Kiem's Unsolved Mysteries

Does she know something?

Kiem fumbled with his keys, finally unlocking the front door. He was about to slam it open when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He fished it out, a smile spreading across his face as he saw Cynthia's name on the screen.

"Hey babe," he started to text, then stopped. He scrolled down through the message history. Uh oh.

Cynthia (text): Hey Kiem I've been trying your phone for an hour! Where are you? It says it's out of range. I tried calling your office but they said you weren't there either. The house phone isn't answering either!

Kiem winced. He must have left his phone on silent during his goodbye to Adler.

Kiem (text): Hey Cynthia, so sorry! Just saw your message. My phone must have been on silent. I am on my way home now, and will be there soon!

Kiem reached for the worn armchair, sinking back with a sigh of contentment. It had been a long day, and he looked forward to relaxing. But just as he got comfortable, the ringtone on his phone pierced the quiet. He glanced at the screen and saw Cynthia's name flash up.

A grin spread across his face. He knew this visit to her mom's must have been flying by, and he was eager to hear about it. With a quick tap of the answer button, his voice filled the room.

"Hey Cynthia," he said, his voice warm. "How's everything going over at your mom's?"

He could hear the concern in Cynthia's voice, and he didn't want to burden her with anything while she was visiting her mom.

"How are things going over at your mom's? Have you had a chance to catch up?"

"Your office Staff said you seemed troubled. Is everything all right, honey?"

Kiem chuckled as he read Cynthia's message. "The office staff might have just been a bit confused today," he replied with a playful tone. "Maybe they just missed my charming smile! How about you? Did you enjoy some delicious home cooking at your mom's place?"

He could hear the smile creep back into Cynthia's voice. "Oh, you know it," she said.

Kiem's stomach rumbled with hunger. "That sounds amazing! I can't wait for you to be home and enjoy it with you." He paused for a moment. "There might be a bit of a project causing a little stir at work, but nothing I can't handle. Tell me more about your visit! Did you catch up on all your favorite shows with your mom?"

"Kiem I am worried about your health you are not hiding something about me", Cynthia said with concern in her voice.

Kiem's smile softened a touch. "I appreciate you worrying about me, honey," he said. "I'm feeling fine. How about we chat more about your visit when I get home? Is there anything in particular you'd like to do tonight?"

Cynthia's voice took on a serious tone. "Yes, there is something I want to discuss with you," she said. "But why don't you relax first? Maybe grab a glass of water and unwind a bit. We can talk when you're comfortable."

Kiem's curiosity piqued. "All right," he said, a playful tone returning to his voice. "But you owe me some details! Is this something good, bad, or just plain weird?"

The casual conversation with Cynthia evaporated like a drop of water on a hot pan. Her words hung heavy in the air, a sudden weight settling on Kiem. Was it A secret entrusted by his father; a contingency revealed only in moments of hardship? The phone felt heavy in Kiem's hand, the connection a lifeline as Cynthia spoke.

"Your father..." Cynthia began, her voice trembling slightly. "He told me something a long time ago. He said if you were ever in trouble..."

Kiem's circuits whirred, a sense of foreboding growing. "What did he say?"

Cynthia took a deep breath. "He said to tell you... that his partner... had died in an accident."

A whirlwind of emotions swirled within Kiem – shock, disbelief, a profound sense of loss. The revelation shifted the very foundation of Kiem's world, rewriting its past and casting its future into uncertainty.

In that moment, the familiar surroundings of home stretched before Kiem, a stark contrast to the emotional storm raging within. Cynthia's voice, laced with concern, promised support in the coming upheaval. This new truth, this missing piece of Kiem's past about his father's partner, demanded exploration, but for now, there was only the phone, the connection to Cynthia, and the overwhelming need to process this life-altering revelation.