{ I could say hi or even goodbye, because this story doesn't have a happy ending. To be honest with you, I don't even know how it ends, but I invite you to join me on this journey.
Hi, I'm Alícia, today I turn 17 and I'm heading to the greatest educational institution of the 5 kingdoms, KeySands.
I'm in euphoria.
Wait, I haven't told you yet what KeySands is?
Well, this institution is extremely competitive. My mother studied there, according to her: "I studied my last years in KeySands and it was incredible, I met amazing people." "Yes, you are extremely intelligent just like me, so you deserve something like this… it's a golden opportunity." It was there that she met my father.
I haven't told you about my father…
He was an amazing guy. My mother tells stories about how he was… I never had the chance to meet him, but I really wish I had.
Putting that depressing talk aside.
I'm the best student in my school, well… that's what they say. }
Woman (Shouting) – ALÍCIA, I'M HERE, SWEETHEART!
This is my mother, her name is Rebecca.
Alicia (Shouting) – COMING!!!
Can you wait just a minute?
Alicia arrives in the kitchen where her mother is putting away some groceries.
Alicia – Hi mom, do you want some help?
Rebecca [Mother] – Of course, honey, help me put these away. Take these bottles and put them in the fridge.
Alícia – Yes, sure.
Rebecca [Mother] – Have you already prepared your things to go to KeySands?
Alicia – Yes, most of them… but I need your help. I don't know if I'm taking enough stuff.
Rebecca [Mother] – Of course I'll help you, as soon as we're done here.
Alicia and her mother spend some time putting the groceries away, and when they finish…
Rebecca [Mother] – We're done here, let's see…
Alicia – In these suitcases are all my books, here are my clothes, in this one my shoes, in this bag my watches and jewelry, in this big one bed sheets, because you never know…
Rebecca [Mother] – Sweetheart…
Alicia – Did I forget something?
Rebecca [Mother] – Sweetheart, you're taking 8 suitcases… I think you might have exaggerated a little.
Alicia – Did I exaggerate? I thought I was forgetting something.
Rebecca [Mother] – Honey, remember that KeySands isn't far from here. Whatever you need and didn't bring, I can take it to you. Let's reduce the luggage a little.
Let's take the book suitcases, just bring the books you like and the ones you need.
Alicia – I need my books, I've never been away from them for so long.
Rebecca [Mother] – You can come back every weekend to see them.
Alicia – Really?
Rebecca [Mother] – Yes, absolutely.
Alicia – But all my favorite books are all of them.
Rebecca [Mother] – Remember that game, which books to take to a desert island? Remember you can't take them all.
Alicia (sad) – Okay, I'll just take these, only these…
Rebecca [Mother] – Alright, today we're going out to enjoy the day, because tomorrow you're leaving.
Rebecca becomes extremely sad…
Alicia (sad) – Hey… I'm leaving, but I won't be far away, remember?
Rebecca [Mother] – Yes, I just didn't know I'd feel like this.
Alicia – It's okay, you can visit me whenever you want, and I'll come on weekends.
Rebecca [Mother] – It's just that I've never been without you for so long.
Alicia – Don't be like that, I'll come every weekend and during vacations.
Rebecca's phone rings.
Rebecca [Mother] – Sorry, honey, I need to answer this.
Alicia – Ah… okay!
{ Hello, I don't know if you realized, but my mother is a very important person. She works at Hanada Industries, the tech conglomerate. When they call, she has to answer.
I recently went to a company party and met the Hanada family. They're actually pretty nice. Mr. Hanada is really cool, he's more sociable than Mrs. Hanada, even though she's the face of the company.
They have a daughter, and I really wish I had met her. She seems like she'd be nice. }
Rebecca [Mother] – Honey, I'll have to stop by work quickly, after that we'll go wherever you want.
Alicia – Okay, let's go…
Alicia and her mother get in the car and head to Hanada Technology Industries.
After a few minutes, Alicia and her mother arrive.
{ Here's my mother's workplace. I love the people here, they treat me really well. }
Rebecca [Mother] – Sweetheart, I'll go inside. Do you want to come with me?
Alicia – Yes, of course…
Alicia and her mother enter the building…
Rebecca [Mother] – Stay in my office, if you want to use the computer or grab a drink from the fridge, if you want anything else, just ask Sophie, she's right there.
Rebecca points to Sophie
I'll be right back, okay?
Alicia – That's fine! Okay! Smiles
Rebecca [Mother] – Alright, I'll be back soon.
Rebecca leaves the room…
{ I know what you're thinking. "Let's party," right?… hahahah…
I really like coming here. I like playing games on my mom's computer and the endless supply of sodas and energy drinks. Okay, it's the perfect place for a party, only the music is missing… }
Alicia goes to a large table, opens a drawer, grabs a controller and presses a few buttons. Seconds later, loud music starts playing…
{ A state-of-the-art sound system. Don't worry about the volume, the room is soundproof. }
Alicia turns off the sound.
{ Sorry, it's not a party. }
Alicia goes to the desk where the computer is and sits down.
{ I love games, recently I started playing a really good one that I'm addicted to called Life is Normal: Before the Tranquility, it's such an intriguing story… }
Alicia starts playing, and a few minutes pass before someone knocks on the door.
Alicia – My mom's not here.
Person 1 – That's okay, I'll come back later.
A few more minutes pass and another person knocks on the door.
Alicia goes to the door and opens it.
Alicia – I said my mom's not…
Person 2 – Hello, your mother's not here, right? Do you know where she is?
Alicia – No, she just said she'd be right back.
The person pauses for a few moments and stares at Alicia.
Person 2 – Okay… is there anyone else here I can talk to?
Alicia stares back with the same look.
Alicia – Yes, my brother is inside.
Person 2 – I don't remember Mrs. Mills having a son.
Alicia – No, it's that he's a friend, but he's like a brother… do you want me to call him?
Person 2 – No, that's alright, I… I'll come back later. }