Alex spent the entire flight glued to his phone, scrolling tirelessly through scholarship listings as though one perfect opportunity might appear if he just searched long enough. Beside him, Camilla amused herself by inventing strange food combinations—each one more bizarre than the last. The poor hostess, forced to listen to Camilla's imaginative culinary disasters, wore a look that was equal parts patience and quiet suffering.
Three hours passed in the hum of engines and the soft murmur of passengers. When the pilot's voice crackled through the speakers announcing their descent in fifteen minutes, Camilla fastened her seatbelt with a satisfied sigh, as if she had accomplished something meaningful in tormenting the crew.
Once the aircraft touched down and all formalities were completed, the siblings stepped into Hera Airport. A breeze of new beginnings brushed past them. They carried with them a fire fueled by ambition, though neither of them could foresee the storms waiting in Heamsville.
Alex hauled their luggage behind him while Camilla led the way to the cab park. They rode in quiet anticipation, the city unfolding before them with every turn. Within half an hour, they reached their rented apartment complex—an impressive building with polished floors and a receptionist who greeted them with a rehearsed smile. Camilla collected their access card, and they ascended to the third floor.
When the apartment door slid open, a familiar scent greeted them. The place was simple but elegant, its arrangement an almost perfect replica of their home in Dreamville. The resemblance wrapped Camilla in a bittersweet warmth—it felt like their mother was in the room with them.
"Alex, what do you think?" she asked softly.
His reply came like a sudden gust of winter wind.
"I hate it. Mom is gone. Change it. Please—just change it."
The coldness in his voice lingered even after he retreated to his room, slamming the door behind him. Camilla stood frozen, stunned by the sharpness of his words. But time—slow, patient time—led her to understanding. She, too, carried grief in her chest.
That evening, rest claimed her quickly.
The next morning arrived with a bright, dream-tinted sky. Alex was already awake, preparing breakfast for the two of them. The aroma filled the apartment, softening the atmosphere between them.
"Sister," he said, setting a plate before her, "what's the plan today?"
Camilla stretched, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'll start working on some design sketches. I can sell them to companies in town. It's time to get things moving."
Alex nodded eagerly. "Okay. But don't stress yourself too much… for the sake of my nephew." His eyes flicked briefly to her stomach. "And call me if you need anything. I'll always be at your service."
"No, you won't," Camilla teased, lips curving into a grin. "Not after what I've done."
Alex blinked. "What did you do?"
"I secured a spot for you in the annual Einstein of Our Time quiz."
For a moment, Alex simply stared at her. His breath hitched. His eyes shimmered. Then, like a dam breaking, he rushed into her arms. Tears—silent and heavy—rolled down his cheeks.
"Thank you," he whispered, voice trembling.
"You're welcome," she replied, holding him tightly. "Just promise me you'll give it your all."
Alex had dreamed of that opportunity for years, but doors had always remained closed. For them to open now, it had taken Camilla nearly half a million dollars—sacrifices she made without hesitation.
Later that morning, Camilla dressed in a crisp formal outfit. Standing in the mirror, she looked more like a woman ready for battle than someone merely stepping out. She ordered an Uber and slipped into the backseat, the city lights reflecting in her eyes as the car pulled her toward Heamsville Hospital.
Her new life had begun.