Stepping through the front door, Kinsley was greeted by a less-than-enthusiastic welcome, courtesy of his late arrival. Mitchell's expression, a silent scolding, spoke volumes. He understood her worry, now more than ever. Though the city celebrated, its own existence felt increasingly fragile. The scent of lasagna, Kimberly's favorite, permeated the house, a warm counterpoint to the evening chill – a small act of appeasement, perhaps? Or was it her own way of seeking solace? He couldn't be certain."Happy New Year," he said, a touch too eagerly. He offered Mitchell the necklace, a delicate silver chain adorned with a heart-shaped pendant. Her gaze softened as she accepted it. "It's lovely, thank you." To Kimberly, he presented the art supplies. Her face lit up instantly. "Awesome, Dad! Thanks!"
The dinner table felt like a stage set, each of them performing their assigned roles. Mitchell inquired about his day, about the festivities at the Blue Springs Tower. He provided a carefully edited account, omitting the disturbing conversation with Classic, the oppressive burden of his new position, and the persistent sense of impending doom."The fireworks were incredible," he remarked, forcing a cheerful tone. "The entire city was illuminated."Kimberly chattered animatedly about her approaching term at the new school. "I'm a bit anxious," she confessed, twirling lasagna around her fork. "It's so much larger than my previous school."
"You'll thrive," Mitchell assured her. "You're bright and gifted. And it's a chance for a clean slate, to forge new friendships."Kinsley nodded in agreement, yet his thoughts were elsewhere. What sort of institution was it, truly? Had they conducted sufficient research? Was Kimberly genuinely safe there? These questions spiraled through his mind, exacerbating his growing anxiety."What subjects will you be studying?" he asked, attempting to project genuine interest.
Kimberly shrugged. "The usual things, I guess. Math, science, history. But they also have an amazing art program.""Perhaps you'll become the next Picasso," Kinsley quipped, tousling her hair affectionately.
Mitchell offered a smile, tinged with melancholy. He knew she longed for her work at Azaw City Hospital. As a dedicated and skilled professional , she deserved more than this imposed domesticity. The compensation their family received provided a degree of financial security, enabling them to relocate to a better neighborhood and safeguard Kimberly's future , but it also left a lingering unpleasantness. What was the true cost of their newfound stability?As the meal continued, the discussion meandered toward lighter subjects, yet Kinsley couldn't dispel the sensation that they were all carefully avoiding an unspoken truth. The unacknowledged fears, the uncertainties surrounding the future, the secrets threatening to shatter their carefully constructed reality.Later, in the stillness of their bedroom, Kinsley recounted Classic's statements to his wife, struggling to decipher their underlying meaning. He spoke of the administrative issues, the ambiguities, the secrets hidden from view .Mitchell, in return, revealed the unsettling specifics of the autopsy she'd performed. "It was the founder, Alex Stu's, body," she verified, her voice hushed. "And there were… things that defied logical explanation. Marks, Kingsley, reminiscent of something from those fantasy films. Brutal, ravaged… it appeared as though his body had been ripped apart from within by something… supernatural." However, she left the deepest secrets with herself.
As she spoke, a terrifying insight struck Kinsley: something extraordinary was at work, manipulating events, people… everything. If it could reach someone like Founder Alex Stu p, what would prevent it from endangering his own family? He vowed, in that instant, to expose the truth, regardless of the personal sacrifice. His family's well-being depended on it.The following day, Kinsley arrived at his office with the intention of confiding in Classic, seeking his guidance. He needed a trustworthy confidant, someone with a deep understanding of the company's inner workings, someone capable of helping him navigate the perilous path ahead. However, upon reaching Classic's office, he discovered a scene of chaos. Individuals were removing boxes and personal belongings. He soon learned the news: Classic had tendered his resignation. The world tilted beneath Kinsley's feet. He was alone.