PROTOGEN ( NEW CIVILIZATION)

Part 8 ---NEW DAY---

Location: Amar's house (temporary)
Time: 10:12

A new day, a new beginning. It felt like I had been reborn, as if yesterday's troubles were a distant memory. The sun's light gently poured into the room, creating a warm glow. I had slept so deeply that I almost wanted to stay in bed a little longer. But no, I pushed myself to get up, groggy and sluggish, as if I had been up all night.

I glanced at the clock on the wall, hanging to my right. It showed 10:12. "Not too bad," I thought. I've slept in way later than that before.

After stretching, I dragged myself to the bathroom, my reflection in the mirror a reminder that a new day was here. I quickly washed up and got ready, feeling slightly more awake. Once I was done, I headed back to the bedroom to tidy things up. Everything looked as it should. I made the bed, straightened the pillows, and gave the room a quick glance before leaving, closing the door behind me.

The hallway was quiet as I moved through it, my footsteps echoing softly on the wooden floor. As I descended the stairs, I felt a strange stillness in the house. Usually, Robin would be up by now, bustling around, preparing for the day. But there was no sound, no movement.

I reached the living room, expecting to see him, but the space was empty.

Amar: "Robin!!??" I called out, my voice breaking the silence. No response.

Amar: "Robin, where are you??!!"

I waited, listening for any sound, but again, there was nothing. This wasn't like him. Feeling uneasy, I walked toward the kitchen, hoping to find him there. But when I stepped inside, the kitchen was just as quiet. The only thing out of place was a piece of paper lying on the table.

Curious, I moved closer. A letter. I picked it up, seeing Robin's name scrawled on the top. I unfolded it and began reading.

From Robin:

I hope you're awake. You've been sleeping way too long, but that's not really a problem.

I went to the base to retrieve some documents and certificates—your personal information. If I'm not back in half an hour, it means I'm handling something else. I made breakfast for you in the kitchen, feel free to eat it. One thing, though—don't leave the house or the yard. I'll be back soon. Be good.

I raised an eyebrow, slightly confused. "Documents?" I muttered. He gave me something last night, didn't he? But I brushed it off. I'd figure it out when he got back.

Shaking my head, I set the letter aside and turned my attention to breakfast. "Now, where is it? Ah, there it is!" I spotted the plate on the kitchen table, neatly arranged. I sat down, ate quickly, and once finished, made my way back to the living room.

I sank into the sofa, letting my mind wander. What should I do until Robin comes back? I didn't have much to do. The house was quiet, and the minutes seemed to crawl by. After what felt like an eternity of lying there, something caught my eye—a door in the corner of the room, partially hidden by shadows.

Curiosity got the better of me. I walked over to the door and opened it, revealing a small, dusty library. Shelves were filled with old books, records, and mysterious volumes. The air was heavy with the scent of aged paper. As I wandered through the room, I spotted a book sitting on a small table in the corner. Its cover was worn, and dust covered the surface. I picked it up and brushed off the dust, trying to find a title. The first few pages were blank, but on the sixth page, the title was revealed: "Two Nations Like Two Brothers."

"Strange title," I thought, but I was intrigued. I took the book back to the living room and sat down again, opening it to the first real page.

For the next hour, I was absorbed in the story. It spoke of two nations once at war, now attempting to unite as one—brotherhood, unity, and the hope of returning to a simpler life. It was a fascinating read, but just as I was getting deeper into the book, I heard the front door creak open.

I quickly set the book aside and stood up, peeking into the hallway. Robin was back.

Amar: "You're back."

Robin: "Oh, you're awake."

Amar: "Yeah, you took your time."

Robin chuckled and walked into the living room. He looked tired, his face showing the strain of whatever he'd been doing. He handed me a folder filled with documents.

Amar: "What's this?"

Robin: "Your DNA results and a court certificate. While you're here, you're officially a citizen of this country now. They gave you an ID and everything."

Amar: "Just like that?"

Robin: "Yeah, what were you expecting? A parade?" He gave a weary smile. "Oh, and here's some clothes. I got you something better to wear."

Amar: "Thanks."

Robin sat down on the sofa, stretching his arms. His eyes drifted to the table, spotting the book.

Robin: "Ahh, you found the library." He reached over and picked up the book. "This one's my favorite. "Two Nations Like Two Brothers." There's no better book."

Amar: "It's yours?"

Robin: "Yep, it's a classic."

Robin paused for a moment, then looked at me with a thoughtful expression.

Robin: "By the way, I was going to ask you... do you want to go out? See the world a bit?"

Amar: "Why not? I'm tired of being cooped up in here."

Robin: "Great. Get ready. I'll wait for you outside."

Robin left the house, leaving me alone again. I went upstairs, got dressed, and headed back down, feeling a bit more awake now. As I stepped outside, Robin was waiting for me with a grin.

Robin: "All set?"

Amar: "Yeah, I'm ready."

Robin: "Alright, let's go."

Amar: "Wait, aren't we taking the car?"

Robin: "Nah, we're walking to town."

Amar: "How far is town?"

Robin: "Only 12 kilometers."

Amar: "WHAT?! 12 kilometers?? Are you serious?"

Robin: "Yep."

Amar: "Do you even know what 12 kilometers is?!"

Robin: "I know exactly what it is." He chuckled. "When I was a kid, I used to walk 50 kilometers to the big city every day just to get groceries. And now you're worried about 12 kilometers?"

I groaned. "Fine, let's go. But don't expect me to enjoy it."

Robin laughed as we started walking. It was a long way to town, but something told me this journey would be anything but boring.