The One

Unexpected News

 A week slipped by in silence, yet the approaching full moon stirred an unsettling agitation within her, a feeling that didn't go unnoticed by Luka.

'Mummy? You okay?' his concerned mind-link broke through her thoughts.

'Yes, bud, I'm okay. I was just thinking about my work.'

"Okay, mummy. Em, mummy," he hesitated.

'Yes, baby boy?'

'Can I follow Grandpa and Grandma next week?'

'Huh? Where to?'

His eagerness bubbled over. 'I overheard Grandpa and Grandma planning their vacation trip, and I want to follow. Can I, mummy? Please, pretty please?'

'Baby boy, I'll think about it first, okay?'

"Okay, mummy~"

After their brief exchange, she picked up her phone, dialling her parents to inquire about their plans.

"Mummy, I heard that you and Daddy are going on a short vacation?"

"Yes, we are, but we'll tell you the details once you come back home, okay?"

"Okay, mummy. See you at home. Bye."

Later that evening, the Randale and Salvatore families gathered around the dinner table, laughter mingling with the clatter of dishes, creating an atmosphere of warmth.

In the midst of the revelry, Karol suddenly felt compelled to ask, remembering Luka's eager request. "Oh yes, Mummy, Daddy, when are you going for your short vacation?"

"Next week on the 27th. Do you want to come?" her father replied.

"No, thank you; I'll pass. But a small body, a boy whose name starts with the letter L, is keen to tag along," she teased.

"It's me! I overheard Aunty Sharon talking on the phone about it, and I told Lex. We both want to follow!" Luka piped up excitedly.

"Oh my, our grandsons want to join us! It'll be a delightful adventure, just the four of us!" William exclaimed, winking at the boys, who giggled in delight.

Anna interjected, concern etched on her face. "But did you get your mother's permission?"

The boys exchanged hurried glances, shaking their heads in unison. "No, Grandma," they chorused.

"Then you must seek your mother's blessing first before we make plans, alight?" she instructed, a knowing smile on her lips.

The night continued with laughter and joy, yet a suffocating feeling clawed at Karol's heart, a shadow that refused to dissipate. The following day, at the office, a flurry of concern disrupted her focus as Jason's calls flooded in.

"Hello, Jason. What's up?"

"Karol, I need a big favour," his voice crackled with urgency.

"Okay, what is it? Is everything aright?"

"I'll explain once I pick you up, but no, everything is not okay."

"Understood. I'll wait for you in the lobby."

"See you in five."

Exactly five minutes later, Jason screeched to a halt outside her office, the urgency radiating off him. She hurriedly dashed to the car, a sense of foreboding weighing heavily on her heart.

"We will go back home now," Jason said, urgency lacing his voice.

"Why? What's wrong?" she asked, a knot forming in her stomach.