Chapter 5: Quiet Resolve.

{Hey everyone. I just saw that the chapter was not fully published. So sorry about that. I re-published it. Enjoy}

Ethan took a large bite of fish, his thoughts drifting like leaves on a gentle stream. "When I regained consciousness, it was still morning. It was as if time hadn't moved at all—everything stood completely still." He thought as he chewed slowly, lost in contemplation. Outwardly, nothing had changed—_not a single thing._ Yet deep inside, he could feel that something had shifted. Finally, he had a chance.

Under the table, his fists clenched as he felt the weight of last night's events settle deep within him. The air around him seemed different now, charged with a mysterious energy that he could not quite name. His fingers curled tightly around his chopsticks as he took a deep, steadying breath. His mind raced with thoughts of the future.

"No more powerlessness. No more watching helplessly as everything crumbles around me," he vowed silently.

He stole a quick glance at Elise, who was still happily eating—her face bright and carefree, unaware of the storm raging within him. His gaze softened as he murmured, "This time, I will protect them. _This time for sure._"

He took another bite, savoring the food. Breaking the silence, Elise tilted her head and asked, "So? Are you going to tell me or not? Did anything happen while I was sleeping last night?"

Ethan paused. For a split second, a devilish smile flickered in his mind, but he quickly masked it with a look of feigned hurt. "Oh, that..." he began, trailing off before adding, " It's true—I was worried sick for a while." His voice held both concern and a playful edge.

Elise stopped eating, her eyes widening with concern. "Really? What happened?"

"It's not so much about what happened as it is about how I handled it," Ethan explained, meeting her gaze steadily. "I managed to get through it all because of you. You... you are the reason I could bear it."

Elise's face lit up with pride, a soft smile blooming on her lips. "Really?" she repeated, delight clear in her tone.

"Yeah, absolutely. Want to know how?" Ethan asked, leaning forward as if about to share a secret.

"Yes, yes, tell me!" Elise's voice was bright with anticipation. She expected a story about how he was inspired by her gentle strength. She even hoped for a little pat on the head, a small token of praise that would confirm her importance in his life. But what Ethan revealed was not what she anticipated at all.

"Well," he began slowly, "just when I was drowning in my worries of the debt and how to move forward, I suddenly remembered you. And then I realized something. If I can put up with you all these years, then I can handle anything—even if the world were to end tomorrow." He paused, his voice softening into a mix of laughter and teasing. "So I got through it, and I feel stronger now. Thanks, lil' sis. I will never forget your kindness."

Elise's smile wavered into a playful pout as she gave him a gentle hit on the shoulder. "You—why do you always have to tease me?" she complained, half-laughing, half-scolding.

"Well, you shouldn't be so gullible then." Ethan retorted with a grin as he tried to protect himself behind the chair.

For a long moment, the dining table buzzed with a warmth that both siblings had not felt in years. It was as if they had been transported back to simpler, peaceful days- back when their parents were still alive, and the only worries were not getting scolded by them because of the small pranks they used to commit. In that moment, it was as if the laughter from the past mingled with the present.

Amidst the familiar teasing and shared memories, the heavy burdens of debt and unsaid promises of revenge faded into the background. They had resolved, at least for now, the most pressing problem: their internal problem, the pain that had haunted them. Genuine happiness was present in their eyes as a quiet, steady light amid a chaotic world.

The siblings' playful squabble was finally over, leaving the dining table filled with the soft clatter of cutlery and gentle conversation. Just as Ethan swallowed a bite of fish, Elise suddenly perked up.

"Oh, that reminds me!" she said, tilting her head with a smile. "Adrian was supposed to stop by this morning. Why isn't he here yet?"

Ethan blinked, momentarily pulled from his daydream. "Huh? Why would Adrian come so early in the morning?" he asked, puzzled. "We didn't even finish breakfast."

Elise sighed and waved her chopsticks like a playful teacher scolding a forgetful student. "You really are hopeless with dates. Today's the second Sunday of the month -market day, remember? You, me, and Adrian were supposed to head out for supplies."

The realization hit Ethan like a sudden slap. "Ah… that's right," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "I totally forgot to check the calendar. He should be here any minute now—"

Before he could finish, a sharp knock echoed through the house.

"Oi, Ethan! Elise! You two in there?" came a familiar voice.

Elise grinned. "Speak of the devil."

Ethan exhaled, shaking off the last traces of his earlier thoughts. There would be time to dwell on last night later. Right now, life was moving forward, and he had a role to play.

With a small, knowing smirk, he got up and made his way to the door. When he pulled it open, he found Adrian standing there, his lean figure being outlined by the morning light. Taller than Ethan yet skinnier from years of hardship, Adrian's worn-but-well-kept clothes hinted at shared struggles.

Despite his build, there was a keen sharpness in his dark eyes. It wasn't the look of someone suspicious, but rather of someone who had learned to be wary of the world—who had seen too much to take things at face value.

"Took you long enough," Adrian said as he stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. "I was about to knock the door down."

Elise rolled her eyes. "You say that like you weren't already late."

Adrian clicked his tongue but didn't argue. Instead, he turned his attention to Ethan, his expression softening into concern. "You good, man? You look..." He paused, gesturing vaguely at Ethan's face. "...different."

"Different? Different how?" Ethan asked, a mix of surprise and curiosity present in his voice. His mind raced, though he tried to keep a calm face.

"I don't know," Adrian replied thoughtfully. " You look like you have been through a lot. I mean, you do have a lot on your plate, but" He stepped closer to Ethan. "Today you look as if you have been through a shit ton more than usual."

Ethan sighed in silence. _"He did have the strongest instincts of anyone I know,"_ he thought.

Elise leaned forward, studying him with gentle concern. "Really? Why can't I see it? He seems the same to me except that he is much happier since this morning."

"I am not talking about any physical changes." He pointed to Ethan's face. "I am talking about his eyes. He seems as if---. Wait, what do you mean happier than usual? Did anything happen?"

"I don't know," replied Elise, raising her shoulders. "Ask him. He refuses to let me know.",

Adrian's tone grew more insistent. "Tell me honestly, did you land a good job or something? You must have done something in secret, I know it."

Ethan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, I did not get a job behind your back, promise. Can't a man be happy without any reason?"

"Sorry, man," Adrian said, his tone softening. "I guess I was just on edge by everything that's been happening lately."

Ethan glanced back at the table. "So, how long are you going to keep chatting in the hall? Are you coming in or not?"

"Coming. Coming.", said Adrian, as he rushed inside the house. "Wait, why am I coming inside?" He paused. "The market's gonna be packed soon. You coming or not?" asked Adrian, going to the door again.

"That's right!" Elise exclaimed. "Let's go, brother. We have a lot to buy, and we can't be late. Otherwise, it will take a lot of time to return. We can finish breakfast later."

"Huh? At least let me finish my fish—" Ethan started to protest, but Adrian pulled him toward the door with a look that said he knew exactly what Ethan would say.

"Elise, grab his wallet. I'll keep an eye on him outside, just in case this glutton tries to sneak in more breakfast," Adrian sighed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Roger that," Elise replied, laughing as she dashed back into the house. Moments later, she reappeared, clutching Ethan's wallet and an umbrella.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing with that umbrella? It's not even that sunny."

Elise twirled gracefully after opening the umbrella. "Don't you know? A young lady always carries an umbrella—it's a sign of novelty."

"Right..." Ethan and Adrian replied in unison, clearly uninterested as they began to walk.

"Hey, what's with that reaction?" Elise teased, pouting playfully as she caught up with them.

And with that, the three of them stepped out into the bustling streets of the city, heading to the market.

The market seemed to go on forever, a crowded maze of stalls so close together that the paths between them felt cramped with all the people. The air was filled with the smells of fruit, fresh bread, and the unpleasant smell of sweat.

Vendors shouted their prices loudly, trying to attract customers. In the background, a butcher's knife hit a wooden block with a steady thud, while the sound of people haggling echoed through the noisy air.

Elise let out an aggravated sigh, stamping her foot. "Ah, damn it! I knew I shouldn't have counted on you two idiots!" She spun on her heels, jabbing at Adrian and Ethan. "I told you to walk faster! Why do you two move like old men? Because of you slowpokes, the market is packed now!"

"The market isn't going anywhere," Ethan replied with a smirk, hands casually resting in his pockets. "You can still shop just fine. Besides, you were the one who wanted to stop by the vegetable field. We were just following orders."

"Yeah, don't blame us for everything," Adrian chimed in, adjusting the heavy bags of vegetables in his hands. "Besides, if you hadn't lost that umbrella of yours and wasted time looking for it, we would've gotten here much faster."

Elise gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "How could you say that? I already know it's my fault, but do you have to rub it in my face? Don't you know when your cute little sister is complaining, you're supposed to just nod, agree, and keep quiet. Just what kind of brothers are you?"

"The realistic kind," Ethan and Adrian replied in unison, each grinning as if they were waiting to say it their whole life.

"Hmph. You're both too mean! I don't wanna talk to you anymore!" Elise huffed and stormed off.

Ethan shook his head, watching her weave through the crowd. "Don't go too far and be careful while shopping. Let us know if you need help."

"What do you care?" Elise's voice came back from the horde of people before she vanished from sight.

Adrian chuckled, nudging Ethan with his elbow. "You have your hands full with her, huh?"

"You know how it is," Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple.

"Wait a second.", said Adrian with sudden realization. "Why the hell am I the only one carrying the grocery bag. You are her real older brother. Carry them yourself.", Adrian said as he tried to shove the bags at Ethan.

"Hey, you are the one who said you can carry them by yourself.", retorted Ethan while pushing the bags away.

One moment, they started a small and funny fight. The next, they simply walked, the market's lively chaos filling the silence between them. Vendors continued to peddle their wares, customers bargained aggressively, and street performers tried to earn a few coins with their tricks and tunes. Adrian finally broke the silence.

"So, did you consider my proposal?" he asked, his tone hopeful.

Ethan, with confusion visible in his face, asked. "What proposal?"

Adrian halted, staring at Ethan as if he had just said that the sky was yellow. "What do you mean 'What proposal'?! You forgot?!"

Ethan offered a sheepish shrug and a small, apologetic smile. "I've had a lot on my mind."

"I just got here yesterday. How the hell am I supposed to remember what you proposed?", questioned Ethan, though only in his mind.

Adrian let out an exaggerated groan, throwing his head back. "You're hopeless! Forget it. I don't even have the will to explain anymore."

Ethan opened his mouth to speak, but a sudden, sharp slap on his back made him freeze. He and Adrian turned to see a towering, muscular figure they both recognized.

"Good morning, Mr. Fring," they said in unison.

"Well, well, if it ain't the dynamic duo of City Q," Mr. Fring greeted them with a booming laugh. As a local butcher and a long-time neighbor, he had helped the trio more times than they could count. "I saw the missy earlier—she was pouting so much she looked like a squirrel with a mouthful of nuts. Were you two teasing her again?"

"No, it wasn't our fault. We were just being honest," Adrian said quickly, shaking his head to deny it.

Mr. Fring laughed loudly, shaking the air a bit as he continued, "I get it—a little joke here and there is fun, but remember to keep it under control!"

Before they could respond, a strong, middle-aged voice cut in. "How long are you going to keep lecturing them? They're way more mature than you old guys!" Mrs. Fring said, half-teasing, half scolding.

"Good morning, Mrs. Fring. How are you?" Ethan and Adrian said together.

"I'm good, I'm good," she responded as she looked them over. "My goodness, you two are getting skinnier as the days pass. Just what are you eating? Is money tight again?"

"We manage," Ethan said with a small smile. "Since Adrian and I don't have jobs right now, our budget's a bit tight."

"Oh, dear," Mrs. Fring said, gently cupping her cheeks. "How many times have we told you? You're like family to us. Don't worry about money. You can always help yourselves to some meat from our place—you can pay us back later."

Ethan offered a soft, appreciative smile. The warmth of her words washed over him. He couldn't help but recall how Mrs. Fring had always cared for them, like a second mother—nurturing, protective, and always ready with a kind word or gesture when things got tough.

"It's alright, Mrs. Fring," Adrian said, his tone steady. "We're just going through a rough patch right now. It'll be over soon."

Mrs. Fring's gaze softened, but there was a firmness in her voice when she spoke again. "Well, alright. But make sure you grab some meat for home before you leave, alright? No arguments," she added, her tone gentle but insistent like a mother who wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Will do, Ma'am," they responded in unison, their voices filled with gratitude, before turning toward the road.

As they were walking away, a strange pain spread in Ethan's chest, similar to the pain he felt the night before. He paused for a moment, wondering if something was wrong, but his thoughts were abruptly cut off by a piercing scream that cut through the air.

Elise.

Without a second thought, the two of them exchanged a look of alarm and hurried toward the source of the cry, their hearts pounding with worry for Elise's safety.