Tania's expression shifted, a fragile spark of hope rising in her eyes. "You think so?" she whispered.
Vella smiled faintly. "Yes. Kaivan may be stubborn, but there's always a way to make him listen. And perhaps… I can help you."
Rapi watched that smile with growing unease. Vella was far too clever to offer help without a purpose. When she volunteered her support, it was rarely out of pure kindness. "Ms. Vella… we still have a meeting with some important businessmen," he said softly, trying to divert her attention.
But Vella only glanced his way and smiled. "Don't worry, Rapi. Cancel it. I just want to help a new friend tonight."
Rapi nodded, unable to argue. Deep down, she prayed this decision wouldn't invite new trouble. But seeing the determination in Vella's eyes, he knew this night was merely the beginning of something larger, something that would change the lives of Kaivan, Tania, and themselves.
The next morning, Kaivan's house felt different. Usually quiet, filled only with the sound of his footsteps as he handled chores, the small home was now bustling like there was a celebration.
In the living room, Radit and Frans were busy cleaning. Radit, with his muscular build, moved furniture aside, while Frans swept the floor with lively enthusiasm. They worked well together, even though this might have been their first time.
Behind the house, Raphael and Ethan gathered leaves. Ethan, skilled at tending the garden, picked them up while joking with Raphael. Raphael, usually withdrawn, shadowed, looked almost like an ordinary young man enjoying the fresh morning air.
In the kitchen, Felicia, Zinnia, and Thivi prepared breakfast. Felicia, apron tied around her waist, gave gentle instructions. "Zinnia, bring the flour. Thivi, check the toast, please."
Zinnia nodded quickly as she reached for the flour, while Thivi inspected the toast with sleepy eyes. The atmosphere was simple, yet warm.
In the backyard, Kaivan and Isabel stood beneath the soft morning sun, hanging freshly washed clothes. A mild breeze carried the scent of newly swept leaves.
Kaivan glanced at Isabel beside him. After a brief hesitation, he asked, "I heard you broke up with your boyfriend… Isabel, is that true?"
Isabel paused while adjusting a shirt on the line. She turned toward Kaivan, her usually calm eyes looking faint and tired. "Yeah… something like that," she replied lightly, though the pain behind her voice was clear. "Annoying, isn't it? After everything I did, it still ended like this."
Kaivan stopped and looked at her with quiet concern. He took a breath before speaking softly. "How about we go out today? I also need to buy a suitcase. I could use someone to help me pick one."
Isabel blinked, surprised. The morning sun reflected in her violet eyes, making her fragile smile glow faintly. She let out a small laugh, gentle and bright. "You're trying to cheer me up, aren't you?" she asked softly.
Kaivan shook his head, though the faint smile on his lips revealed the truth. "I'm just worried. You've been quiet since yesterday. Even during the party, you didn't seem like yourself. So… I wanted to make you feel better."
Isabel looked at him for a long moment, searching for any hidden meaning, but all she found was sincerity. She exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Alright," she said with a small smile. "I'll go with you."
The mother of the house, newly awakened, froze at the doorway, startled by the sight of a group of teenagers working with such lively energy. Frans and Radit moved quickly across the floor, sweeping and mopping until the tiles shone. Raphael and Ethan went back and forth carrying bags of trash outside. From the kitchen, the gentle aroma of Felicia's, Zinnia's, and Thivi's cooking drifted through the air, lending a warm and homely feeling to the morning.
Kaivan's mother smiled softly, though confusion lingered in her eyes. As she took a step forward, Livia approached and gently held her hand. "Auntie, please rest. We'll take care of everything. Just enjoy your morning," she said with a sincere, soothing voice. A faint shimmer formed at the corner of the mother's eyes, touched by the kindness.
Moments later, Teh Kira emerged from the corridor, puzzled but smiling at the scene before her. "Wow, you're all so hardworking this early in the morning," she said, amazed.
Livia laughed lightly. "Yes, Teh. You and Auntie should just sit on the sofa. We'll bring breakfast to you," she answered with cheerful confidence.
One task after another was completed. The house grew warm, filled with laughter, the smell of food, and the sense of a big family gathering. They sat in a circle on the floor, sharing breakfast together.
Yet amidst the pleasant chatter, Kaivan seemed restless. Radit, seated beside him, nudged him quietly, urging him to speak. After a deep breath, Kaivan looked gently at his mother and older sister. "Mom, Teh Kira… I have a plan for next week. I want to take the three of us to Norway."
His mother froze. "Next week? Kaivan, that's so sudden," she said anxiously. Teh Kira added softly, "Traveling to Norway is expensive, Kaivan. How will we pay for it?"
Kaivan smiled and took out his savings book from his bag, showing them the balance. "It's enough. Even more than enough," he said calmly.
Mother and sister exchanged looks, touched, yet bewildered. "This much money… where did you get it?" his mother asked, her voice trembling, unsure whether to feel proud or worried.
Zinnia, sitting close to Kaivan's mother, quickly explained, "Auntie, this is from the small business we run together. All of us agreed to help make your dream come true, because we know you've always wanted to see the aurora in Norway."
Hearing that, Teh Kira looked confused, though her expression softened with emotion. "Business? What have you been doing?" she asked gently.
Thivi replied softly, her smile calm. "We buy used phones, take them apart, and collect the tiny bits of gold inside. We gather it, sell it, and… this is the result."
Radit added with a warm smile, "Yes, Auntie. Consider it a small gift from all of us. Kaivan wanted to give you something meaningful."
Kaivan held his mother's hand tightly, as if sending warmth through the touch. "So… what do you think, Mom? Next week, let's go together," he asked, voice tender and full of hope.
Kaivan's mother gazed at her son. The tears she had been holding back finally fell. She smiled through her overwhelming emotion. "Yes, Kaivan. Thank you, dear… and thank you, all of you," she said with heartfelt gratitude.