UNIFIED W

Chapter 51: The Calm Before the Storm

1807 B.W.

A window slammed open. Vin's eyes shot open.

A cold gust of wind rushed into the small room, making the curtains sway as moonlight spread across the wooden floor.

Vin quickly jumped out of bed and looked around.

A shadow quietly moved past his bedroom door.

"Mom?"

The figure stopped.

"Sorry to wake you, darling."

His mother stepped into the doorway.

The pale moonlight caught her face, revealing dust still clinging to her long, unkempt hair from another day in the mines.

Dark circles rested beneath her tired eyes, yet she still smiled warmly at him.

She walked over and knelt in front of him before wrapping him in a tight hug.

"Mom... what was that for?"

"I just missed my little boy."

Vin hugged her back, but instinctively turned his face away. She noticed immediately.

"Hey...."

She gently placed her hand against his cheek.

"Look at me."

Vin slowly turned his head.

The moment she saw the bruise stretching across his face, her smile disappeared.

"They picked a fight with you again... didn't they?"

Vin quickly shook his head.

"It's nothing, Mom. Don't worry about me."

Her expression softened.

"That's it. Tomorrow I'm going to...."

"No!"

Vin grabbed her arm.

"Please, Mom. I promise... it's nothing."

Vin's mom took her hand and gently put it on his head.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

She simply smiled and gently ran her fingers through his hair.

"My sweet boy...."

Vin looked at her worn face.

"Mom..."

"You should eat something. I left you some food on the table."

For the first time that night, her smile faded.

"That was your father's job today."

She glanced toward the empty hallway.

"I haven't seen him since this morning."

Vin lowered his eyes.

"I didn't want you coming home after work and finding nothing to eat."

She stared at him for a moment before gently kissing his forehead.

"You're too kind for this world."

She stood up and walked toward the door before stopping.

"Oh... and change of plans."

"I won't have tomorrow off after all."

Vin looked up.

"They cancelled everyone's day off."

"Why?"

She hesitated for only a second before forcing another smile.