a call to home

Chapter 9: A call to home

Arjun sat at his small desk, the excitement of the day still buzzing in his veins. He glanced at the money he had just earned from selling the mana cores and felt a rush of determination. But there was something missing—his mother. She had always been his anchor, and today, he felt the need to share his awakening with her.

Reaching for his phone, he dialed her number, his heart racing with anticipation. It rang only twice before she picked up, her voice warm and familiar.

"Hello, Arjun! How are you, my son?" Meera's voice crackled through the line, a mix of warmth and weariness evident in her tone.

"I'm good, Ma. Just finished a big day in the city," he replied, a smile spreading across his face. "How's work? I miss you."

"I miss you too, beta. It's been hectic here since the building collapse. They've been dispatching us to various sites to help with the injuries," she said, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "We lost a few lives today, and it's hard to see so much pain."

Arjun felt a pang of concern for his mother. Her healing ability was rare, but her mana was low compared to others. "I'm sorry, Ma. You work so hard for everyone. Are you taking care of yourself?"

"I'm managing, Arjun. But enough about me. How was your awakening?" she asked, her tone shifting to one of curiosity and pride.

Arjun took a deep breath, the weight of his secret bubbling up inside him. "I awakened today… I have summoning powers," he finally said, the words spilling out like a release of pent-up excitement.

"Summoning?" Meera echoed, her voice filled with surprise. "That's incredible! You're going to be a great summoner, just like your father."

At the mention of his father, a bittersweet feeling washed over him. He had grown up hearing stories about the man who had died saving a small girl during a planned attack by a criminal organization. "I miss him, Ma. Sometimes I feel like I carry a piece of him with me."

"I know, beta. He would be so proud of you," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. "But remember, summoning powers can be taxing. You need to train and grow stronger, just like he did."

"I will, Ma," Arjun assured her. "I've been training with a Shadow Wraith I summoned. We've been practicing our coordination, and I think we're getting the hang of it."

"A wraith? That's a powerful spirit. Just be careful, Arjun. These powers can attract unwanted attention," she warned, her maternal instincts kicking in. "You know how the world can be."

"I know, Ma. But I'll be careful," he promised. "I just wish you could have been here to see my awakening. It would have made it feel more… complete."

A moment of silence passed before Meera spoke again. "I wish I could be there too, beta. But I have to stay here and help those in need. There was an accident earlier today, and I'm on-site to heal the survivors. I'm doing my best to save lives, just like your father did."

"I understand, Ma. You're doing important work, and I'm proud of you," Arjun said, his heart swelling with admiration for her strength and dedication.

"You'll be my pride, Arjun. Remember that," she replied, her voice steady despite the circumstances.

"Can you tell me more about your healing powers?" Arjun asked, wanting to shift the conversation. "What's it like?"

"It's a bit draining, to be honest. Healing others takes a lot of mana, and sometimes I feel weak afterward," she explained. "But when I see someone's pain lessen, it gives me a sense of fulfillment. I just wish I had more mana to help even more."

Arjun could hear the hint of sadness in her voice. He wanted to comfort her. "You're doing more than enough, Ma. You have a gift, even if your mana is low. You're saving lives, and that's what matters."

"Thank you, my dear," Meera replied, her voice softening. "I wish I could be there for your training too, but I'll always support you from afar."

"I'll keep you updated on my progress," Arjun promised, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "And when I get stronger, I'll come find you, and we can train together."

"I would love that," she said, her laughter like a melody to his ears. "Now, focus on your training, and remember, your father is always watching over you."

As they continued to talk, sharing stories and laughter, Arjun felt a deep connection to his mother and the legacy of his father. He would honor them both through his journey as a summoner, determined to become strong enough to make them proud.

Eventually, the call came to an end, and Arjun hung up with a warm feeling in his heart. He knew that, no matter the distance, their bond remained unbreakable. He returned to his training with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead and to honor his family's legacy as he forged his own path in this magical world.