The sound of the departing car slowly disappeared beyond the grand iron gates of the Romano Mansion.Silence settled over the estate.
The evening breeze carried the scent of blooming jasmine through the garden, but somehow, the air felt much heavier than before.
Rafael remained standing on the front steps, his eyes fixed on the empty road long after his parents had disappeared.
Something wasn't right.He couldn't explain it.Nothing unusual had happened.No one had argued.No harsh words had been exchanged.
Yet his heart refused to calm down.
It felt as though everyone had spoken an invisible language... one that only he couldn't understand.
Beside him, Noah quietly slipped both hands into his pockets.
He was about to walk back inside when Rafael suddenly spoke.
"...Noah."
Noah stopped.
"Hm?"
Rafael slowly turned toward him.
"What did my father mean?"
Noah blinked.
"When?"
"A few minutes ago."
Rafael's eyes searched his face.
"When he said..."
"I think it's time."
