Trip

The drive felt endless, a monotonous stretch of silence hanging thick in the air. Lisa slumped against the car door, her cheek pressed to the cool glass as she watched the city blur past. The same streets, the same towering buildings, the same neon signs flickering in the distance it was all so familiar, yet utterly dull. The boredom clung to her like an unseen shadow, creeping into every second, making the quiet unbearable.

Then, suddenly her father turned the wheel.

Lisa's eyes flickered with interest as the car veered right, taking a different route than before. The once-familiar streets gave way to an area she hadn't visited in years. Her breath hitched when she recognized the place.

The old family restaurant.

Her mouth fell open in disbelief. The small, cozy eatery she had once known was now surrounded by sleek, modern buildings, illuminated billboards advertising the latest trends, and a bustling crowd that transformed the entire district. The change was overwhelming, yet it carried a certain charm like stepping into a memory that had grown into something grander.

"Just like what Grandma predicted," she thought, recalling the words of her wise and intuitive grandmother. "Now I understand what she meant."

Lisa couldn't contain her excitement. "Do you know how long I've been waiting to come back here?" Her voice was laced with wonder, her gaze fixed on the window, unwilling to tear away from the mesmerizing sight.

Yatami, seated beside her, listened in silence, his artificial mind absorbing her words, processing the shift in her emotions.

"But it's not just about being here," Lisa continued, a soft smile forming. "I get to share it with you, big brother."

She turned to Yatami, eyes alight with anticipation. "I can't wait for you to meet my grandparents."

Yatami hesitated, his expression unreadable. "That wouldn't be bad… right? Or am I even supposed to be there?" His voice was even, but there was an undertone of uncertainty.

Lisa caught the hesitation, her gaze softening. She reached out, resting her hand on his. "You're worried they'll freak out, aren't you?"

Yatami exhaled slowly, shifting his gaze back to the window. "I think so."

Lisa gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You worry too much. Whether they accept you or not, I'll always have your back." Her voice turned playful, her grin mischievous. "And if they don't, I'll cry my eyes out or refuse to eat for days until they do just like in the movies!"

A chuckle escaped Yatami, his usually stoic features softening. He studied Lisa for a long moment, then gently brushed his fingers against her cheek.

"I appreciate your expressive nature," he murmured. "You're courageous when you need to be."

He paused, as if searching for the right words. "You get angry sometimes. You're stubborn. But you also find humor in the little things." His smile deepened, warm and genuine. "You are perfect just as you are, Lisa."

Lisa's breath hitched. She wanted to say something to thank him, to tell him how much his words meant but a lump formed in her throat. Did she really deserve such kindness?

She turned away, swallowing her emotions, staring out the window again. The weight of his words settled over her, filling a space she hadn't realized was empty.

Yatami watched her for a moment before mirroring her actions, gazing at the passing cityscape.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Lisa spoke again. "Have you noticed how much this place has changed? Just like Grandma predicted migration, expansion, modernization. It's amazing."

Yatami nodded, his mind still processing their previous conversation.

"Speaking of Grandma," Lisa continued, her excitement returning, "she's the best grandmother anyone could ask for. She's kind, confident, and strong. Everyone admires her." Her voice brimmed with admiration. "You may have heard of Mei Li Tian."

At the mention of the name, Yatami tensed. He closed his eyes, fingers running through his hair as if trying to pull a memory from the depths of his mind.

Lisa tilted her head, intrigued. "Yatami?"

Then he snapped his fingers. "Aha! That name I've seen before!" His expression shifted, his synthetic eyes bright with realization.

Lisa's brow furrowed. "Wait… what?"

Yatami's voice took on a thoughtful tone. "Mei Li Tian… also known as Alicia. She was chosen as the guardian and rightful ruler of a hidden land Idyllic Oasis."

Lisa's jaw dropped. How does he know Grandma's real name?

He continued, his gaze distant, as if recalling a long-forgotten tale. "Alicia the chosen guardian. A remarkable woman, chosen by the land itself to protect its secrets and maintain its balance." His voice carried reverence, admiration. "Her legacy still lives on."

Lisa's mind raced. How could Yatami know something even if she didn't?

His next words answered her question. "Chosen by Nature," he murmured, his eyes narrowing with intrigue. "A book filled with the history of Mei Li Tian's life."

Lisa's breath caught. Grandma wrote a book?

Yatami studied her reaction, amusement flickering in his gaze. "You didn't know, did you?"

Lisa shook her head, stunned.

Yatami's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Your grandmother's story is more than just history, it's a legend. A tale of courage, secrets, and hidden worlds." His voice dropped into a near-whisper, carrying the weight of mystery. "And Lisa… are you ready to uncover the truth?"

Lisa's pulse quickened. The air around them seemed to hum with the promise of adventure. A part of her hesitation was that she was truly prepared to learn the secrets of her family's past.

Then, determination flickered in her eyes.

"Yes," she whispered, leaning forward. "Tell me everything."

Yatami's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

"Then let's begin."