third time's a charm

20

Thana's heart raced with anxiety as she absorbed her mother's unsettling revelations about Bright's cursed fate. "Mom, are you completely sure that Bright is under a curse?" she pressed, panic rising within her.

Her mother's tone was grave as she confirmed, "Yes, Thana, I'm sure. It's a heartbreaking tale, one that involves your uncle and Bright's mother. Both Bright and Win...were just caught up in it."

Thana's brow furrowed even deeper as she listened intently to her mother's explanation. "What happened?" she asked, her curiosity piqued despite the apprehension.

Her mother took a deep breath, her voice heavy with regret. "Oh goodness, where do I start? It's been so long. Your uncle and Bright's mother had a brief affair many years ago. But she suddenly broke things off and chose to marry Bright's father instead."

Thana's eyes widened in shock at the revelation. "But why would that lead to a curse on Bright?" she questioned, her mind reeling with the implications.

"Your uncle couldn't bear to accept the rejection," her mother explained sadly. "He became obsessed with Bright's mother, practically becoming her stalker. Out of anger and jealousy, he cursed Bright to only fall in love with Win."

Thana's mind raced with disbelief. "But I never knew our uncle to possess such abilities," she mused aloud.

Her mother shook her head. "He had help from someone he referred to as his master---a psychic," she revealed.

Thana's thoughtsimmediately turned to Madame Sukie, and a wave of anxiety washed over her. Could Madame Sukie be involved? She wondered, her mind grappling with the unsettling idea.

Her mother's voice sounded so distant as she continued her story. "By the time your uncle realized the mistake he had made and attempted to lift the curse, he was met with a tragic accident and passed away."

Thana's heart ached for Bright, knowing he was unwittingly burdened with the weight of the curse. But her thoughts also drifted to Win, unaware that their bond was built on deception from the start. "So, does that mean Bright's love for Win is not genuine?" she asked, feeling a sudden wave of gloom overtakes the future.

Her mother sighed solemnly. "I believe so. The affection he shows your brother is likely a result of the curse. It's uncertain what will happen once it's lifted."

Thana's mind raced as she processed the gravity of the situation. "But why would Bright and Win be linked in such a way?" she wondered aloud.

Her mother let out a weary sigh. "They were childhood playmates," she began, her tone heavy with sorrow. "Your uncle orchestrated their meetings, frequenting the park where Bright played. He was envious of Bright's father and harbored resentment towards Bright's mother for breaking his heart. Despite having no children of his own, he treated Win as his own son."

Thana's heart sank as she realized the depth of the tragedy that had unfolded. "What will happen now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Imagining her mother's solemn expression, she could hear her say, "We need to find a way to break that curse, so that Bright may find genuine love free from its influence."

Thana's voice cracked with emotion as she pleaded, "But what about Win? What will happen to my brother? He'll be shattered."

There was a heavy sigh from her mother on the other end of the line, a weighty acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. "I know, dear. It's a lot to process," she responded, her voice gentle yet firm. "But let's wait until your father and I return. For now, it's best not to say anything to Win."

Thana felt a knot tighten in her stomach at the thought of keeping such a secret from her brother, but she knew her mother was right. "Do you think he'll be able to handle it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.