Time crawled by in the small home as Anik lay in bed, his once indomitable presence now frail and exhausted. Luna and Rina sat by his side, their young faces marked with worry. Rina's small hands rested on Anik's arm as if her touch alone could help him recover.
"Big brother," Rina whispered, her voice trembling, "when will you feel better? You've never been like this before."
Luna, sitting on the other side, looked at Anik with questioning eyes. "You've been so strong for everyone. Why are you so weak now?"
Anik turned his head slightly to look at her, his voice soft but steady. "The blue crystal wasn't just a tool—it was a part of me, embedded in my chest since birth. Losing it has left a void, both in my body and my strength. But... it was necessary."
Luna frowned, glancing at Rina before asking, "Necessary? But you could have kept it. Why give it up?"
Anik sighed, his gaze distant as if lost in memories. "Because Arpan needed it. He's ready for the responsibilities it brings. I've carried this weight for long enough. Now, it's his turn."
In the kitchen, Maya paced anxiously, her hands wringing a dishcloth. "He's not getting better, Thomas. Shouldn't we get him some medicine? Something to help him recover?"
Thomas shook his head, his expression grim but composed. "This isn't something medicine can fix, Maya. The energy tied to that crystal is beyond science. It's woven into his very being. Taking it out has drained him in ways we can't understand."
Maya sighed deeply, leaning against the counter. "I just want him to be okay. He's done so much for us, for this family. It's painful to see him like this."
Thomas placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He will recover. He's stronger than he looks. For now, let's focus on making dinner. He'll need his strength when he wakes."
Back in the bedroom, Rina clung to Anik's arm, her determination fierce despite her small stature. "Brother, when you're better, I'm coming with you. I don't care how dangerous it is. I'm strong too!"
Anik sat up slowly, every movement an effort. He placed a hand gently on Rina's head, his voice firm but affectionate. "No, Rina. You need to stay here, where it's safe. This is your family now. Maya and Thomas will take care of you."
Rina shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. "But I want to be with you! I don't want to lose you too!"
Anik's eyes softened, his own pain reflected in hers. "Rina, I've already lost so much... I can't risk losing you too. My journey is dangerous, filled with uncertainty. I need to know you're safe. That's the only way I can move forward."
Rina bit her lip, tears streaming down her cheeks. Luna wrapped an arm around her, trying to comfort her.
Later that evening, the family gathered at the table. Maya had prepared a warm, hearty meal, though her worried glances toward Anik betrayed her unease. Anik, though still weak, made an effort to sit upright, determined to share this meal with them.
"This looks wonderful, Maya," Anik said, his voice still soft but filled with genuine gratitude. He picked up his spoon and took a bite, savoring the simple yet comforting flavors.
Rina, sitting close to him, smiled through her lingering tears. "You're eating, brother. That means you're feeling better, right?"
Anik nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "A little. This dinner... It feels special. Thank you, Maya, Thomas, everyone."
Arpan watched quietly, his mind elsewhere. He thought about the power now coursing through him, the potential it held. While the others focused on Anik's recovery, Arpan was already planning his next move.
Luna noticed his silence and nudged him. "Arpan, aren't you going to say something?"
He snapped out of his thoughts and smiled. "I'm just happy to see Anik recovering. It's been a tough few days for all of us."
As the meal ended, Anik looked around the table, taking in the faces of those who had become his family. There was a heaviness in his heart, knowing that this might be the last meal they shared together for a long time.
"Thank you, all of you," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "For everything. This might be my last dinner here for a while... but I'll carry these memories with me."
Rina's eyes widened, and she clutched his arm. "No, brother, don't say that. You'll come back, right?"
Anik smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Of course, Rina. I'll always come back."
The family sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the unspoken hanging in the air. As the night wore on, each of them grappled with their own thoughts—hope, fear, and in Arpan's case, ambition—knowing that their lives were on the cusp of change.
The night passed in stillness, an almost sacred quiet that wrapped the house in a veil of unspoken emotions. Anik lay awake for hours, staring at the ceiling, replaying memories of his time with Rina, Arpan, and the others. He thought of their laughter, their arguments, and the warmth of their shared meals. His heart ached, but his resolve remained firm. Tomorrow, he would leave it all behind—for their sake and the future of the multiverse.
The sun rose, casting a golden glow over the small house. Outside, Thomas's spacecraft stood gleaming, its hull reflecting the morning light. Anik stepped out of the house, his posture steady, but his eyes carried the weight of a thousand emotions.
Maya handed him a small bag with supplies. "Here. It's not much, but it's something to remind you of home."
Anik nodded, his voice low but heartfelt. "Thank you, Maya. You've given me more than I could ever repay."
Thomas patted his shoulder. "You're strong, Anik. You've got what it takes to handle this journey. Just remember, you've got a family here waiting for you."
Anik turned to the others. Arpan stood with a neutral expression, his hands clasped behind his back, hiding the excitement of the power he now held. Luna smiled faintly but said nothing, her gaze full of unspoken support. Finally, Anik knelt down to hug Rina, who clung to him tightly, her small arms wrapping around his neck.
"Be safe, my little sister," Anik whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Help Arpan and Luna, and lean on Uncle Thomas and Aunty Maya. This is your family now. Don't worry about me. Just live your life and be happy."
Rina sniffled, tears streaming down her cheeks. "But, brother, what if you're lonely out there? What if you need us?"
Anik hesitated for a moment, then pulled a heart-shaped locket from around his neck. It gleamed softly in the sunlight, its surface etched with delicate designs.
"This locket," he said, holding it out to Rina, "is the last symbol of my love. It belonged to Rose, and it's the only thing left of her. I want you to keep it safe until I come back."
Rina shook her head, stepping back. "No! You need it more than I do. You'll feel lonely without it!"
Anik smiled sadly, his hand brushing against her cheek. "In my journey, there's no place for love or sympathy. I can't afford to be weak, Rina. This locket... it ties me to a past I must let go of. Please, take it."
Gently, he slipped the locket around her neck, fastening the clasp. "Promise me you'll keep it safe."
Rina nodded through her tears, clutching the locket tightly. "I promise, brother. But you have to promise me you'll come back."
Anik looked into her eyes, his heart breaking. "I'll try, Rina. I'll try with everything I have."
Thomas stepped forward, clearing his throat. "The spacecraft is ready. I've already set the coordinates. Once you're in the air, the portal will guide you to the Sun's system. After that, it's all up to you."
Anik nodded, shaking Thomas's hand firmly. "Thank you, Thomas. For everything."
Turning to the others one last time, Anik's gaze lingered on each of them. "Take care of each other," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion.
Maya, holding Rina in her arms, waved with tears in her eyes. "We'll be here, waiting for you, Anik. Always."
Rina buried her face in Maya's shoulder, her sobs muffled but heart-wrenching.
Anik climbed into the spacecraft, the control panel lighting up as he activated it. He glanced through the window, seeing the family he was leaving behind. Rina waved weakly, her tear-streaked face pressed against the window, while Luna and Arpan stood silently, watching him go.
Anik raised a hand in farewell, his fingers brushing the glass as if trying to hold onto the moment. Then, with a deep breath, he engaged the thrusters.
The spacecraft rose slowly, the hum of its engines growing louder. Anik's eyes stayed fixed on the figures below until they became tiny specks against the vast landscape.
As the craft ascended into the sky, a single tear rolled down his cheek. "Goodbye... my family."
The spacecraft disappeared into the clouds, leaving behind a home filled with love, hope, and the ache of separation.