fainted. When she woke, she found herself in a hospital bed, dripped and surrounded by two girls in school uniforms. One sat at the far end of the bed, the other close beside her. She tried to adjust herself, confused.
"What are you doing here, little princesses?" a warm voice asked.
"I'm Jannette Klansenburg, and this is my sister…" one of the girls began.
"Jannette Klansenburg," Ciara interrupted, pushing herself up slightly and reaching for some water. "What brought you here? And… why am I here?" She held Jannette's hand, trying to steady herself.
"You nearly got hit by our car," said a young man with bristly eyebrows and a cheerful smile. "I'm Jayden Klansenburg," he introduced himself. "And these are my..."
"Your sisters," Ciara completed, smiling faintly. He nodded, amused.
Once her drip was done, Jayden called the nurse, settled the bill, and helped her out of the hospital. As they were going home the saw her on the roadside.
"Do you think she can go home alone?" Jeannette asked, seemingly to no one in particular, which made everyone glance at her.
"I doubt it," her Jannette added. "And even if she tried, no cab would stop. The street's too busy tonight."
Jayden turned the car around and stopped where Ciara was standing under the streetlight. She looked stressed and exhausted. He honked lightly and gestured for her to get in. Relieved, she slid into the seat quietly.
The ride was mostly silent. Jeannette leaned against the window, head resting in her palm, taking in the passing scenery.
"Aren't they going to say anything? Two weirdos," she whispered to her sister, eyes wide.
"C–Auntie Ciara, can I have your number?" Jannette asked, handing over her phone. Ciara dialed it quickly, smiling softly.
"I'm going to the hills of Cloud 9, so you can drop me there. Thank you," she said politely.
"Girls, do you have plans for today?" Jayden asked, turning slightly.
"No," they said in perfect unison. Ciara couldn't help but glance at their bright, pretty faces.
"Alright, then. Let's take a stroll up to the hills of Cloud 9," Jayden said, adjusting the rearview mirror with a faint smile.
When they arrived, the sight of the house left them all speechless."What a beautiful house… three times bigger than ours," Jannette murmured softly.
"Thanks for the ride, Klansenburg. I really appreciate your kindness," Ciara said, leaning forward to give Jannette a light peck on the cheek.
"I'm the haphephobia girl, so you can take care of Jayden," she added, smiling faintly.
Jayden caught the peck and felt a spark of warmth.
"Isn't she sweet? So much better than those 'girls' you complain about,"Jeannette muttered, almost to herself.
"Huh! Watch your mouth, Jeannette," Jayden said, clenching his fists.
"Jeanette means no harm," Jannette quickly added. "Besides…"
"Besides what?!" he snapped, his voice rising.
"Besides… you're in love," they both said at once.
"The way you stare at her says it all. Just go on and tell her you like her," Jeannette concluded, hanging her head slightly.
Jayden's face hardened. "If you don't shut up, I'll throw you all out of the car!" The sudden change in tone left them all startled and silent.