Wipe the blood. Open the door. Arms folded.
“What now, mom? Again?”
She rests her head in her hand.
“We are called, once again, to repay this debt.”
I step toward the table. Sit down.
“How much is it this time?”
She sends the bill to my Codex.
“Hmmm… 100 trellings. Once again.”
She stood up, frantic. Biting her nails. “Mom, instead of chewing your fingers… can you make us something to eat?”
I stepped away from the table.
“As for the money — I’ll handle it.”
She shouts with everything she has.
“You again? You always do everything just to be here. You don’t care for yourself. You’re thirty, Rhys! And you don’t laugh, you don’t spend time with people. Just trapped in this room, keeping me company.”
I smile, sideways.
“Life is strange… but beautiful. As long as you don’t only see it from one side. Because then — you might go mad. My life is what it is. My choices… or maybe yours. Doesn’t matter. What matters is the here and now.”
I raise both thumbs.
Enter my room.
Sit at the desk.
Detach my transaction key from under the chair.
Place it on the Codex. Transfer the amount. Check my account.
Remaining balance: 2.45 trellings.
“Hmmm… ironic, right? Life’s beautiful, Rhys. What would you say to the little Rhys inside — the one who wants out of these walls?”
I lean back in the chair.
“Probably wants to break. And mind his own business. There’s no more little Rhys. Only the older one. And his problems.”
So I returned to my work.
“A home. A mother who loves me. A job. A kind, beautiful wife. But inside these walls… how can our paths meet?”
Codex shows an incoming call.
“Rhys speaking, go ahead.”
A rough voice. “Rhys, it’s your supervisor. Sorry to call from a different line — just wanted to say I’ve switched departments. And… I’m grateful to have worked with you. You’ve worked hard, and I hope my evaluation goes through for your salary and promotion.”
Despite everything, I’ve never lost my enthusiasm for people.
“Sir, congrats — and best wishes. I hope your new duties aren’t too demanding. And thank you for your evaluation. Do you know who will be taking over as my supervisor?”
I’m deeply uneasy.
“Listen, Rhys. It’s a young woman. From the capital. Pretty strict. I hope she doesn’t turn your life into hell… I’ve recommended you to be her right-hand — or at least receive a pay raise.”
That’s not exactly good news.
“R-right… thank you, sir.”
My hand trembled on the desk.
“Be well, Rhys. I hope we speak again soon.”
Sweat dripping down my face.
“You too, Mr. Tergi. Good luck, and take care.”
I lean back, trying to relax…
Then — another incoming call. From my new supervisor’s office.
“Oh no…”
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