April 4, 2014
7:00 PM
Bruce's House (Unknown Location)
Bruce's electrical shop had been destroyed in a fire, which forced him to return home. He informed Lilly that he intended to open a new shop in his hometown, as he had grown weary of living alone and had decided to stay with his family from then on.
One evening, Bruce was helping fourteen-year-old Sam complete his school homework, while Lilly was preparing dinner in the kitchen. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Rising from his chair, Bruce said, "I'll see who it is."
Moments later, he returned accompanied by several individuals dressed in formal coats, trousers, and black glasses. Bruce's face had turned pale. He quietly gestured to Lilly, signaling her to take Sam into another room. Without hesitation, Lilly led Sam to his bedroom.
Sam was utterly confused. What is happening? Who are these people?
For some time, he could hear only the sound of conversation. However, the tone gradually shifted, and faint chaos could be heard from outside. Sam grew increasingly curious and wanted to step out, but Lilly had instructed him to remain on the bed.
After a few minutes, Lilly hurried into the room and began searching frantically through the cupboard. Concerned, Sam asked, "Mom, what's going on?" She did not respond. He repeated his question several times, but she remained silent.
Eventually, Lilly found some documents. As she was about to leave, she turned to Sam and said, "Sam, everything will be fine. Just have some patience."
Those were the last words Sam heard from her.
Hours passed. An eerie and unsettling silence filled the house. Eventually, Sam fell asleep on the bed.
When Sam woke up, he found himself in a classroom, seated on the last bench. As he stood up, he realized he was wearing his school uniform. Looking around, he recognized the place—it was his classroom, and it was lunchtime.
As he walked around, Sam noticed a girl speaking with her friends. She had short, slightly curled hair at the edges, an olive skin tone, and a calm expression.
"Maria," Sam whispered. Yes, she is Maria, he thought.
Maria briefly glanced at him before turning away. Before Sam could process anything further, someone tapped him on the shoulder. Turning around, he saw his friend Franz.
"What are you doing here?" Franz asked. "Lunch break is almost over. Let's get back to class."
They returned to the classroom, where the students were seated, talking among themselves and waiting for the teacher. Sam kept looking at Maria.
"Why are you so quiet today?" Franz asked.
Before Sam could respond, the teacher entered the room holding a stack of exam result sheets. "I have your examination results," the teacher announced.
One by one, the results were distributed. Sam had barely passed. Franz looked at him and said, "Why don't you focus more on your studies?"
Sam remained silent. He glanced at Maria and then lowered his head onto the desk.
Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the room as someone slammed the door against the wall. The sound was overwhelming. When Sam looked toward the entrance, he saw his father rushing toward him.
At that moment, Sam woke up.
Bruce stood before him, urging him to pack his essential belongings as quickly as possible. Sam was worried about Lilly, but seeing Bruce's urgency, he chose not to ask questions.
While packing, Sam noticed Bruce taking a hammer and breaking the wall beside his bed. Behind it was a hidden compartment, just large enough to hold a suitcase. Inside, there was only one suitcase. Bruce took it out and asked, "Are you done yet?"
"I'm done," Sam replied.
As they loaded their luggage into the car, Sam asked, "Where are we going, Dad? And where's Mom?"
Bruce responded in a heavy voice, as though struggling to conceal both anger and sorrow, "I'll tell you soon. Don't be afraid. Everything is fine."
He tapped Sam on the shoulder and instructed him to get into the car.
Bruce started the engine and drove at high speed. While they were on the highway, Sam noticed a car following them. He informed Bruce, who told him to remain calm. After some time, the car disappeared, and Sam let out a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, a speeding truck crashed into their car from the front.
"Dad!" Sam screamed—
—and woke up again.
He was lying on his bed, breathing heavily, drenched in sweat. It had been a dream—a memory of his past.
Eight years had passed since that incident.
There was a knock on the door.
"Sam, are you alright?" Bruce's voice came from outside.
Sam opened the door and replied, "Yes, I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about."
Bruce nodded. "Come downstairs. Breakfast is ready."