Satisfying Dream

As Kaden returned home, he was greeted by the sight of rainy clouds looming overhead. With a determined gaze, he uttered, "Strive to better yourself, so that no one may ever exert undue pressure upon you." Placing his bags upon his study table, he positioned himself in front of the window, gazing out at the rain-soaked clouds. 

As night fell, Kaden sat down to eat his meal, his mind plagued by doubts. He wondered if his principal had divulged any information to his father. Lost in his thoughts, the sound of the phone ringing interrupted his contemplation. Rising from his seat, he made his way to the dining table where the phone lay, its caller ID displaying an unknown number. Curiosity piqued, he answered, "Who is calling?" 

A voice on the other end inquired, "Is this Ayumi Shiru, the wife of Tenchi Shiru?" Kaden promptly responded, "No, it is I, his son, Kaden." The caller then requested, "Please pass the phone to your mother." Kaden informed them, "She is currently in the washroom." The person on the call revealed the shocking news, "Your father has been attacked and stabbed by some individuals." 

Kaden's eyes widened in disbelief, leaving him speechless and stunned. The caller urged them to come to the public city hospital. Abruptly ending the call, Kaden silently made his way to his mother. His eyes remained wide open, devoid of any emotion. Approaching his mother, who clutched a blanket, she inquired about the call. Kaden, his face expressionless, replied with a vacant stare, "Someone informed me that dad was stabbed by a group of men and is now in the public city hospital." 

Ayumi Shiru was overcome with shock, dropping the blanket from her trembling hands, her body losing control. The scene shifted to the hospital, where it was now 2 am in the morning. A taxi pulled up outside, and Ayumi Shiru, her eyes filled with tears, sobbed uncontrollably as she approached the reception desk. Tearfully, she asked, "Can you please tell me where Tenchi Shiru is?" The receptionist responded, "He is currently in emergency room 04 on the first floor. He is undergoing an operation." 

Without hesitation, Ayumi rushed towards the elevator. Kaden, still wearing the same expressionless face, his eyes devoid of tears, followed

As the young kaden stood steadfastly behind her weeping mother, they ascended to the second floor. Swiftly, she darted towards the operation room, where a group of doctors emerged. With urgency in her voice, she inquired about the fate of Tenchi Shiru. One of the physicians sorrowfully revealed that he had suffered a grievous stab wound to his lungs, leaving no hope for his survival. The mother, consumed by anguish, unleashed a torrent of wails and tears. Meanwhile, Kaden, though his countenance remained stoic, shed a solitary tear. In a tender gesture, he embraced his grieving mother, providing solace in her time of despair.

Soon after, relatives of Kaden arrived at the scene, their concern palpable as they questioned his well-being. Yet, amidst their inquiries, Kaden silently pondered whether they truly comprehended the depths of his anguish. He questioned aloud, his voice growing louder, whether they genuinely believed one could be unscathed when a beloved family member had perished. Seeking solace, he retreated to the sanctuary of the lavatory, where he turned on the faucet, allowing the water to trickle gently. Gazing into the mirror, he confronted his own reflection, questioning his ability to shoulder the responsibility of his family's welfare. Was he truly capable? Did he possess the strength required for such a daunting task?

In a moment of vulnerability, he cried out, beseeching himself for an answer. "Tell me, Kaden, are you capable?" Tears streamed down his face as he responded to his own query, admitting his doubts. "No, you are not." Yet, in a sudden shift, he erupted into laughter, a bitter and mocking sound. "Ah, but now you are liberated from the clutches of your tyrannical father! You may pursue your studies at your leisure, achieving greatness as you desire." He expressed gratitude to a higher power, believing that the wretched soul of his father had been summoned to the depths of hell, where it rightfully belonged.

Amidst his boisterous laughter, his eyes caught sight of his father, standing before him. The man's voice resonated with a chilling tone as he questioned Kaden's presence. "What are you doing here? Clearly, you require further punishment." In an instant, Kaden's eyes fluttered open, and he realized that all that had transpired was but a figment of his imagination.