Close Call [LCF Reacts to TBOH]

Chapter 2: Open Wound

Following the crash scene and witnessing the reactions of the father and son duo to the loss of their beloved, Choi Hoon's pale and visibly nervous face appeared on the screen.

After a moment, he opened his mouth and began his announcement.

"Well, um, right... so, I received a notice that things will only get progressively worse from this point on...? So, umm... please refrain from causing any damage or placing blame, okay? After all, this is an alternate world that no longer exists. And, uh, any disruptions you cause may result in consequences. Just keep that in mind, ok?... aha ha..."

His nervous chuckles echoed, causing some viewers to hold their breath or feel as if their hearts were being physically squeezed.

Watching the death of Jour Henituse hadn't been easy by any means. Not at all. So, the fact that they were receiving a warning right now...

'I suppose we're in for another intense experience-'

+

The day after the funeral was enveloped in a shroud of unbearable dread. Yet, the sun dared to rise, casting its blinding rays upon the world, its cheerful radiance a haunting contrast to the desolation that clung to the air in that gloomy household...

+

"Damn... Such a vivid portrayal of emotions," Eric commented, his gaze fixed on the somber hues depicted on the screen. He was entranced by the stark contrast between the sun's cheerful radiance and the oppressive atmosphere that weighed upon the household.

+

In the vast and imposing manor of Henituse County, a young redhead stood in solitude. His once-bright eyes grew progressively duller with each passing second, reflecting the loneliness that enveloped him.

Cale Henituse, the sole heir of Count Deruth Henituse, refrained from complaining. In fact, he scarcely shed tears in public despite the profound loss of his dearest mother.

To be clear, Cale was overcome with grief, but he couldn't fully process the pain due to the abruptness of the entire situation. It felt surreal to have his loved one by his side one moment, only for her to be gone the next... forever. Moreover, he bore witness to his father, who was as resilient as an oak tree and a steadfast pillar of support and guidance throughout his life, crumbling before his eyes.

Observing him falter and struggle was a sight that shook Cale to his very core.

+

As the scene unfolded on the screen, Tasha's eyes brimmed with empathy, and she murmured, "Poor Young Master Cale... He's so young, yet he's carrying so much pain. It's truly heart-wrenching to witness."

Beside her, Shawn let out a soft hum, adding, "I mean, there are countless children losing their parents everywhere, especially during times of war, but yes, no one deserves such a fate." While his words held a logical perspective, his gaze too held a depth of sympathy.

In his inner thoughts, he continued, 'Losing his mother and witnessing his father's struggle... It's an immense burden for anyone to bear, let alone a child such as himself.'

He shakes his head, 'that boy's going through an unimaginable ordeal, and it's almost too painful to watch.'

Those words rang particularly true as the next scene came to life.

+

'I miss mom...' a quiet whimper almost escaped Cale's tightly bitten lips, his eyes burning with unshed tears. '...I miss dad.'