CH 1.2

The first meeting with his father, Ryan, was later than John expected. The atmosphere in the office was somber and stifling, as if Ryan shared the same precepts as a boarding school.

For John, his first impression of Ryan  was the image of a sports magazine model,  a tennis racket in hand and a million dollar smile. Well-groomed blonde hair, tanned skin, and full of confidence like a carnivorous animal.

From the moment he met Ryan, John realized that they would not be able to get along easily, and Ryan seemed to share that sentiment. Ryan scratched his chin with an awkward expression, as if he had no idea what to say.

John, you have grown a lot. Well, I’m sorry about what happened to Emily.

Thanks for coming.

I know it sounds like an excuse, but I want you to know that I only recently found out about your existence. I’m sure you understand that there was nothing I could do previously.

Okay. You must be tired… I’ll see you at dinner.

I’ll be there.

That was the end of the conversation.

Walking to the library, John recalled his brief conversation with Ryan. He didn’t feel like a father, but he didn’t appear to be a psycho, a killer, or a stranger. John was a little relieved by this fact. Carter, who was walking next to him, looked down.

“The conversation ended much earlier than I expected, but now Mr. Lindbergh also has a sense of shame… That is, because this will take time to get used to.”

“I’m fine. Thanks for your concern.”

“Maybe you’re overthinking, but you should just relax.”

“Um… not really.”

John frowned. It was strange seeing his father for the first time in his life and he still didn’t know how to speak to him. No, more like…

Surprisingly, a small blond boy emerged in his thoughts. The boy  had been pulled away from him quickly by someone’s hand, but he was quite impressive. Why had he made such a strong impression on him? Whether it was because he jumped into his arms without hesitation or because he had been enchanted with his pretty jewel-like eyes; John couldn’t determine the exact reason.

John, who hesitated a moment, looked at Carter.

“Um, Mister Simpson.”

“You can call me Carter.”

“Carter, that boy…”

“Ah, you mean Valentine.”

“Yeah, Valentine is… He said he was my brother.”

“Yes. He’s ten years old, he’s a year younger than you.”

“Eh? He’s ten?”

John exclaimed in surprise. Carter seemed to have noticed. Valentine seemed to be much younger than ten years old. Although John was slim, he was tall for his age, taller than his classmates. Even with that consideration, the boy’s head could only reach his chest.

“He’s still pretty small. However, since his genetics are favored by both his maternal and paternal ancestry, he will grow taller in his teenage years.”

“How silly… I thought he was younger.”

“Most people who have seen Valentine for the first time also think that. By the way, the boy seems to like you quite a lot. He is usually a gentle boy, but it is the first time he has had this kind of reaction.”

“… For real?”

“Well, you’re both brothers. There is nothing wrong with you being close, is there?”

Brothers.

John, without answering, awkwardly nodded and rubbed his cheek. The skin that touched the palm of his hand was even more red from the heat than usual.

Emily, who had always been with him, was gone and his father and younger brother whom he had never met before were trying to take her place. Everything was strange, as if heaven and earth were reversed. John muttered under his breath.

New home, new environment, new land, new… family.

…a new family.

Without Emily.

As his thoughts drifted away, there was a sudden sense of dissociation. The emptiness he had never felt before pierced his heart. John, caught in a wave of intense emotion momentarily, stumbled without realizing it. Carter leaned in amazement and faced him.

“Are you feeling ill?”

“… No. I just want to rest.”

Carter touched John’s forehead and throat, who was turning pale. After confirming that his body temperature was not high, Carter grabbed him by the arm.

“First, go to the room to lie down. I’ll call a doctor …”

“No, Carter, I’m not sick. I’m just… I’m tired and I just want to sleep.”

Carter was still anxious, but he led him to John’s room. The interior of the mansion was as overwhelming as the exterior. John followed Carter past the colorful and grand halls and many different rooms before reaching his destination.

“Are you sure… this is my room?” John, blinking slowly, asked Carter.

“You don’t like it?”

“No… No, it’s just that this room is as big as a house.”

The room, with a front window, was luxurious and spacious like the ones in the 007 series. In the middle of the high ceiling, dazzling glass chandeliers hung and the walls were decorated with natural marble. Delicate patterned Kashizadeh rugs were placed on the floor and a large balcony could be seen beyond the glass door. The amount of furniture that made up the room was few in numbers, but they all had a luxurious shine.

“Tell me if you don’t like the interior. I’ll try to reflect your taste as best as possible.”

“Everything… everything is great.”

When Carter pressed a button on the wall, the shutter slowly lowered and extinguished the light. Soon the room darkened, and the only source of light came from the wall mounted lamp, illuminating the room in a soft glow.

“You may be exhausted  due to the jet lag, so you had better get some sleep. I was informed that they prepared the clothes for you to change into  after getting up. I will come to wake you up before dinner.”

John nodded and climbed onto the bed. As he lay down and crawled between the sheets, Carter dimmed the lights.

“Then have a nice  rest.”

“Eh… Carter.”

“Yes?”

“Thanks for everything.”

“It’s my job, so you don’t have to thank me.”

After that, Carter disappeared behind the door. He was a little frank, but a good man. Later, John closed his eyes and was determined to say goodbye again. Emily emerged as a secondary image and soon, something darker than darkness itself quickly hit John.