The Merchant's Arrival (1)

The next morning, the sun cast a warm glow over the Wolfram's estate. Its rays seeped through the gaps of the towering trees' leaves and dappled patterns of soft light and shadows on the ground.

A symphony of the birds beginning their cheerful chirps in chorus announced the arrival of a bright and clear day ahead.

It was another day of playing pretend for Mikael. He opened his eyes and felt the emptiness of the bed as usual. He got up, ready to face the world as someone he was not.

Mikael headed to the window, looking through the glass panes at the urban sprawl beside the calm sea that glittered in the distance. Until he caught a glimpse of a vehicle climbing up the slope to reach Wolfram's estate.

As soon as his eyes fell on it, Mikael heard a knock on the door. It soon revealed Secretary Cade, informing Mikael that the merchant they had been waiting for was finally arriving today.

'They're here!'