Max Gates

Chapter 5 : A Last Day Tale

9 hours before the incident.

In the dim glow of Max's room, the morning sun casting a soft hue through the curtains, Rosie burst in, disrupting the quietude. "Maaax," she called out, a lively echo in the room.

"Oh, you're up," she observed, catching Max mid-tie-struggle, his reflection in the mirror a canvas of determination.

"Yeah, it's the last day of school," Max replied, his fingers wrestling with the elusive knot.

"Here, let me," Rosie offered, effortlessly weaving the silk strands into a perfect knot. "There," she declared, admiring her handiwork, "looking sharp."

A faint smile graced Max's face. "Thanks, Rosie."

She grinned back. "Now come on," a friendly pat on his shoulder, "vámonos," she added, leading the way out of his room.

Max chuckled, finishing the ensemble with his shoes before descending to the kitchen, his uniform jacket draped casually over his arm.

"Morning, Richard," he greeted the man stationed at the counter.

"Master Gates, you're looking particularly sharp this morning," Richard acknowledged, his voice carrying a touch of admiration.

"Thanks, Rich." Max hung his jacket on a chair, glancing around the kitchen.

"Where is everyone?" he inquired, hands in his pockets.

"Well, your mother..." Richard glanced at his watch, "should still be on her conference call, and your aunt hasn't gotten out of bed yet. She was up late going through more details with your mother about your trip."

"Yeah, I actually woke up feeling bad for all the drama I caused last night. I realized that, in the end, maybe it's just going to be some amazing ordinary trip."

"Do you think it was wrong of me to have grown suspicious of the trip and doubted my mom and aunt?" Max mused, taking a seat at the breakfast table.

"Quite the contrary. I think you were just trying to get your opinions heard. In fact, your inquisition made both your mother and aunt confident in the trip they have arranged for you," Richard reassured, observing Max's attempt to conceal his excitement.

"You have no idea where you are going, and you're excited?" he queried.

"It's a surprise trip planned by my aunt, who works for a fantastic travel company. Pretty sure it's going to be an amazing vacation," Max said, a subtle air of pride accompanying his words.

"Ah, well, might I suggest you focus on having another great last day at school."

"Right."

As Max settled into conversation, his mother entered the kitchen, a seamless transition into the daily routine of the Gates household.

"Good morning, Mom," Max greeted.

"Hey, Max," she responded, walking up to the counter. "Wow, why do you look so sharp this morning?" she asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Why is everyone saying that? This is the same exact outfit I wear every single day to school."

"Well, only you can look stylish in a uniform."

Max chuckled, "Thanks."

"Sorry to interrupt, but Max, your friend Ben is here," Rosie announced as she walked into the kitchen, Ben close behind.

"Good morning, Mrs. G, Richard," Ben greeted as Richard and Rosie silently excused themselves from the room.

"Hey, Ben, how are you?" Kate asked.