Location: In Human Reality

  Residence: Mila’s House - 7:00 AM

  We observe little Victoria, now older at ten years of age, on a video call, speaking in a softer tone since it was only six in the morning. On the other end of the call was her sister, Mia.

  Victoria lay in her bed with the video call ongoing, and Mia wore a radiant smile, showing joy and happiness at finally being able to speak with Victoria after so many weeks.

  And, above all, at having the chance to know how things were at home, since Mia was on another continent dealing with important matters.

  [Victoria — Whispering with Joy and Longing] …Sis, I miss you so much. Mom always asks if you’re eating properly and sleeping well... — [Age 10, Pre-adolescent]

  Seeing the joyful, longing expression on Victoria’s lips and in her eyes, Mia answers in a good-humored way, trying to lift the tone of the conversation.

  [Mia on Video — Cheerful, Good-humored Voice] Little sister, I think I’ll be able to come back home before the end of this year. I can’t confirm it yet, but… I have two rather complicated reasons that have kept me from being there for the last two and a half years. — [Age 20, Young Adult]

  Victoria feels slightly confused and, at the same time, curious about Mia’s statement. She watches Mia’s gaze, which is directed slightly to the side.

  This suggests—combined with the happy, spontaneous smile that appears on Mia’s lips—that there is a reason behind it making her smile and lose herself in thought.

  [Victoria — Whispering, Curious and Happy] …Sis, I’m a bit older now, and I know you changed your appearance in recent years for some reason. I always had a niggling suspicion about that. —

  Mia, who smiled with a subtly lost look in her eyes, returns to the present without reacting, fearing that her sister will discover one of the main reasons she hasn’t come home in the past two and a half years.

  [Mia on the Phone — Fearful and Slightly Startled Voice] Little sister… I shouldn’t tell you this before I go home in person, but… —

  Victoria notices the look of shame mixed with unconditional love for something Mia dearly loves at that moment.

  So Victoria, having already guessed the situation, confirms her theory and cuts off the end of Mia’s sentence. She smiles at the beautiful, almost magical look in her sister’s eyes as Mia gazes at the phone screen.

  [Victoria — Happy Whisper, Slightly Emotional] Big sis, you had a baby, didn’t you? —

  Although Victoria spoke softly during the video call, Harry—who was walking down the hallway toward the bathroom to brush his teeth—heard her muffled assertion about his older sister Mia.

  Harry immediately feels his body freeze at the revelation, and a spontaneous smile forms on his lips. He looks incredulously toward Victoria’s bedroom door, which was closed.

  [Victoria — Happy Whisper & Slightly Emotional] I still don’t understand why you’re hiding this from our parents, but I’m very happy if it’s true. [Contained Laugh, Happy & Emotional] —

  Harry considers going in, but something holds him back, since he isn’t sure whether Victoria’s question to their older sister Mia is a joke or not.

  Harry, with one hand close to the doorknob, realizes he would be intruding on a moment between Victoria and Mia if he entered the room at that exact instant.

  [Victoria – Whispering Happily & Slightly Emotional] You’re an amazing woman to me, one of my three heroines in life, along with our mom and Aunt Nox. [Soft, Happy & Emotional Laugh]

  [Harry – (Happy & Emotional Thought)] I’m really happy for you, big sis… May this baby bring you so much joy. Wait… (Playful & Cheerful Laugh) - [Age 13, Pre-Teen]

  Harry decides to lean his back against the wall near the door, wanting to understand this revelation more clearly—not just out of curiosity, but because things finally begin to make sense after all his observations.

  Over the last three years, he had tried to find a logical reason for his sister Mia to suddenly start an “internship” at their Aunt Nox’s company, in such a random and senseless way.

  [Harry – (Happy & Emotional Thought)] I’m starting to think I’m going to be a completely smitten uncle. Ah, damn it… (Playful & Cheerful Laugh)

  The perspective returns to the inside of the room, focusing on Victoria, who smiles when she sees Mia speechless, trying to come up with any excuse—but it is obvious on her face that the truth is exactly what Victoria deduced, one of the two reasons keeping her away from home.

  [Mia Through the Phone – Slightly Tearful & Emotional Voice] Little sister, you’re right about that deduction… [Soft, Deep Breath]

  Then something shifts. Victoria—already a little emotional because of the beautiful and incredible situation—notices Mia’s expression change. The playful, cheerful look gives way to something deeply emotional and smiling.

  It becomes clear that she’s holding back her tears, not wanting to let them fall in that moment, one of the most important ones in her life.

  [Mia Through the Phone – Slightly Tearful & Emotional Voice] I had a baby… actually, a beautiful little girl named Emi. [Happy & Nostalgic Sigh]

  It’s the first time anyone in her family learns she had a baby during these last three years, and she always feared Victoria would be against her in some way because of her current age—20 years old. But the opposite of her fears ends up happening.

  [Mia Through the Phone – Slightly Tearful & Emotional Voice] She’s being taken care of by Salin’s sister, Sasha, for now. I really wanted to bring her so you could meet your beautiful and tiny niece… [Shy, Emotional Little Laugh]

  The moment Mia said that, Victoria was smiling and at the same time almost crying from so much joy and happiness, even while lying on the bed. She had become an “aunt” to a baby she already loved deeply, even without having seen a single photo.

  [Mia Over the Phone — Slightly Tearful & Emotional Voice] She is such a sweet, curious little girl, a little sister... [A Gentle, Awkward & Emotional Laugh] -

  [Victoria — Whispering, Slightly Tearful & Happy] I can imagine—she must have taken after you, who are so annoying and crazy, but whom I love to tease a lot. [A Gentle, Emotional Laugh] -

  Victoria, who was doing her best not to cry, could not hold back her emotions. She sat up on the bed, leaned her back against the wall, and held the phone in one hand while covering her face with the other, totally incredulous and at the same time very happy for her older sister, Mia.

  [Mia Over the Phone — Slightly Tearful & Smiling Voice] That’s right! She definitely takes after me and also my beloved Salin!! [Playful & Good-Humored Laughter] -

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  [Victoria — Whispering, Slightly Tearful & Happy] Tell me a summary, because I’m really curious now, big sis!! [Playful & Good-Humored Laughter] -

  [Mia Over the Phone — Slightly Tearful & Smiling Voice] Okay, at this very moment little Emi is only two years and five months old. -

  [Victoria — Whispering, Slightly Tearful & Happy] Wow, she’s already quite big — I’m even more curious to hold her in my arms. -

  [Mia Over the Phone — Slightly Tearful & Smiling Voice] Yes, she’s already quite big. You should have seen Salin’s reaction when he learned he was going to be a dad. He nearly fainted from joy with me back then. [Nostalgic & Good-Humored Laughter] -

  [Victoria — Whispering, Slightly Tearful & Happy] Oh, Salin is such a nice person; he always bought sweets when he came to our house secretly to see you while Mom and Dad were downtown. [Playful & Happy Laughter] -

  [Mia Over the Phone — Slightly Tearful & Smiling Voice] Yes, he’s a very nice man, not only with me but now as a father. [Playful & Happy Laughter] -

  Mia’s expression gradually shifted from happiness to a genuine joy, and she felt a slight tightening in her chest when she thought about the reason that had prevented her from telling their parents up to that moment.

  [Victoria — Whispering, Slightly Tearful & Happy] I’m so happy for you, big sis. When are you going to tell our parents? Does Aunt Nox know about this? -

  Her gaze dropped slightly, causing an uncomfortable sensation in Victoria. Before Victoria could question the change in Mia’s expression, Mia answered with words loaded with sadness and subtle pain.

  [Mia Over the Phone — Serious & Melancholic Voice] Two reasons are keeping me from coming home right now, little sister. One of them is Emi’s safety. And the other reason is... [Deep Breath] -

  Victoria notices the change in the way Mia is expressing herself, and her gaze also shifts, revealing melancholy and confusion at the mention of the second reason.

  [Victoria – Whispering, Confused & Melancholic] Please… tell me this second reason, big sis… [Worried Sigh] —

  On the other side of the video call, Mia seems to take a deep breath before revealing the second reason why she cannot come home. A slightly distant and vacant look on her face makes it clear to Victoria just how unusual it is to see her sister so serious and melancholic.

  [Mia Through the Phone – Serious & Melancholic Voice] The second and final reason why I can’t go home yet… is related to those people I told you about, Victoria. —

  [Victoria – Whispering, Confused & Melancholic] You’re talking about the Oculi? —

  [Mia Through the Phone – Serious & Melancholic Voice] Yes. Right now, I’m trying—along with Salin—to understand why they have been so determined to watch us during these past three years, as well as other families in the town where you are now. —

  [Victoria – Whispering, Confused & Melancholic] From what I remember, Mia… Aunt Nox’s friend, Mr. Keain—he’s one of them. And he seems to come talk to Mom from time to time about some serious matters. [Light Worried & Thoughtful Breath] —

  [Mia Through the Phone – Serious & Melancholic Voice] Mr. Keain really is an Oculi, but he has matters to discuss with our mother that don’t concern us… not yet. [Subtly Trembling & Fearful Breath] —

  [Victoria – Whispering, Confused & Melancholic] I see… I still notice Mr. Keain wandering around our property every now and then, during some late nights, in complete silence… as if he were watching us and, at the same time, protecting us from something I can’t understand… [Light Worried & Thoughtful Breath] —

  Immediately, Victoria notices that Mia is looking to the side, her expression turning serious and worried. She then realizes that Mia needs to hang up for some reason Victoria cannot understand.

  But Mia promises to get in touch in the next few days and mentions that she wants to speak with Harry together with Victoria about something important—something that cannot be told to their parents under any circumstances.

  [Mia Through the Phone – Whispering, Happy & Emotional] Before I hang up, Victoria… never forget how much I love you, little sister. Take care of yourself, you annoying brat… [Soft Sound of the Call Ending] —

  Victoria tries to ask what’s going on, but Mia smiles, conveying trust and happiness while hiding a certain fear and anger, leaving Victoria confused and at the same time worried about the strangely abrupt ending of the video call.

  [(Victoria – Confused & Melancholic Thought) Mia seemed so happy… but even so, I… (Light Worried & Thoughtful Breath)]

  After this moment of reflection, Victoria can’t contain her happiness. She rolls around on the bed, hugging her pillow from side to side, shouting with excitement and joy, the pillow successfully muffling most of her voice.

  [(Victoria – Confused & Melancholic Thought) Deep down, I feel she was worried about something dangerous and hiding something very important and… (Breathing Lightly, Worried & Thoughtful)]

  It’s clear that Victoria is extremely happy — not only because Mia finally started talking to her again after so many months without any news, but also because she shared such an incredible revelation: she has become an aunt to a tiny little “thing” named Emi, who is 2 years and 5 months old.

  [Victoria – Whispering, Happy & Smiling] Now I’m so curious and excited to hold Emi in my arms and play with her a lot. [Cheerful & Emotional Laughter] –

  While rolling on the bed with the pillow hugged tightly in her arms, still overwhelmed with the excitement of being an aunt, Victoria accidentally drops her phone from the bed to the floor.

  [Victoria – Whispering, Happy & Smiling] I’m sure she must be such a beautiful and adorable baby. [Cheerful & Emotional Laughter] –

  This startles her slightly, and she immediately stretches out to grab it while still lying down. When Victoria picks up the phone, she notices out of the corner of her eye that someone is standing in the hallway near her bedroom door, which was closed.

  This makes it clear that the person had been silently listening to the entire conversation. The instant Victoria notices this, her heart races a bit at the thought that it could be her mother or father.

  However, she hears a soft and happy voice — made even more emotional by the quiet atmosphere of the house, since her parents are fast asleep in their room, snoring — revealing that the “person” was none other than her older brother, Harry.

  [Harry – Soft & Happy Whisper] Little sis, I know you’re really happy, but… be careful with how loud you’re getting, because this revelation is going to make our parents’ hair stand on end when Mia returns. [Soft & Cheerful Sigh] –

  [Victoria – Incredulous & Happy Whisper] Harry, you heard everything? [Trembling & Surprised Sigh] –

  [Harry – Soft & Happy Whisper] I heard enough to keep me happy for the rest of the year. And, little sis… [Happy Sigh] When Mia sends you the picture of little Emi, I… [Deep Sigh] –

  [(Victoria – Incredulous & Attentive Thought) So you really are soft-hearted, brother. Look at you, what a big softie. (Surprised & Happy Sigh)]

  [Harry – Soft & Happy Whisper] I want to see her too, because she must be so cute. And don’t forget… go back to sleep, because we still have class in a few hours, you chatterbox! [Playful & Happy Laughter] –

  At the Same Time

  On the Other Side of the Door

  In the Hallway

  The perspective moves forward through the door’s keyhole, revealing Harry standing right beside it. His expression is thoughtful and, at the same time, quietly joyful because of the news that only he and his sister Mia know: the existence of Mia’s baby.

  [Harry – Whispering, Happy & Emotional] If it weren’t for everything that happened, I would be able to meet my niece. Little Emi must be the cutest thing in the world. [Soft, Emotional Laugh] -

  After whispering to himself, Harry seems shaken by the realization, yet he still smiles — happy and determined to uncover more about the incidents involving the Oculi in the region. It is clear that Harry is both angry and worried, not only for the safety of his family but especially for his sisters, Victoria and newborn Emi, despite being only thirteen years old.

  [Harry – (Confident & Angry Thought) I don’t know where you are, you bastards. And… I don’t know what you want, but… (Takes a deep breath)]

  Harry appears driven and confident that, through his investigations, he will uncover the possible threats looming over his family in the near future, as well as the families who may become the next targets of the hidden and sinister actions of the Oculi — who have remained concealed in the city and surrounding areas for many months.

  [Harry – (Confident & Angry Thought) …I promise you that I will do everything in my power to protect my family and those I love. (Takes a deep breath)]

  Even though the Oculi dwell in the shadows, they seem to be watching all potential targets of their actions and plans from a distance, which increases both Harry’s and his best friend Mark’s concern. Mark assists him in the investigations.

  Mark was previously attacked by one of the Oculi and had his mind manipulated after learning information he was never meant to know. He regained his memories after suffering an accident and hitting his head a few months ago.

  [Harry – (Confident & Angry Thought) I swear on my life that I will hunt down every last one of you — damned Oculi Nigri and Oculi Albi — for daring to threaten my family and my sisters! (Breathes deeply, Motivated)]

  --------------------------------------------------

  – (Act 1 – Two Choices) –

  [Arc 1 – A New Perspective]