Lucan Vale, an 11-year-old boy, was reading a book in the library. His eyes widened, and his lips curled into a gentle smile.
The bell rang. All the students left the library, and the teacher was about to lock the door, but she noticed Lucan, who was still sitting inside. She walked over, placed the lock on the table, and gently took the book from his hands, which was covering his face.
"Lucan, didn't you hear the bell ring? Your friends have already left. What are you still doing?" she asked.
"Oh, sorry, teacher. I was just interested in this book. I'll leave now," Lucan replied. He stood up and quietly walked out.
The teacher sighed and looked at the book. It was about space, opened to its last page. She read the line, "Space is infinite. It has neither boundaries nor edges. It is a vast and endless place."
She muttered to herself, "This kid… interested in science at just 11 years old? Well, never mind, it's already time to leave."
She put the book back on the shelf and locked the library. Lucan, meanwhile, was packing his bag in the classroom.
A group of friends approached him. One of them, a boy named Aric, asked, "Hey, Lucan, we're all going out. Wanna join us?"
Lucan smiled. "I'm sorry, Aric, not today. I've got something important to do," as he walked away.
Aric sighed. A girl named Lana said, "I'm worried about him. He always stays alone, never joining anyone. Wouldn't he become lonely?"
Aric replied, "Yeah, but all we can do is try. It's his choice, either way."
Lana frowned. "I know, but..."
At that moment, the teacher entered. "You all—what's going on? Aren't you leaving yet?"
Aric explained. She patted them on the heads. "Don't worry. He will eventually open up. Now it's time. You must all go home. Your parents will be worried if you are late."
The students left. The teacher stayed behind, standing in a daze. The other teachers came over.
"Is something wrong?" one asked.
"Ah, it's nothing—just me getting zoned out," she replied.
"If something's bothering you, just say it," they insisted.
She shook her head. "No, it's nothing. Let's leave! It's already late."
They all left.
Lucan arrived home. His mother said, "Lu! You're back. Here, have some snacks. You must be hungry."
"Mom, just a few minutes. I have important work," he said.
His mother raised her eyebrow, thinking, What could an 11-year-old possibly have that's so important?
His 16-year-old sister, Marie, was in the kitchen. She said, "Mom, don't worry. Maybe he wants to play with his toys or play some games. He's just 11 and a kid! Stop overthinking."
She laughed. "Yes, Marie. What else could he be doing?"
But they had all misunderstood Lucan.
He went to his room, opened the computer, and searched, "What is at the end of space?"
No answers came. Most results said, "Space expands infinitely, and it has no end..."
He sighed, searching through books and websites for a whole hour, but nothing satisfied him. Exhausted, he lay on the bed.
"This question is not answered by anyone. I hate it! There must be an end to space. I WILL FIND IT ON MY OWN!" he declared.
Suddenly, his stomach growled.
"Well… first, time to fill my tummy!"
He went downstairs with thoughts clouding his mind.
His mother asked, "Is something bothering you, Lu?"
He shook his head. "No."
After eating with a serious expression, he turned to his mother and sister.
"Mom! Sister! I've decided my goal in life."
Marie asked, "What is it? To be a superhero or something?" with a laugh.
His mother smiled.
"No! It's to answer the unanswered question. I'm going to explore the whole of space and find its end—and the truth beyond it."
They both started laughing.
"Nobody's joking here, right?" Lucan frowned. "What's wrong? Why are you laughing at my goal?" he asked.
Marie said, "That would be a great goal if it was possible, Lucan. But… umm, how do I put it? There's no end to space!" She patted his head.
His mother nodded.
He pushed her hand away and ran to his room, slamming the door.
"Why? Why? Why is she saying the same thing? I will definitely see the end of space! I swear!"
His mother knocked.
"Lu, come out. She was just joking. Don't take it seriously!"
Marie added, "Yes, Lucan, come out."
Lucan yelled, "No need to fake it! I know you both aren't believing me. Just leave me alone!"
They left.
Marie whispered to her mother, "He hasn't realized the truth yet. But he's still a child. I should've thought twice before saying that to him."
Her mother replied, "It's alright. This is not my main concern. My only worry is that he doesn't make friends. He spends most of his time alone."
A man approached, putting his hands over their shoulders.
"What's going on today?"
They explained.
He said, "Honey, don't worry. I was like him once—lonely, full of childish thoughts. He'll gradually change. Just leave him alone."
He hugged and reassured them.
Marie smiled but said nothing. She glanced at Lucan's room one last time before leaving.
The clock struck midnight. Everyone was asleep.
While Lucan had finished his research, he was so sleepy that he fell onto his bed. He pointed his finger upward, his eyes glowing with determination.
"One day, I will reach the end of space and find THE TRUTH BEYOND EVERYTHING!"