The black car came to a slow stop on a quiet road just outside Sky City.
Standing alone on the roadside was a man around 50—tall, weathered, with calm eyes that had seen too much. The car door opened, and a tall, muscular figure stepped out to greet him.
"Old man Luo, how have you been?"
"I'm fine. And how are you and Karlos?"
"We're all doing well."
The man then walked around the car, gently opened the passenger door, and helped the girl step out.
Luo looked at her carefully, his expression softening.
"You look just like your grandmother."
The girl felt something stir inside her—something warm and aching.
"Thank you... It's nice to meet you."
The butler remained silent, closing his eyes with quiet respect. Luo saw this and immediately understood—Lincon was gone.
He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"From now on, you are like my daughter. I have one son. He's a good person."
They got into Luo's taxi—he was a driver by profession—and began the journey into the city. As the car pulled away, he and the butler exchanged a glance. It was a silent look, one that spoke of an old rivalry... and deeper friendship.
Eventually, they arrived at a modest apartment complex. It wasn't luxurious, but it was neat and well-kept.
They rang the doorbell.
A young man opened the door. He had long black hair, bright blue eyes, pale skin, and a lean but toned build.
"Welcome home, Dad."
"Kell, meet Jiya. She's the daughter of an old friend. She'll be living with us for her studies."
Kell:
"Nice to meet you."
Jiya:
"Nice to meet you too."
Kell's mother soon came out, warmly greeting Jiya. They all sat together in the living room, asking her about her life and background.
Jiya:
"My parents died a long time ago. I was still a child."
Kell's mom gently reached for her hand.
"I'm so sorry, dear."
They shared a quiet dinner together. That night, Jiya settled into a room near the living area, directly across from Kell's.
But sleep didn't come easily.
She sat by the window, under the silver gaze of the full moon. Her mind wandered back to all her memories with her grandfather. Her eyes, green and deep like the forest, shimmered with pain. Her long black hair framed her angelic face, but tears—tiny pearls of sorrow—slipped down her cheeks.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Aunty Ru? Is something wrong? It's so late..."
Ru stepped inside and wrapped her arms around Jiya. She gently placed a hand on her forehead.
"I knew your grandfather had passed. We may not feel your pain exactly, but we can share in it. When pain is shared... it becomes lighter."
Jiya clung to her, crying in her arms. It felt like she was being held by her mother. The two spoke for a long time—like old friends reunited after years apart.
---
The next morning, Kell woke up early to prepare for his science camp. His father handed him some money.
Ru:
"If you're free today, take Jiya out and show her Sky City."
Kell:
"Alright."
Later, they walked together through the vibrant streets of Sky City. The two looked so natural together that passersby mistook them for a couple.
Sky City sat beside the great Eris River, its waters glimmering under the morning sun. They stopped at a local shop to buy some clothes, laughing and talking, slowly learning about each other's lives.
Thanks to Ru, Jiya felt comfortable around Kell. Their connection deepened with every conversation.
That afternoon, they took a taxi back home.
Days passed peacefully. Kell and Jiya began to understand each other on a deeper level. Their bond grew stronger—but behind Kell's quiet eyes, something still lingered.
A shadow from his past.
A trauma he never spoke of...
And never shared with anyone.