My Dear Annabelle

Chapter - 3 Escaping Reality

(Next Day, In Lian's House)

Lian was filled with excitement as he prepared to see Kuea, the person who always made his day brighter.

After finishing breakfast with a smile on his face, he waved goodbye to his parents as he headed toward the door.

As he crossed the threshold, he could hear his dad's familiar voice calling out in a friendly tone, "Don't drive too fast!"

"Okay, Pa!" Lian shouted back joyfully, the smile never leaving his face.

He climbed into the driver's seat of his car, checking his reflection in the mirror and making sure his hairstyle was just right.

With a soft chuckle, he whispered to himself, "I'm coming, baby," before starting the car and driving off to pick up Kuea.

Kuea was waiting in his usual spot in front of his house, his small figure leaning slightly as if he were already tired.

Lian pulled up to the curb right on time, as he always did, and Kuea slipped into the car. Lian greeted him with his usual energetic tone, "Good morning, Kuea!"

But the reply he got was less enthusiastic. "Good morning, hia," Kuea mumbled sleepily.

Lian frowned slightly, noticing how tired Kuea looked. "Why are you look so sleepy this morning?" he asked with concern.

"Nothing, hia," Kuea replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just studying."

Lian opened his mouth to say something, but Kuea cut him off, his eyelids already drooping. "I'm sleepy, hia. Wake me up when we reach school."

"Alright, Kuea. Rest for a bit," Lian said softly, his voice laced with concern. He watched as Kuea closed his eyes, his breathing evening out as he fell into a light sleep.

The drive to school was quiet, with only the sound of the car's engine and the soft rhythm of Kuea's breathing filling the air.

Lian couldn't help but glance over at him occasionally, his heart swelling with a mix of affection and worry.

Today, Kuea seemed different, more withdrawn. Lian could guess that Kuea's exhaustion was likely due to some punishment from his mom but he couldn't understand why.

Kuea had been trying so hard to be the perfect son, studying diligently even though he didn't enjoy it. What could have gone wrong?

When they finally reached the school entrance, Lian gently shook Kuea awake. "Kuea, we're here," he said softly.

Kuea stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he looked around groggily. "Thanks, hia," he murmured, slowly getting out of the car. "Bye, hia."

"Bye, Kuea! Have a good day!" Lian called out after him, trying to keep his tone light and cheerful, but inside, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong.

Lian watched as Kuea trudged toward the school building, his steps slow and heavy.

Once Kuea disappeared from his view, Lian let out a sigh and started the car again, heading toward his own college, which was just a short distance away.

As he drove, his thoughts kept drifting back to Kuea. The image of Kuea's tired face and dull eyes played over and over in his mind.

Why was Kuea being punished? Lian wondered. Kuea had been working so hard, doing everything he could to meet his mom's expectations. He had even sacrificed his own interests, dedicating himself to studying, just to make her happy. So what had gone wrong?

These thoughts kept circling in Lian's mind as he parked his car in the college lot and walked to his classroom.

Though he joined his friends, Yi, Mai, and Jade with his usual bright smile, there was a part of him that couldn't stop worrying about Kuea.