After the meeting, candidates began congratulating each other.
When one of them turned to shake Lay's hand, he simply stood, turned away without a glance, and walked out.
In his cabin, he didn't waste a second. He began clearing the mess — papers into the bin, important notes and forms neatly stacked and handed to his assistant. He checked everything twice, then bowed slightly.
"Thank you for everything. I couldn't have succeeded without your guidance and support."
She smiled, eyes glistening. Lay didn't need her words to understand.
"So… what's next?"
"You'll be informed in a few days."
"Thank you."
He took his belongings and left.
As he walked, his mind was strangely blank. He took deep breaths, each one a little heavier than the last. From a distance, he could see home. Relief flickered in his chest — a soft, soothing warmth — until a sudden thought froze him mid-step.
I didn't talk properly to Granny this whole week.
Guilt prickled at him.
He climbed the stairs slowly, opened the door, and stepped inside. The bag was tossed aside, the AC turned to its highest setting. He switched on the TV, found a cartoon channel, and dropped onto the couch.
(Thud!) The noise brought Granny from the other room.
"Ah, Lay! When did you come, my dear? Tired? Wait—" She hurried to the kitchen, returning with water and snacks. "Drink this, eat this… I'll cook something hot. Go freshen up, child."
She patted his head. He leaned back against the couch, eyes half-closed.
My little pumpkin… He hasn't slept well all week. Barely ate, always rushing. His collar's creased, and he's sweating from all that work. Poor boy… he hasn't even had time for a proper bath. And those precious eyes of his…
She patted him again before rushing to the kitchen, already pulling out his favorite ingredients.
I'm glad I bought everything beforehand… but I should have started cooking earlier. He must be starving… I need to be quick.
Lay finally stood, drank the water, and headed to the bathroom. Clothes hit the floor, and he slid into the hot bath, letting the steam soak away days of exhaustion.
When he emerged, it was in an oversized white shirt and loose pajamas, a towel draped over his shoulders. Feeling lighter, he nibbled at the snacks Granny had left. From the kitchen came the sounds of chopping, sizzling oil, and the gentle clatter of pans.
Cartoons played on the TV, and for the first time in days, Lay found himself smiling.
A few minutes later—
"My dear pumpkin… all your favorites are ready."
She set the dishes on the table, only to find Lay curled up on the couch, fast asleep.
Smiling softly, she whispered, "My child is finally sleeping peacefully."
She draped a blanket over him, covered the food, and switched off the TV. Dinner could wait. She ate alone and stayed up until midnight, just in case he woke up hungry. Sitting against the cupboard, she dozed lightly in the cool night air.
At one o'clock, Lay stirred, stomach growling. He blinked to see Granny sleeping on the floor.
"Granny… why are you here? It's cold."
Her eyes fluttered open. "Pumpkin, you're awake! Come, have some food."
"Granny…"
She served him steaming chicken, noodles, and sweets. He ate until his stomach was full.
"Do you have work tomorrow?"
"No, I don't."
"Good. Then eat well and sleep." She scooped more noodles into his bowl.
"Granny…"
"Shhh! You'll wake the others."
"I need to tell you something."
"Tell me tomorrow. Tonight, just eat without saying a word."