23:59

"For the nth time! Just sign that stupid paper so we can all move on!"

Ten-year-old Kana pushed his eyeglasses back as it slipped slowly down his nose. He was doing his science assignment quietly in his room, however, his parents seem to be fighting again. It was near midnight and he still has a class for tomorrow, but due to a late dinner and continuous bickering of his parents, he couldn't concentrate well.

"What about Kana huh? When you move abroad, who's going to take care of him?!"

"Then bring him with you! You know I'm always on the move for work!"

Kana bit his lip as he slammed his book shut. How many times had he heard this argument? He covered his ears as the shouting continued.

"You have a sister right? If you cannot leave him in the house, then let your sister look after him."

"She has a family too!"

"I don't care anymore. Just sign this, decide where you want to bring that kid, then I leave!"

Kana knew it was going to happen soon. He had seen the divorce papers a few months ago as he cleaned his parent's room. He didn't fully understand what it meant. His dad was planning to work abroad, and because of constant arguments, he had decided to file a divorce. His mom is very busy with supervisor and field work, so he was usually left in the house.

Now, his dad wants to speed up the separation process, and the only thing stopping them from doing it is him. He doesn't mind to be left, he doesn't need supervision. However, he can't really pitch in some suggestions, plainly because he's...

"Then send him back to the orphanage."

Adopted.

Their marriage was already in the rocks. They thought that by bringing in a child, it would save their relationship. They adopted a 5-year-old Kana, and it did work.

At least for 5 years only.

Now, they are back to their word war because of a conflict of interest.

"I don't want to go back to the orphanage." Kana whispered to himself.

But a week after, his mom talked to him.

"Your dad and I are going to separate. I cannot take care of you anymore."

"Mom, please, don't send me back to that place! I don't like it there!"

He cried and begged. In the end, his mom brought him to a house which he had visited before. They would sometimes go here for family gatherings, or birthday celebrations.

"He's a good kid, but none of us can take him." His mom's hands were on his shoulder as they faced her sister's family.

He wanted to cry at the look of his relatives. They were nice people, but he always felt there is a wall between them, especially with his aunt. His uncle was stern-looking. And their only son, his cousin, was the complete opposite of him. Sporty, looks cool... a brat.