Aera's P.O.V

I closed the door loudly, to signal my return. Though it didn't matter, since my dad wasn't even home. I immediately headed to the kitchen, to find any edible item whatsoever. I was starving. I guess stress did that to a person. The kitchen was still in the process of being packed up, since dad had decided for it to be the last room, seeing as how we'd need food while we cleaned and packed up all the other rooms.

I slumped on a chair with a dusty box of crackers in my hand, not caring how old they may be. As I popped a stale cracker into my mouth, my thoughts returned to the strange boy. Who was he? Why had he been so abnormal? Was it just a coincidence that the woman had collapsed after his intense staring? I recalled his dark, watchful eyes and shivered. He almost scared me. Almost. It didn't matter anyway, I would never see him again. We were leaving for my grandfather's place in less than a week. Across the country. I sighed and pushed my snack away, suddenly losing my appetite.

"Aera! Are you home?" A familiar voice called through the lonely house.

"Yes, dad. I'm in the kitchen!" I replied with a yawn.

He wandered in with a tired smile.

"Good news: I finally finished tying up all the loose ends at work." He grabbed a water bottle from the fridge.

"What does that mean for us then?" I asked.

"Well, it just means we'll be done sooner, with packing and stuff. Since I'll be home till we leave," dad said.

"That's good, dad." I yawned again. "I'm gonna head upstairs."

"What do you want for dinner?" He called after me.

"Whatever's fine."

I decided not to tell him about the events of that day. I knew he would be worried about my mental state if I told him about a woman collapsing in front of me, and I really didn't want that at the moment. When I got up to my room, I closed the door tightly and hopped onto my bed, pulling out my drawing pad. The charcoal drawing of the tree beside me had been a weak attempt. I knew I could do better. I frowned. It's his fault for distracting me. It didn't really matter much, but it would probably be my last drawing of something from this place. And I had wanted to do my best. Forget it, Aera. It's not that big of a deal. But my heart didn't stop hurting.

I would really miss my home.

•••••••

"Did you give your room another once-over?"

"Yup."

"Did you turn off all the lights?"

"Sure did."

"What about the windows? Did you close them all?"

"Already closed, dad."

"Did you--"

"Dad. Everything's taken care of," I insisted. "We're gonna be late!"

"Okay, okay. Let's go," he agreed, starting the car. "But did you lock the back door?"

I gave him a look that said "of course" but it turned into a grimace.

"Just hold on a sec." I grinned sheepishly.

We got to the airport with only a number of minutes to spare. But we were both prepared for that. In record time, we had made it through security and luggage, and were seated on the plane, about to take off. With a sigh of relief, I leaned back and pulled out my drawing pad and pencil. It was going to be a long flight.

Sorry for the short chapter, I just really wanted to update. Anyway, they'll get longer as the story progresses. Thanks for reading!