The Dark Society

9

Luis struggled to wake up again this morning. But, entering the kitchen, he smiled while watching his mother in amazement.

"Do you ever take a day off?"

Caroline turned and opened the window blinds.

"Not if you want breakfast."

Luis wasn't feeling energized despite a long heart-to-heart with his father. Still, everything was heading in the right direction.

"Is Dad awake?" he asked, grabbing the morning paper.

His mother chuckled.

"You know your father—slow to get moving."

Setting sections aside, Luis smiled as Jim wandered into the kitchen.

"Good morning," Caroline greeted as her husband settled into a chair.

"What did I miss?" he asked, reaching for a cup.

"Oh, nothing much," she replied with a giggle.

"How's my favorite graduate this morning?" Jim asked, taking a sip of coffee.

"Tired, but looking forward to a relaxing summer."

Jim settled, then gathered discarded sections of the paper.

"What's the plan?" he inquired. "Are you registering this week?"

Luis looked up with concerned curiosity.

"This morning, if I can avoid the crowds."

Jim stood and helped Caroline.

"The earlier, the better."

Luis appreciated his father's honesty more often than not. Yet, several unusual gestures caught attention. Then again, Jim was often full of surprises, so Luis stayed alert.

"You're more animated than usual," he observed.

"I have every right to be," Jim replied as Caroline looked concerned.

"Jim--tell him."

Luis looked at his father.

"I've spoken with Stephen," he admitted.

Luis thought for a moment.

"Littleton?"

His father nodded.

Luis hadn't seen Alex since an abrupt transfer to Birmingham, so he felt excited by the news.

"Has he returned to London?" Luis asked.

"And transferred to Imperial," his father answered.

"What about Stephen and Diana?"

"Stephen's the superintendent for the telecom division of Lattice Group in London. So, with the promotion, they've moved back to the city."

Luis appeared calm despite his obvious excitement.

"So, Alex is registering?"

Jim composed himself.

"Yes, but I'm sure he'd like to see you beforehand."

"How?" Luis asked.

"Simple. I'll contact Stephen and set up a time."

Caroline's expression changed while arranging the breakfast dishes.

"Mom, what is it?" he asked.

She turned to Jim.

"You should tell him everything."

"What's going on?" Luis interjected.

Jim hesitated because, despite the best intentions, there wasn't an easy way to say it.

"Someone else is attending Imperial this semester."

"I'm listening," Luis replied.

Jim's gaze fell.

"Karen."

After that, Luis walked to the window and parted the curtains.

"She's come home too?"

Jim remembered their history, so he remained sensitive to Luis's feelings.

"As far as I know—yes."

Luis didn't speak or react as the possibility of seeing Karen again became real.

"Are you all right?" Jim asked.

Luis faced his parents.

"It was going to happen at some point," he said. "Besides, I can't avoid her forever."

Jim looked regretful.

"I didn't want to upset you, but I thought you should know."

Every man encounters only one true love in his lifetime, and for Luis, Karen was his. But because of circumstances, they remained apart. Luis often tried to forget, but his love was enduring. However, he stayed focused on the future despite lingering emotions.

"The past should stay in the past," he announced.

Caroline embraced him.

"Sounds like you've grown up."

Luis felt nervous about seeing Alex because of his connection to Karen. After all, they shared an intimate history and a lifetime of friendship. Then again, past relationships, whether personal or professional, seemed complicated. For this reason, Luis knew his relationship with Karen would feel scrutinized.

More so, the breakup taught him invaluable lessons that enhanced self-awareness. One of many qualities Luis appreciated and practiced in everyday life. Finally, his parents remained supportive despite Luis's changing ideas. In the end, he labored to succeed, and it's a challenge he'd accepted. This meant Luis was eager to start the next phase of his life.

"Where are you off to?" Jim asked.

Luis grinned, grabbing the keys.

"I'm following your advice."

"You're kidding?" Jim said with amusement.

"I have to move on, don't I?"

"So you're going to campus?" his father asked.

"Yeah," he confirmed. "I need a closer look."

Luis said goodbye and headed out.

"What do you think?" Caroline asked as she and Jim watched from the window.

"He's strong," Jim admitted. "And if he stays focused, there's no way he can fail."

"What about Karen?" she wondered.

"He still loves her," he answered. "But given the complications, he'll need to be careful."