The Root of Suffering Is Attachment
Call
The room is dimly lit, illuminated only by the glow of Wannia's phone screen.
Wannia sits on her bed, the phone clutched in her hand.
The room is tidy, and full of posters of historical figures adorning the walls.
Wannia
So, how was history class?
Wannia
Did Mr. Smith finally explains why the French Revolution happened?
The phone screen shows Kai.
Kai
Ugh, same old Mr. Smith. Blah blah blah, King Louis, blah blah blah, guillotines.
Kai
You wouldn't believe the homework he assigned. I'm drowning in dates and names!
Wannia
Don't worry, you'll survive.
Wannia
You're a history whiz, remember?
Wannia and Kai are twins and the only heirs of an underground organization, the only ones with the bloodline that dictates their destiny. Their lives are constantly threatened. So their Grandpa made a heartbreaking decision: he separated the twins, placing them in different foster homes for safety.
Kai
Yeah, but next month, things get really serious.
Wannia
We're practically adults!
Kai
Yeah, well, apparently, it's a big deal for us.
Wannia
Why is sixteen so important?
Kai hesitates, his expression turning serious.
Kai
Grandpa... Grandpa called yesterday.
FLASHBACK conversation of Kai and grandpa
Grandpa
This isn't life, Kai.
Grandpa
It's a shield, a protection.
Grandpa
But the time has come for you to step into your legacy.
Kai flinches, his expression pained.
Kai
But Grandpa, I'm happy here.
Kai
I have friends, a life.
Grandpa
It's just a protection Kai
Kai runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident.
He closes his eyes, the weight of the words settling upon him.
Kai
(is it really my time to return to the Crimson Claw, do I really have to take my place, to become what my family has always been: assassins.)
Kai
(The weight of that legacy… it crushes me. Leaving this life, this small town, means leaving the only normalcy I've ever known.)
He looks out the window, a conflicted expression on his face.
Kai
grandpa, can you give me some time to think?
Grandpa
Think as long as you want, but your responsibility will always be waiting
He hangs up the phone, the silence amplifying the turmoil within him.
He clenches his fist, a determined look hardening his features.
Kai
He wants us to... to come back.
Wannia
And what do you mean, 'it's time'?
Kai
I... I don't know, Wannia.
Kai
He just said it's time for us to come back.
Kai
But he didn't say where.
Wannia
Back to... back to the mansion?
Wannia
But we haven't been back there since we were kids.
Kai
He didn't say much more.
Kai
Just that it's time for us to come back.
A shadow of unease crosses Wannia's face.
Kai
It's just... it's just that I'm starting to feel a bit... restless.
Wannia
Well, maybe it's just because it's almost our birthday.
Wannia
Maybe it's just that we're growing up.
Kai
But I have a bad feeling about this.
Wannia
Well, whatever it is, we'll face it together.
The phone call ends. Wannia stares at the screen, a growing sense of unease settling over her. She runs a hand through her hair, worry etched on her face.
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