The Root of Suffering Is Attachment
FOSTER PARENTS (part 2)
The aroma of bacon and pancakes filled the house, waking Kai.
Mrs. Lopez, Kai's foster mom, was an excellent cook.
Her food always made him feel at home.
His foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lopez, had become his family, a refuge from the shadows in his life.
They had a son, Gio, a year older than Kai and his best friend; they were practically brothers.
Mrs. Lopez
Good morning, sleepyhead.
Mrs. Lopez
I made your favorite, with extra blueberries. *preparing the table*
Kai
Thanks, mom *take a bite of the pancake*
Gio enters the kitchen, looking sleepy and annoyed.
Gio
Are you getting that new video game?
Gio
The one with the dragons?
Gio
Dude, what's going on with you?
Gio
You've been acting weird all week.
Kai
*staring blankly at Gio, while having flashback with grandpa's word*
Mrs. Lopez
Yeah, Kai, are you okay?
Gio
Did your grandpa call again?
Gio
About going back to that… that mansion?
Kai
*froze* (Did Gio overheard the conversation with grandpa?)
Kai froze, his hand shaking as he reaches for his orange juice.
Mrs. Lopez
*drops the plate*
Mrs. Lopez
I'm fine, I'll go get the broom.
Gio continues to question Kai
Gio
You’re going back to that place?
Gio
Why aren't you answering?
Kai
(Should I tell them the truth. But the truth would hurt them)*questioning himself*
Gio slams his fist on the table.
Gio
Don’t ignore me, Kai!
Just answer me!
Mr. Lopez suddenly steps between Kai and Gio.
Mr. Lopez
Gio, calm down.
Mr. Lopez
Kai will answer you when he’s ready.
Mr. Lopez
Gio, son, I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but Kai's situation is complicated.
Kai
You knew? *in disbelief*
Mr. Lopez
We always knew, son.
Mr. Lopez
We hoped you'd have a chance to live a normal life before…
Kai
Before what? *curious*
Mr. Lopez
Before you......
Gio
So what kind of secrets is this ?
Gio
you didn't even bother to tell me*felt betrayed*
Gio
You should have told me!
Gio
You should have trusted me!
Gio storms out of the kitchen.
Kai wanted to follow, but Mr. Lopez stopped him.
Mr. Lopez
Give him time, son. He'll come around.
Gio appears at Kai's bedroom door
Gio
I'm sorry, Kai. I shouldn't have blown up like that. But it just... it just hurts.
Kai
I Know. I'm sorry, Gio. I should have told you sooner.
A sudden doorbell, ruins the atmosphere
Kai opens the door to Grandpa. He pointed towards the kitchen where his foster parents sitting, devastated.
Grandpa
I need to speak with them.
Grandpa
*walks into the kitchen*
Kai wanted to comfort them, but this was a conversation about his future, his destiny. Curiosity gnawed at him.
Kai creeps closer to the kitchen to eavesdrop.
Grandpa
I understand this is a difficult time for you.
Grandpa
But I assure you, Kai’s safety is my top priority.
Grandpa
He’s safe with us.
Mr. Lopez
But he’s happy here.
Mr. Lopez
He has a family here.
Grandpa
The Crimson Claw is his family.
Grandpa
It’s in his blood.
Grandpa
He can’t ignore it.
Grandpa
You’ve done a wonderful job raising him.
Grandpa
I thank you for that.
Grandpa
But his path is set.
Grandpa
He has a responsibility.
Grandpa
I’ll make sure he gets a chance to visit.
Grandpa
I’ll make sure he sees you again.
Grandpa
But his place is with us now.
The conversation continued, a painful dance of grief and acceptance.
Kai sees Grandpa heading to the door.
Kai
(Are they done talking?)
Mr. Lopez
Kai, see your grandpa off.
Grandpa
So, have you made up your mind?
Grandpa
Do you need more time?
Kai
NO!.. It's just *hesitant*
Grandpa
Come on just say it, no need to hesitate.
Kai
I know once we come back to the manor, you will not allow us to go back to school.
Kai
So, I want to ask for a favor? *nervous*
Kai
Could you please at least let us finish our studies this school year?
Kai
After that I will never ask any fav......
Grandpa
Hey, Kai, there's no need to be afraid. You can tell me anything you want.
Grandpa
If that's what you want then let's do it
Grandpa
If that's all, then I'm going.
Kai was torn between two worlds, two destinies. The warmth of his foster home and the unknown darkness of the Crimson Claw. His heart ached, but his mind was resolute. He would face this challenge, this destiny. He would be strong. He would be brave. And he would never forget their love.
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