The country of Jeckvyle, Karlstyn City, Nestled in a dimly lit office, appearing sparsely furnished, a middle-aged man who had greying black hair occupied a chair, his legs laid out and placed upon a footrest. A peculiar hush enveloped the space, an unsettling stillness that seemed to last indefinitely, hinting at a growing unease in the environment. The man, who was seated, had his left hand resting on his chin, his verdant eyes looking off into the void as he engaged in deep reflection. A cigarette rested loosely between his fingers as he drew in breaths that released curling tendrils of smoke into the dim room. Just then, when the darkness and silence were having their good serenity, it all changed as light descended into the room and footsteps approached. Another man stepped into the scene, attired in a black suit and black shoes. He stood at the entrance of the office and put on the lights and opened things needed for ventilation. Entering the room further, he used his hand to wave the air as the smoke from the cigarette the other man in the room was smoking threatened to overwhelm him. "Boss, I'm back," he said, his voice calm as he bowed in front of the man lost in his thoughts. Yet, as he had been, the greeting didn't manage to bring him out as his hand remained rooted beneath his chin, his eyes soulless. Then the younger man, seemingly in his early thirties, moved forward, his hands stretched out and just as he was about to call the middle-aged man's attention, the latter's legs suddenly dropped from the stand, and the cigarette in his hand fell into an ashtray. His soulless eyes gained a little tingle of life as he turned to see the new figure that had entered. His wrinkled face showed his worry and so did his voice. "S-sorry? W-what did you say, Arlo?" he asked, his voice tingling with a little bit of fear. Arlo Smith, who was the PA to the panic-stricken older man, responded, "Boss, I'm back from checking out the affected branches and warehouses." "So...how is it?" the middle-aged man asked, his face uneasy as he asked that question. He dreaded what was to come. Each day, he lived in fear, fear of the unknown, of what was going to happen to him. "Well... a large percentage of the staff in the Milton city branch quit after the last attacks, fearing for their life. The warehouses in Milton and Veltvyle cities are barely standing, the ones in the other four cities are ruined beyond salvation. I told the remaining staff in Helvon City's branch to go home for the time being as they had started a riot when they saw me. 3 of our staff members have lost their lives, and five are currently hospitalized. The families of the deceased are asking for an explanation and demanding high compensation as well. I locked down the last branch in Gardott city, as the staff had left due to a lack of communication from the manager. Lastly, there is a notification from the court indicating that some employees have initiated a lawsuit against you over matters pertaining to staff management." The PA had finished listing everything but his boss seemed to be lost in his musings while trying not to let the pool that had gathered in both eyelids overflow. "I'm very sorry, sir," Arlo quickly said with a bow, his face uneasy. The middle-aged man rubbed his hands together, his chest heaving lightly as he took a breath of air. "It's okay. I'm fine." The assistant then placed a bunch of keys in the hand of his boss upon the latter's request. The elderly man sighed, ripples shimmering beneath his breath. As he was about to stand up, planning to pace the room a bit, the assistant spoke again, halting him. "Sir, there's something..." Arlo's voice held a certain unease. The boss could tell that something was terribly wrong, just from Arlo's expression alone. Maybe it was even worse than all that the assistant earlier listed to him. "Tell me," the middle-aged man instructed. "Sir, I'll whisper it to you because... the walls have ears," the man said as he moved forward, his back scrunched and his mouth close to his boss' left ear. Done whispering a few minutes later, Arlo retreated his mouth and straightened his posture. A glance at the boss's countenance and one could tell that what his employee had relayed to him was nowhere near good. Colour ran out of his face, his breath heaving slightly. His eyes landed on the ashtray on the table, and picking it up, he suddenly flung it against the wall. "Son of a bitch!" the boss shouted as he flung away things in his sight. ~~'~~ In the heart of Falcon University, recognized for its exceptional business studies, lectures were actively being conducted. In one of the classes, the lecturer, Peter Daxton, a rangy man in his early forties, moved around the front of the lecture room, his shoes clicking on the floor as he held an iPad in his hand. "So, just as we've discussed earlier, the project will be in groups of five, and I'm not going to extend the deadline," the lecturer said before closing his iPad shut. He moved away from the centre of the classroom towards the back of the podium where his bag was stored in the drawer. After he retrieved the bag and settled the iPad into it carefully. His eyes then settled on a brunette seated in the second row, fiddling with her pen between her fingers. Her name was Calytrix Forger, and noticing his gaze, she flashed him a fake smile. "Miss Forger, keep up the good work," he encouraged, giving a thumbs up. "Thank you, sir," the student replied, the phoney smile still on her face. "Also, please see me in my office," he added. "Sir, I'll do that on the day I graduate. Thanks," she said and then put on headphones, pretending to listen to music. The lecturer shook his head and turned to leave after giving the students some words of advice. Not long after he left, the quiet classroom morphed into one bubbling with excited students. Some were making plans for the weekends, others were complaining about the project, wondering who to partner with to score high marks this time. Calytrix, on the other hand, was silently twirling her pen with her eyes on the board. "Hey, girl," a young lady with a slender body came over and sat next to Calytrix. "What's with you and Mr Peter?" "Him?" Calytrix scoffed, "He's just an angel-faced pervert," The lady's eyes widened and she leaned closer, "Shh. Others can hear you. Besides, you don't have proof. He's a well-respected man," Calytrix rolled her eyes, "Yeah, respected indeed." "Anyway, let's change that topic. What are your plans for the weekend? Don't tell me you're just going to spend it slaving away washing dishes at your new part-time job again," Calytrix shook her head, "I'm not. I have other plans," "With a guy who looks like a delicious snack, perhaps?" "Seriously?" Calytrix took off the headphones and kept them in her bag. "What's with you and boys, Limina? I'll only think of a relationship when I'm a successful young woman. Or maybe I should get married in my forties," "Girl, you need to live a little. Who said you can't find the guy of your dreams right here?" The brunette let out a scoff, "I don't dream about boys. They're gross," "You're no teenager anymore, boys aren't gross. For example..." Limina pointed at a young man with curly black hair talking to some other guys probably about the project... or not. "He's a snack, isn't he?" "For you. The day he lands in your palms, I drink two bottles of champagne," Calytrix rose from her seat. Limina pouted, "Wet blanket. You don't have to remind me that he's already taken," "There's no wedding ring on him yet, you might still have a chance," the brunette had worn her bag over her shoulders. "I think you have a better chance at snatching the guy everyone dreams of," Limina proposed. "Nah, not interested," Calytrix gave a dismissive wave. "Anyways, who are you partnering with for the project?" "You aren't partnering with me?" Limina wore a shocked expression, her hand on her chest. "Silly. A group of five, remember? We'll be needing three more people. Who do you have in mind?" "Well..." Limina shrugged, "Pretty much all the good eggs have been snatched. We're left with just that annoying Sheila, that sleepyhead over there," she pointed to a chubby male who was fast asleep. "His name's Edwin," Calytrix corrected. "And that new girl over there. She seems unwilling to partner with anybody. Honestly, I don't want to partner with her, she's not even that pretty," "You don't judge people by their looks only, Limina," "Her soul is dark." Limina insisted. "Whatever. After you've convinced them, set a place, let's all meet Sunday evening," "Why?" "I'm going somewhere," "Oh? Where are you going? If it's a fun place, you should take me along," The two ladies were now walking in the hallways. "I need to see my mum. Last time we talked, I noticed she wasn't well. Although she tried to hide it, I'm her daughter. I know when she's trying to lie and she's quite bad at lies," Limina nodded sagely, "I see. Alright then, are you leaving today or tomorrow morning? I can at least accompany you to the bus stop and wave you goodbye," "I need to tell my boss at the restaurant. He's kind and I know he'll let me go. But I just want to tell him." "You can do that over the phone. Unless... He's young and handsome and stinking rich. The perfect eye candy," Limina said dramatically while Calytrix suspired. "He's middle-aged," "Oh, a sugar daddy material?" "What's in your head?" Calytrix couldn't help but poke her friend's forehead, "How did we even become friends in the first place?" "You want me to recount?" Limina asked with a goofy look. "I'm afraid I'd be a skeleton by the time you're done." "Oh, sweetie, you know, I'd never let that happen," As the two women walked out of the premises, they didn't know that behind them was one of the students that Limina mentioned. The new girl, a blonde with hazel eyes, Patricia Knight. She was glaring daggers at them... or rather, at Calytrix. "You think you're so good, huh? Just wait till the day of the project. You and your friend are doomed," she mumbled. Lost in her musings, she only returned to reality after someone bumped into her. "Hey, watch where you're going," she snapped at the person who turned out to be the most handsome in their department. Ridwan Ledger. She had a thing for him... secretly. "I'm sorry," Ridwan apologized. "It's alright. I'm at fault as well," she laughed sheepishly. "Honey, I finally found you," another blonde who looked almost similar to the new girl came over and greeted Ridwan with a peck. "Leah, dear, I thought you had gone home since you weren't feeling well," Ridwan said as she led him away. "I'm fine now. Plus I have to protect you from some... creatures," Patricia seethed, her hands balled into fists but there was nowhere to vent her rage on. Seconds after, a man in black suit came over, "Let's go. Your aunt is waiting for you," "Like the hell I want to!" Patricia fumed and stormed off with the man silently following.

Calytrix had arrived at her destination. She got out of the taxi, paid for the fare and as the vehicle zoomed off, she looked at the huge gates that provided a glimpse of the glamour of the Meyers' estate. She suspired and moved from where she was standing, heading towards the black gates. However, she diverted and stopped just short of the wicket gate where she raised her hand to knock. In no time, the middle-aged gatekeeper had answered. “Who is it?” “Good evening, it's me, Mrs. Livingston's daughter…” She started to introduce herself when the latter cut her off. “Oh…Miss. Calytrix, you came today. Come in,” he said with a smile as he quickly let her in. “Thank you, sir,” she said, bowing slightly. “No need. Your mum is such a nice person; I could never treat you badly,” he said with a big smile before returning to his post. Calytrix walked along the paved paths of the estate until she reached the Meyers’ huge mansion. Standing in front of the entrance door, she rang the doorbell, and it was answered almost instantly. “Oh…it’s you,” a young lady, Camilla Robertson, one of the workers in this place, said, quickly opening the door wider to let her in. “Come inside,” “Thank you so much,” “You’re welcome,” Camilla said, turning to leave for her duties. Calytrix’s eyes roamed the sitting room. This wasn’t her first time seeing it but it still amazed her anytime she came here. The Meyers really had taste and knew how to spend their money. One day, she would also give her mum this kind of comfort. Yeah, she would work hard to make her mum smile. She decided to sit on the settee, waiting for her mum. She trusted that Camilla would also inform her mother that she was here. It was an unannounced visit, sure her mum would be surprised yet happy to see her. She had brought some gifts as well. Not exactly fancy or anything, but it was something her mom would like. Her phone buzzed in her bag and she retrieved it. Turns out it was a call from her friend. Before she could answer it, the call had ended. There was also a notification from her saying the call was a mistake but she wished Calytrix a good time with her mum. Calytrix sighed and put the phone back in her bag. She was thirsty and it was alright to go into the kitchen and get some water from the fridge, just like her mom’s employer had said. But she didn’t want to do that. Thankfully, Camilla passed by again and she stood up. “Ma, I’m thirsty,” “You’re not a stranger. Kitchen’s right over there,” Camilla pointed. “I know. I’m just…” “Relax, madam won’t complain,” she gave a dismissive wave and ascended the stairs. Alright, that meant she had to get the water herself. Hopefully, the madam or her daughter wouldn’t come find fault with her. ... She had just come out of the kitchen, feeling refreshed after pacifying her parched throat. Calytrix’s ears suddenly picked up the sound of something falling heavily to the ground. ‘What is that?’ she thought. There were screams and cries from upstairs, causing her to feel distressed. She immediately charged up the stairs, wanting to know the cause of the distressed cries. Just as she was about to make a turn after ascending the stairs, she saw a maid run past her. “What’s going on?” Calytrix asked her but the latter said nothing. “Pedro, open the gate,” she heard the maid say as she barrelled down the stairs, adding to Calytrix’s befuddlement. What elicited this commotion? She headed over to where the shouts were coming from and saw Mrs Meyer seated on the floor, outside her daughter, Sabrina’s room weeping profusely, refusing to be consoled. Another maid was beside her, reassuring her things would be alright. Calytrix picked up her pace, reaching their spot in time and kneeling down, “Madam,” she said softly. “My daughter… My only child…” the latter looked like she was about to keel over. “What’s going on?” Calytrix asked the maid in a whisper-like voice. The latter simply shook her head, her lips quivering. Calytrix got to her feet and rushed into the room. She was, however, forced to fall back as a man hurriedly carried an unconscious Sabrina out of the room. Her mom was also in the room, looking glum. Calytrix ran up to her, “Mom, what happened?” she inquired. Everything in the room was in ruins, food and drinks were spilt on the floor, and several electronic devices were no longer in good shape. Was that a broken iPhone? How wasteful. “Calytrix, when did you come?” her mom asked after hugging her. “Not long ago,” After that, her mom dashed out of the room. “Mom, slow down,” she yelled, following after her, “You’re not feeling well, remember?” But her warnings fell on deaf ears. Thankfully though, she was able to grab her mum in time, preventing her from having a nasty fall down the stairs. “Mom…” Her mother panted, patting her chest rapidly. “Wait here, let me get you some water,” Calytrix instructed and the latter nodded. With that, she bolted down the stairs and just as she was about to head for the kitchen, she saw that the gates were wide open. The blares of sirens indicated an approaching ambulance. The man who carried the unconscious Sabrina, along with her weeping mother and the maid who was helping to steady the madam’s balance, were all waiting patiently for the ambulance to arrive. Calytrix recalled that she had something vital to do as well. She made for the kitchen and by the time she came out, her mother was surprisingly at the entrance gate. Mrs Meyer was no more in sight, obviously she had gone with the ambulance. Calytrix heaved a sigh and ran over to her mom, handing her the bottle of water. The latter drank the water in big gulps, pausing to cough while Calytrix patted her back, “Relax, Mom. Take it easy, okay?” Her mom nodded and resumed drinking like she had not seen water for days. The maid who had escorted Sabrina’s mother there, left without a word, her face stoic. She recalled this maid usually had a stoic face but she was good at her job, that’s for sure. “Thank you, my dear,” her mom said with a deep sigh. “You’re welcome,” Calytrix responded, pulling her mum into a warm hug. She soon cupped the latter’s face, “Don’t think too much. Let’s go inside,” However, her mom pulled away from her hands and started walking toward the gates of the residence. “Where are you going?” Calytrix asked, brows furrowed, walking closer to her mother. “I need to go and meet them at the hospital. They'll need me. They'll need someone to assist them,” she rambled on as she kept walking towards the gate, but then she missed her step and almost fell. Luckily, Calytrix was beside her, so she quickly wrapped her arms around her, preventing her from falling. “Mum... you can't go anywhere for now. You aren’t feeling well,” Calytrix pointed out, her hand touching her mom's forehead. “But... I can't leave them alone. I need to go see them,” she rambled again, her eyelids dilating as she spoke. “No, Mum, don't worry, I'll go in your stead,” Calytrix said, her voice soothing as she held her mother's hand. “Do you know the hospital? Let me write it down...” her mom made a pivot, heading for the house. Soon she handed a small note to her daughter, “This is the place.” “Okay mum,” Calytrix kept the paper in her bag. “I noticed over the phone that you have a little cough as well, so I bought medicine for you. It’s not bitter,” she stressed the last sentence. “No, it's okay, I'm good. You just need to quickly go over to them and assist. I can just sleep my cough away,” her mom said, her face etched with worry as she brooded over Sabrina's case. “Mum, I told you not to worry. I'll definitely go and check on her, and I trust the Meyers can manage their family business,” “But—” her mother was about to protest again, but Calytrix cut her off. “If you don’t take this medicine, I'm not going. And you also can't go, so neither of us will go,” Calytrix said with arms folded. These words finally managed to calm her mom, who sighed heavily. “Alright. I guess I'm just over-worried. What about you, my dear? How are you feeling?” she asked, concern etched on her face. “I'm good, Mum,” Calytrix said, her voice calm as she sat her mom on the couch. “You’ve eaten, right?” “Yeah,” her mom nodded in response. Calytrix went back to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water and several pills in her other hand. “Here, Mum,” she said softly, taking a seat beside her mom. She watched her down the pills with water only to calm her chest with her hand a few seconds later due to a cough. A few minutes later, her mom was now lying on the bed in her assigned quarters. Calytrix decided to voice out what was in her mind all this time, “So, Mum, what exactly happened to Sabrina?” she asked, confusion etched in her tone as she added, “I didn't know she was epileptic.” “She’s not epileptic,” her mother responded. “So, what is it?” Calytrix asked. “Well...” her mom sighed before answering, “She took poison. Apparently, she tried to commit suicide.”

"Huh?" Calytrix was surprised by the answer. Why would Sabrina attempt suicide? Is something wrong with her? Calytrix knew Sabrina; she was a proud bitch, and that made them not get along. Most of the times she was around, Calytrix only managed to speak a word or two to her, which included greetings and not much more. The fact that her mother had to work as a nanny, even if it was about paying back a favour, didn't really sit well with Calytrix. So, she didn't bother much with the family, especially their spoiled daughter. Instead of brooding in her mind, Calytrix decided to ask straight from her mum, "What made her try that? Is she mentally okay?" "I don't know," Mrs. Forger could only reply as she patted her chest before adding, "I just know that lately, she has been moody, and I always overhear the Meyers whispering amongst themselves. I don't really know what is happening to them. She's not the only one that is moody; it's all of them, just that Sabrina seems more off than the rest." "Oh...that's bad," Calytrix said, nodding her head. Deciding to ask them directly when she got to the hospital, Calytrix took the cloth from her mother's head and dropped it into the cold water bowl on the floor. She squeezed it dry and placed it back on her mother's forehead. Then, she glanced at the wall clock before picking up her bag and phone. "Mum, I'm going now. You shouldn't stress yourself," she said, her eyes fixed on her mother. "I get it. I won't stress myself. Greet them on my behalf and let them know why I couldn't come," Mrs Forger said before closing her eyes, succumbing to the sleep that had been threatening to overtake her. Calytrix smiled as she saw the medicine take effect. With the medication, her mother would be able to sleep for several hours straight and wake up feeling refreshed. Calytrix bent down a little and dragged the covers over her mother, tucking her in. Then she placed the gifts she had also bought on the bedside cabinet. Done, Calytrix stepped out of the mansion, walked to the estate gate, and took a taxi to the hospital. She then made her way into the hospital. "That snob better have a good reason for trying to commit suicide. It better not be for a man," she muttered, picking up her pace until she reached the receptionist's desk. Two nurses were seated there, one was on the phone, and the other was filing. "Hello, good evening. I'm Calytrix," she greeted them as she approached. "Hi, Calytrix, how can we assist you?" One of the nurses asked, taking a more formal approach. "I'm here to see an emergency patient that was just rushed in this evening," she said. "Can you describe the patient? Estimate the time the patient arrived? How are you related to the patient?" The nurses bombarded Calytrix with a series of questions, leaving her flustered. "Well, um...." She mumbled, racking her brain to calculate the estimated time and how she should describe Sabrina. But while she was busy trying to gather the necessary information, her eyes caught sight of a figure brushing past her. "Mr. Meyer!" She called out the first name that came to mind, and luckily, it turned out to be him as the man stopped dead in his tracks. "Calytrix, what are you doing here?" he asked, looking at her, panting. "I...I came to see Sabrina, who was admitted here. My mother couldn't come because she's sick..." She responded, but as she spoke, her nose scrunched up due to the smell coming from Mr. Meyer. She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his, and it all clicked. He had smoked and drunk before coming here. But why? Why would he do both and reek to the point where she could still smell it? "Are you okay?" Mr Meyers asked, snapping Calytrix out of her thoughts. "Yes, sir. I mean... let's get going," Calytrix said, following Mr. Meyer to the ward, relieved that she didn't have to answer the nurses' questions anymore. As they walked down the quiet corridors, the sound of their shoes was the only thing breaking the silence until they reached the hallway leading to Sabrina's ward. Sounds of weeping could be heard, and Mr. Meyer quickened his pace. As they arrived at their destination, Mrs. Meyer could be seen seated outside the ward, weeping profusely, her makeup ruined, and her lips trembling. "Dear, it's going to be okay," Mr. Meyer quickly sat beside her, his hand clutching hers as he tried to comfort her. But his wife wouldn't listen, continuing to sob uncontrollably. All of his efforts seemed futile, and she even appeared angry with him, pushing his hand away repeatedly, muttering, "You caused this." "Sir, let me try and comfort her. Maybe you should go get some fresh air to compose yourself," Calytrix suggested as she observed the tense push and pull between the couple and how Mr. Meyer seemed helpless. Mr. Meyer sighed and, without thinking much, got up from his seat. He walked over to Calytrix and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you," he said. After Mr. Meyer left, Calytrix was left alone with Mrs. Meyer. Since she couldn't ask Mr. Meyer what happened, given how much he reeked of smoke, which could make her faint mid-conversation, she decided she could try asking his wife instead.