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Chapter 23

Gentle evening sunlight pierces through the glass window, shining the room bright. Its warm embrace envelops everything present in the room. Together with its warmth is also a sense of peace and serenity for those who are exposed to it. However, even though the light is able to pierce into the room, the peaceful sensation fails to penetrate into the heart and mind of the owner of the room.

Khaiser folds his blanket and places it neatly on his pillows before straightening the bed sheet as he changes his posture to standing straight. Satisfied with his work, he picks up his bag that is leaning against the wardrobe and opens his steps to leave his room. However, he does not head straight toward the door. Instead, he takes a quick stroll around the room first, making sure that he does not forget anything important. All his actions seem to be in a hurry and rush, clearly showing the state of his mind. The windows are closed, electrical appliances are plugged out of the power source and all switches are off. Ensured that every task has been fulfilled, he steps out of the room, closes the door and heads toward the living room.

***

The evening around the neighbourhood is filled with a cheerful ambience. The sound of gardening tools, children laughing and playing, people talking and various other sounds mix together. Like a variety of colours mixed to form a breathtaking painting on canvas, all the sounds are decorating the neighbourhood area with ornaments of joy. Everyone takes the opportunity to relax and indulge in their respective favourite activities.

Lukas and his family are also not excepted from enjoying the serene evening. However, unlike their neighbours who spend their time under the bright blue sky and soft white clouds, they prefer to spend theirs under the roof of their house's veranda. Nonetheless, they still take the chance to bathe in the gentle and soothing evening sunlight.

"Can I bring these cups outside?" Julianne turns to her mother as her hands grab the tray full of cups on the kitchen counter. Nadya stops cutting the cake that she baked earlier for a moment and brings her attention to her daughter.

"Sure, sweetheart. Thank you." Nadya gives her daughter a smile before continuing where she left off. Upon receiving the consent, Julianne carefully lifts the tray and opens her steps toward the veranda.

***

Lukas stands still as he inspects the plant that he just trimmed. He then moves a little from his spot, changing his view to get a better look and search for any flaws. Satisfied with his work, he proceeds to walk slowly around the small garden and brings his attention to each plant in it.

"Dad, what're you doing?" Lukas immediately cuts his steps even though he only manages to take just a few steps and turns toward the veranda where the voice came from. The sight of Julianne standing at the edge of the veranda and gazing at him greets his eyes. He also notices that the empty coffee table just now has a tray full of cups resting on it.

"Nothing much. Just a little bit of gardening." Lukas leaves the small garden and steps toward his daughter. As he walks away, he gives a quick glance at the plants before bringing his sight back to his daughter. "Is it almost tea time?"

"Uh-huh. Mom and Mari are still in the kitchen, preparing drinks and dessert. There are not so many things left to do though. They're almost finished anyway."

"Oh, great. I want to put this back in its place and wash my hands. If you guys are finished, you can go ahead. No need to wait for me." Lukas shows a pair of secateurs in his hand before walking away to the garage. Julianne nods a little as she watches her father's steps before bringing herself to the coffee table and taking her seat. She throws her sight around the neighbourhood, observing her neighbours spending the evening. At that moment of silence, a gentle breeze caresses her skin and brings her thoughts to a place without boundaries. She puts her arm on the armrest and rests her head on her palm. She continues to stare into emptiness, following her random thoughts as her eyes slowly become heavier.