Why?

Maya's girlfriend and pals will be moving in with her tomorrow, and Thomas appears to be nervous. He hopes that his entire family will visit him over the New Year's celebrations. In addition to Maya's choice, Mother was also unhappy with it because she had left behind her husband the year before because he had died, and now her darling daughter was leaving their house the following year. The mother, on the other hand, is well aware of Maya's positive outlook on life and never gives up on daughter.

"I see your point. You are welcome to live with Dominica as long as you keep your mother informed about your plans while staying at her home."

Maya nodded, realizing what her mother was saying, "Yes, go easy on yourself. Okay, I'll inform you every day. You don't have to be concerned about it."

The three of them had their final breakfast together on that particular day.

~~~

The first day of online education has begun.

The first session began, and Thomas was weary and wanted to sleep only a few minutes after the teacher delivered the subject. But he didn't want his teacher to notice him.

I'm becoming irritated by online classes.

Ting.

Ting.

Ting.

Hm?

Forrest is talking at their friendship assembly at this moment (The four of them have a chat assembly).

Forrest: What a boring, don't you think?

Piper: It's still class time, Forrest... What's the point of messaging us?

Thomas: He submitted code with the intention of amusing himself.

Forrest: You do realize that this is not a code.

Thomas: So, what's the point?

Forrest: That's how I feel about the term "straightforwardness" today.

Katrina: It's icky and out of character.

Forrest: Katrina, there she is. What are you up to now, lady?

Katrina: I'm currently reading a risky message written by someone named Forrest.

Thomas: :)

Piper: We'd best pay attention to what the teacher has to say about this.

Forrest: Oh, this is so dull...

Thomas shut off his phone and returned to his studies right away.

~~~

It's 10 a.m., and it's time to recess. Thomas made the decision to go fetch some snacks from the dinner table. Then he noticed Mom talking on the phone with someone.

"What? Oh, I see..."

"How long do you think it will be?"

Then Mother observed Thomas's approaching with a sorrowful expression, which bewildered him.

Why is Mom so depressed?

"It appears that I won't be able to achieve it..."

.

.

.

"What? Really? Guess I'm stuck with it..."

.

.

.

"Okay, I'll take care of it. Thank you very much."

Mother put down her phone and walked up to Thomas.

"Mom, what's going on?"

"Thomas…"

Mother looked to want to say something, but she was adamant about not saying anything.

"Please, Mom, be honest with me. What exactly is going on?", Thomas was curious as to what had happened to Mother.

"I'm hoping you're not upset about this. Promise?"

"Promise," Thomas said with a nod.

"Mother was summoned to Oreming for service."

"Oreming? Mom, that's a long way away."

"I understand, and I have to work there over the Christmas vacation until the New Year's Eve celebration."

What??

"How about our New Year's Eve dinner?" For one day, Thomas was mistreated by his family.

"I had attempted to reject. But if I reject... I'm going to lose my job, Thomas. I won't be able to work anymore. It's the only way I'll be able to maintain my job, Thomas."

Thomas is depressed since his mother is preoccupied with her career rather than his family.

"Okay, please take pride in your work. Please contact me if you have any questions. ", Thomas grabbed the meal and dashed upstairs.

BANG!

Further down, his mother was crying.

.

.

.

.

As soon as Thomas finished the second session, he turned off the video camera and turned on the computer speakers to listen to his teacher's ramblings.

Ting.

Ting.

Ting.

Ella sends Thomas a message over chat.

Ella: I apologize for interrupting, but what occurred at your house?

Thomas: Nothing.

Ella: Are you sure?

Thomas: Sure.

Ella: Come on, you've got to be hiding something from me. Tell me, please.

Thomas: You're welcome to leave me be.

Thomas quickly erased Ella's conversation history.

~~~

At the same time, at Ella's house.

Thomas… - Ella.

Ella tries to reply to Thomas' message, but it merely reads and does not respond. She then sent Alex a message.

Ella: Lex, I need your assistance.

Alex: Why? Is this Thomas' story?

Ella: Yes, he appears to be going through a difficult time.

Alex: Have you tried talking to him?

Ella: Yes, but only he was able to read the message.

Alex: Perhaps he has an issue with his family.

Ella: But I think he's got something wrong with him.

Alex: El, you'd better keep your head down for the time being. Don't get too caught up in his story.

Ella: But…

Alex: There are no exceptions.

Ella switched off her phone. Is she debating whether or not she should find out what happened to the person she likes? Or should she just keep quiet?

.

.

.

.

To Be Continued.