FAILURE

It was bedtime. Bastin and Yusuf had just finished eating. Bastin picked up the leftovers and looked at Saliz, unsure where to put them.

"Yusuf," Saliz said simply.

"Okay," Yusuf replied, taking the leftovers from Bastin's hands. He led him outside towards the composter, the faint glow of the moon lighting their path. The night air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant flowers. The compost bin was nothing extravagant—just a pit filled with organic waste. Yusuf tossed the leftovers in, brushing off his hands.

Bastin stood there for a moment, staring at the pit. The idea of throwing away food—even scraps—felt strange to him. Back at home, nothing went to waste. Even the smallest crumbs were shared, even the sourest fruit was eaten. The pit before him, filled with rotting vegetable skins and fruit peels, felt unnatural.

Yusuf noticed his hesitation. "It's for the plants," he said, shrugging. "Nothing is truly wasted."

Bastin nodded, though his mind wandered elsewhere. They returned inside.

Saliz had finished cleaning up. He brought two pillows woven with self-grown cotton stuffing and banana leaf coverings. Then, he carefully spread a blanket made of finely woven leaves, layered with a thin sheet of silk for comfort. It wasn't the softest thing Bastin had ever slept on, but it carried a warmth that reminded him of home.

"Blow off the candle and go to sleep," Saliz instructed.

He moved towards the large tree outside, climbing up onto his sleeping swing. Bastin lay down, adjusting the pillow beneath his head. Yusuf leaned forward and blew out the candle. Instantly, the room was swallowed by darkness, except for the silver outline of Saliz's figure against the moonlight.

For a while, there was silence. Bastin shifted slightly, gazing at the ceiling. His mind was restless. "What month is it now?" he asked into the dark.

"Auriz," Yusuf answered sleepily.

"And next?" Bastin's voice was softer now.

"Magnus?" Yusuf wondered.

"Oh…" Bastin murmured, realization settling in. "My birthday is coming closer."

"When is it?" Yusuf asked, turning slightly towards him.

"First of Magnus," Bastin replied.

Yusuf made a small sound of acknowledgement. "Three days left, then," he muttered.

Bastin exhaled slowly. Time is passing so fast… He clutched his brooch, pressing it against his chest as if grounding himself. He had been holding it all along, ever since he arrived. Yusuf hadn't noticed before. He didn't notice even now.

"What about you?" Bastin asked suddenly.

"Hm?"

"When's your birthday?"

Yusuf was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "It just passed. Eleventh of Auriz."

Bastin turned his head slightly. "Oh…" He thought for a moment before whispering, "Happy belated birthday."

Yusuf smiled in the dark. "Thanks."

The room fell into silence once more. Soon, Bastin's breath grew even. He had fallen asleep.

But Yusuf remained awake, eyes staring at the ceiling. His thoughts wandered back to Bastin's birthday. "Would you like to go to the Well of Luck on your birthday?" he asked softly.

No reply.

Yusuf turned his head. Bastin was fast asleep. He sighed, then shifted onto his side. It took him a few more minutes, but eventually, he too drifted into slumber.

Outside, Saliz scratched his legs, irritated by the mosquito bites. "Are they asleep?" he muttered. He jumped off the tree and landed lightly on the ground, peering inside the house.

Both boys were in deep sleep.

He stepped inside, his movements calculated and soundless. He carefully pulled the blanket back from Bastin's chest. His eyes scanned the boy's hands, his neck, the small space beside him.

Nothing.

Saliz frowned. Where is it?

He straightened, glancing around the room. Did he drop it in the compost?

Without hesitation, he left. He dug his hands into the compost, sifting through the slimy remains of food. The stench was unbearable, but he didn't care. He stirred through the pile, mud caking his fingers.

Nothing.

Frustrated, he stomped towards the bath area, dunking his hands into the water to wash them clean. And that's when he noticed something—Bastin's old clothes, soaked and mixed with mud.

Saliz's lips curled into a grin. So, there it is…

He reached for the clothes, tossing them aside one by one. It must be hidden somewhere here.

His grin faded.

He found nothing.

His eye twitched in frustration. He slammed his foot against the ground, causing the water to ripple violently. He balled his fists. Where did that brat put it?!

He stormed back inside, scanning every inch of the house. His eyes flicked over the wooden furniture, the small woven baskets, the blankets. He bent down, checking under the bed. Nothing.

Annoyed, he turned back—intending to check Bastin again.

But the moment he turned—

There stood Bastin.

Saliz jolted, nearly stumbling backward.

"Is something wrong, Uncle?" Bastin asked, his voice groggy with sleep.

Saliz quickly masked his expression. "No! I just… came to take some insect repellents. The mosquitoes outside are unbearable tonight."

Bastin tilted his head. "Can't you sleep inside with us?"

"I always sleep outside," Saliz replied. "You go back to bed. It's late."

Bastin lingered for a moment. His gaze flickered over Saliz, as if trying to read something in his expression. The excuse felt off. If the mosquitoes were really bothering him, wouldn't they have always bothered him?

But he didn't question it further. He simply nodded and returned to bed.

Saliz exhaled deeply, pressing his fingers against his temples. That child is smarter than I thought. Was he aware that I was trying to take his brooch?

Frustrated, he leaped onto his sleeping swing and closed his eyes, forcing himself to sleep.

[Daybreak]

Saliz was already up. He had bathed and now sat in the study room, surrounded by inscriptions on leaves and stone sheets. A thin incense stick burned beside him, filling the space with a lavender-like scent.

Bastin was still asleep, curled beneath the woven blanket.

Yusuf woke first. He rubbed his eyes, his vision adjusting to the sunlight streaming through the doorway. He yawned, stretching lazily—

And then, he saw a silhouette standing at the entrance.

A voice spoke. "Good morning, sir."

Saliz looked up. "Good morning."

The figure removed his footwear and stepped inside. He was as tall as Yusuf, carrying a bag slung over his left shoulder. His face was unreadable at first. But then—

His expression changed.

His eyes widened. His breath hitched.

Yusuf blinked in shock.

The boy's bag slipped from his shoulder, falling to the ground.

Silence.

Then, at the same time, they both shouted—

"YOU AGAIN?!"