Patriots and Renegades

XVII. Kraken [PART III]

THE RESISTANCE

For the next 23 hours, Geo tells all of them to spend the remaining time with their families and loved ones. This actually happens everytime whenever they're about to go to war. However, Concord rarely does this.

But since the upcoming battle is a bit unsettling for him. He chooses to go back to his parents' house and spends his time there. His mom cooks his favorite food as he sets the plates and utensils on the table.

As they eat, she looks at Concord as if she already knows what's bothering him. "What happened?" She asks while slicing that juicy and tender meat she cooked.

He doesn't look back so she couldn't read his eyes. "Nothing really happened. Just— Kraken and all those stuffs." He acts as if it doesn't really bother him every single day.

"Really? Because the Concord I know doesn't come here and begs for his mother to cook his favorite food." She says as she eats.

He then follows a chuckle, "Mom, I'm fine. Really. Everything will work out eventually.."

"'Eventually'? Who are you and what have you done to my son?"

Concord looks at her with a smile. "I'm still me, mom." He holds her hand reassuringly. "I just don't know how to deal with..personal problems."

"Can you at least give me a clue?"

He releases her hand and holds his fork. "What do you do when it comes to trust and promises?"

"Hmm.." She thinks for a bit, then answers, "The two are actually linked together.. Trust is something that you can promise. Meanwhile, promises sometimes cannot be trusted. So what I do is to never promise something I know that I can't do, because others trust you and they will depend on you. Trust is fragile. Yet, very important. That's why I always carefully hold it in me."

"What if it's broken?"

"Concord, trust.. Depends on you. Promises are just words, but trust keeps them together. It sounds a bit confusing, but have I answered your question?"

Concord gives her a warm smile. "Thanks, mom."

"Now don't go dramatic on me now! Kendric will be here soon. It turns out that he's studying law."

"That's news to me! So that means he won't be coming with the fleet to Kraken."

She shakes her head, "There were realizations in his mind."

"If that is where he is happy."

"Oh give me a break, Concord! Just by looking at your dad, he looks stressed everytime he comes back home from politics."

Dinner passes with genuine laughters and smiles.

Only five more hours left before their departure. He takes a long shower as he meditates. Breathing in, breathing out, and again, and again. When he's done, he changes into his uniform and makes sure that all of his necessities are all in his bag. With one last look in the mirror before heading out, he straightens his uniform and stares at himself. "For everyone." He walks away as he carries his bag, and heads out to his car. His mom, on the other hand, doesn't want to say goodbye to him. 'Cause she believes that he will come back, and prays that he will.