"What do you mean you'll know soon?" his mother asked, her face full of worry. "Are you going to do something risky?"
Vivian shook his head quickly. "No, I won't do anything risky. After my midterm exams are over, I'll tell you everything."
He couldn't tell her what he was planning, not now.
If she knew, she might try to stop him, or worse, get involved herself.
The thought alone made him uneasy.
Trying to change the topic, he looked toward his father.
"Father… though the curse is cured," he paused, unsure if he should continue.
For a moment he hesitated, his lips pressed tight.
But when he met his father's calm gaze, he finally spoke. "There's a side effect."
"Side effect?" his mother repeated, alarmed.
Her voice trembled a little. "Is it some kind of illness? Like that curse?"
His father's eyes narrowed slightly, and even his grandfather leaned forward, all waiting for his answer.
Vivian shook his head again.
