[Mercateth]

Nature was diverse, multi-linear like destiny. Its expression, is quasi-infinite.

Countless species coexist or participate in the food chain. Fierce or gentle, it depended on their surroundings and evolution.

Intelligent or instinctive, inert or pulsating. Their hardness or flexibility. Was rebellion possible?

Roots that embraced or dethroned.

"A multifaceted reality." A deep voice pronounced.

The sound of churning was constant. Accompanied by a chant produced by a slight whistling sound.

The sun's rays pierced lightly through the curtains. The weather was ideal, embracing everyone's pleasure.

Perla was preparing breakfast, in a small kitchen built into Federick's home. She had already ordered the ingredients in advance, yesterday.

She had decided to share an evening with her little Fe, so she had made plans to accommodate her stay.

A fragrant and tasty breakfast. Calculating, she would wake her son in about twenty minutes.

Who was sleeping peacefully.

"In ancient times, calamity was put off. The face of evil, it was not appropriate.... Karma needed to be dissolved. The deep voice repeated.

Perla took a deep breath. Her slight smile did not change, as her mood remained serene silence.

Perla's churning continued like the Federick's soft breathing...

With a satisfied smile, before her stood a sumptuous breakfast, fit for royalty.

The tablecloth was of crisp white linen, adorned with intricate lace trimmings and sparkling crystal goblets. The plates were of fine porcelain, painted with delicate floral motifs and gilded ornaments. The silverware was heavy and ornate, polished like a mirror.

Yes, it had been elaborately prepared.

The aesthetics were not degraded by the food, being a feast. Fluffy eggs, cooked just right, accompanied by pancakes smothered in cheese.

Thick slices of toast glazed in egg accompanied a selection of fresh fruit, including juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, and tart oranges.

Steaming tea and a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice completed the meal, along with a selection of jams, preserves, and honey in delicate glass jars.

If Perla hadn't had the discipline to train to the extreme, she would probably have to slurp her saliva.

She set about waking her son. She tiptoed to him on tiptoe, with soft, delicate movements.

On the bed where he had rested the night before, a young figure stood darkly.

Inert and seated, no emotion was expressed on his face. His pale skin matched his delicate features, which were fading around his red eyes.

His irises were a deep red, invaded by inextinguishable strands.

The two pairs of red eyes never made eye contact. The image was not reflected, and her smile did not degrade.

With a light embrace, he twice flapped his imperturbable figure. Calling for repetition, twice he called into his ears: "Federick".

With a shock in her chest, Perla woke violently. Her breathing was discordant. Her hands trembled, at the soft touch of her body against the cloths that covered her.

"Mother!" A voice called.

"Breakfast is ready," Federick said.

Her figure welcomed her mother with a smile.

...

Federick and Perla were enjoying a cup of tea. Under the shade of a tree, they were enjoying the coolness in the garden.

The smells were flying, and the bees were occasional.

Birds were singing, while they stood quietly enjoying it. Federick gave her occasional glances, mentally formulating his prayer.

"Do you need anything?" Perla asked hiding her smile with her hands.

"Mother... It's regarding father. I need to communicate with him." Federick said in a slightly high-pitched voice.

"He entrusted me with something. When he fulfilled it, he asked me to look for him... But, I don't know how." Federick said, hiding his chin.

Perla nodded with disappointment shining in her eyes.

"Do you want to abandon me, little Fe?" Perla commented humorously.

"You know, Federick... Incredibly but true, revenge is an ideal that hangs over several heads." Perla said with a sigh.

Federick just gave her a curious look, not understanding her point.

"But you, you are different, the fruit between me and your father. Revenge, on the other hand, is like a poisonous fruit: at first, it may taste sweet, but in the end, it leads to bitter suffering."

"Revenge? Many novels keep that point central." Federick said with palpable innocence between his words.

Perla granted him a small smile.

"Yes... Evil is human, intrinsic in us. Easily represented." Perla mentioned but was instantly interrupted.

"Even you, Mother? Do you also suffer from this disease?" Federick asked curiously.

Perla ruffled Federick's hair at his curiosity.

"But that doesn't mean you choose to

perpetuate it. When you seek revenge, you are no better than the person who hurt you. All you do is continue the cycle of violence and harm."

"But doesn't the wrongdoer deserve to be punished?" asked Federick.

"Punishment is not our responsibility," Perla whispered in her son's ears.

"Punishment is not preventative, because of its reality of value and consequence. On the other hand, your responsibility is to uphold virtue as responsibility."

"Good, Mother. I understand... I will be virtuous like my grandfather. I've heard it from many!". Federick said with an expanded smile.

"You are clever enough, but it is not simply invalid, so remember: When you give up the desire for revenge, you are not forgiving the wrong done to you. You are simply choosing to free yourself from the burden of hatred and anger you have placed on yourself."

Federick nodded thoughtfully, considering Perla's words.

"But how can I free myself from that burden? It sounds quite oppressive." Federick asked curiously.

At this, she looked in the direction of the distant horizon.

"You can free yourself by practising forgiveness," Perla said.

"Forgiveness is not easy, but it is the key to peace. When you forgive, you are not saying that what was done to you was right. You are simply choosing to let go of the anger and resentment that it has caused you. You choose to let go of the burden and move on". Perla ended with no burden on her shoulders.

Federick wisely chose to remain silent. It was clear how his mother had avoided the subject of his father, so he decided not to press the issue.

The uneasy atmosphere did not remain for long, dying down rather quickly. The hours passed naturally and Perla's departure arrived.

She kissed her son's forehead goodbye. With a last word, no promises.

As he left with a gala, he listened to Federick's last words.

"Steely spirit, at rest in little creatures. Flying, no limits imposed. Numerous, sharing feelings. Travelling endless miles, will prevail, in the face of accompanying feeling".

He looked in the direction where his son's finger was pointing and saw a small flock.

The sky was bare.

The sun was shining high above, casting a warm glow over the vast grounds of the mansion.

Green grounds.

Where the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the gentle chirping of birds, creating a peaceful atmosphere that enveloped a family in serenity.

The father, a tall, regal figure with a kindly face, sat in a comfortable armchair in the shade of a large oak tree.

He wore a linen shirt and light trousers, suitable for the warm weather.

Beside him, his wife was relaxing in a matching chair, her elegance undisturbed by the informal setting.

She wore a beautiful summer dress in pastel shades and her hair was perfectly coiffed despite the informality of the occasion.

The eldest son, a strong-jawed young man with piercing eyes, was playing with his two younger brothers on the lush lawn.

Their laughter and friendly banter filled the atmosphere, punctuated by the sound of their physical activities.

The two younger siblings, a boy and a girl, were dressed in simple but comfortable matching outfits.

As their energies came to an end, the children of the family gathered, their faces flushed with the exertion of play.

The mother poured glasses of lemonade from a pitcher, while the father talked on a casual topic.

The eldest son told holiday anecdotes, his eyes smiling. The two younger brothers listened attentively to their older brother's every word.

As the sun began to set, the younger ones decided to take a stroll through the gardens, enjoying the beautiful flora and fauna around them. They walked hand in hand, filling the air with laughter and conversation as they enjoyed each other's company.

Her eyes sparkled with surprise as he gazed at the beauty of a winged specimen. It freely fluttered away in the opposite direction to her stay.

"Brother, my dream is to one day be able to fly". commented the girl.

"You must have bigger ambitions. Said the boy boastfully, but secretly admiring the bird.

The eagle-eyed bird watched its surroundings closely from its perch.

The mansion was a grand construction.

The garden was a natural masterpiece.

And at the entrance to the manor, hung a sign ostentatiously adorned with the surname: "Mercateth".

At the same time, Federick looked carefully at his glass, which held within it a fiery, bubbling wine.

With a smile, he took a sip.