The next morning, the house was relatively quiet, with only the soft sounds of nature sneaking in through the windows.
Edward: Good morning.
Isabelle: Good morning, my love.
Edward (curious): Has Emma woken up?
Isabelle (hesitant): Not yet.
Edward (concerned): That's unlike her.
Isabelle (firmly): I'll go check on her.
Moments later, Emma appeared at the dining room entrance, her face partially hidden by her falling hair, and her eyes clouded with a hint of sadness.
Emma (trying to compose herself): Good morning, everyone.
Isabelle (gently, inspecting her): Good morning, sweetheart. Why are you hiding your face? What's wrong?
Emma (nervously): No, nothing.
Isabelle (suspicious): Are you sure?
Emma (trying to end the conversation): Yes, Mom. Just make me breakfast quickly, I'm running late for the studio.
Isabelle (hesitating): Alright, darling. But... has your brother woken up?
Emma: Not yet.
Isabelle: Go wake him up, I'll prepare your breakfast.
Emma turned toward her brother's room while Isabelle stood there, watching her with clear worry. There was something in Emma's eyes she couldn't ignore, but she chose not to press, hoping to find the right time to talk later.
⸻
Emma (knocking lightly on Jacob's door): Jacob, wake up.
Jacob (lazily from inside): Alright, coming...
Moments later, Jacob opened the door and slowly got up, but his expression quickly turned serious. He suddenly grabbed Emma's arm and gently, but firmly, pulled it behind her back.
Jacob (low, stern tone): I won't tell Dad about what happened last night, because you know he'd be furious. Don't ever do that again. This stays between us.
Emma (in pain): J-Jacob, you're hurting me...
Jacob (firmly): I warned you, Emma.
Emma (stammering): O-Okay, I promise.
He let her go, making sure his message had sunk in. Emma, feeling a mix of fear and tension, returned to the living room where her mother waited.
Isabelle: Did he wake up?
Jacob (walking in confidently): Here I am.
He approached his mother and kissed her forehead, then did the same with his father, trying to smooth over the morning tension with his usual calmness.
Jacob (seriously): Emma, hurry up and get ready. We don't want to be late today.
Emma (trying to act normal): Alright... I'll go get ready.
She headed to her room while Isabelle watched her, her loving gaze hiding growing questions about her daughter's sudden change.
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Victor: Mom, I need to tell you something important.
Eileen (focused): Go ahead, son, I'm listening.
Victor: I want to go to London to continue my studies.
Eileen (surprised): Study what?
Victor: Business administration.
Eileen (concerned): But studying there is very expensive, son.
Victor: I've been saving my salary for this moment.
Eileen (placing a hand on his shoulder): Are you sure about this? But... how will we manage without you? You help us with everything. I know Camila helps too, but...
Victor (lowering his head): I know, Mom.
He couldn't say more. He lowered his head and quietly left his mother's room, feeling heavy-hearted and torn.
Outside, Camila noticed the sadness in her brother's eyes and walked toward their mother.
Camila: What's wrong with Victor? Why does he look so sad?
Eileen (dodging the question): Don't worry, sweetheart. Did you give your father his medicine?
Camila: Yes, I did.
Victor (from afar): Camila, let's go. We don't want to be late.
Camila: Coming, brother.
Victor and Camila left the house while Eileen went to inform Andrew of their son's decision.
Eileen: Andrew, Victor wants to go to London to study business administration. I'm not sure I can agree. How will we live without him?
Andrew (calm and determined): Why not agree? I think it's a great idea. Once he finishes his studies, things will be much better. He'll gain experience and be able to work at a big company.
Eileen (hesitant): But his absence will be difficult.
Andrew: What about Camila? She's strong, just like Victor. She can support us while he's away.
Eileen (sighing): Alright... if you think it's right, then I'll agree too.
Andrew smiled with enthusiasm, while Eileen felt a mix of worry and pride over her son's big decision.
⸻
After receiving his parents' approval, Victor began preparing for his trip, carrying with him a mix of excitement and nervousness about what awaited him in London.
Eileen (the next day): Victor, when do you plan to leave?
Victor: In three weeks, Mom. I want to finish all the arrangements and also spend enough time with you before I go.
Camila (pretending to be strong): Who's going to open those stubborn juice bottles for me now? And fix all the things I break?
Victor (smiling): You'll be fine, Camila. You're stronger than you think.
Later, while Victor was packing in his room, Eileen quietly entered and sat beside him.
Eileen: Victor, I'm proud of you.
Victor: Thank you, Mom. I know I'm leaving a big burden on you, but I promise I'll come back stronger and better.
Eileen (holding back tears): Don't worry about us. Just focus on achieving your dream.
⸻
The Day of Travel
At the airport, Victor hugged each member of his family tightly.
Camila: If you don't write to us every day, I'll delete you from my life!
Victor (laughing): I won't let you do that, troublemaker.
Andrew (seriously): Victor, always remember that you carry our family's name. Be proud and work hard.
Victor (nodding): I will, Dad.
Victor departed amidst his mother's tears and his father's proud smile.
⸻
In London
After arriving in London, Victor began registering for his courses and exploring the city. The stark contrast between his quiet village life and the bustling streets of London was overwhelming, but he was eager for the challenge.
One day, while grabbing coffee near his university, he noticed a large crowd gathered as if for a small concert.
He slowly approached, and once he saw what was happening, he froze.
It was Emma, the famous singer, performing live for the crowd.
Victor felt a strange mix of curiosity and attraction the moment his eyes met hers as she sang. Her voice carried warmth, as if telling a story his soul already knew.
Victor (to himself): Why do I feel like I know her? That face... it's familiar, but I can't remember where I've seen it.
He stood there for a few moments, silently watching her. Emma was singing with passion, pouring emotion into every word, giving the performance a magical touch.
When she finished the song, she bowed with her dazzling smile. That moment alone was enough to leave a deeper mark on Victor's heart. He walked away with his mind full of unanswered questions:
Who is she? And why did it feel like she touched part of my life?
Still, he quickly brushed off his thoughts, convincing himself it was just a coincidence.
-
To be continued...
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