After school, Liam saw his sister already standing by the gate. Hiyana's hair was tied up simply, her uniform was neat, and in her hand was a book that she was reading while leaning casually against the gate post.
Liam is now in Grade 11, while Hiyana has just started her first year in Grade 10. Both of them had just moved to a school located in a small village, leaving their old lives in the city behind.
"Hiyana... has it been a while?" asked Liam as he approached.
The girl closed her book and smiled a little.
"Not really. Where have you been?"
"I was on picket duty. First day at a new school, immediately got the picket schedule. What bad luck," Liam complained while rolling his eyes.
"Hahaha... fate, sis." Hiyana giggled.
"How's the new school?"
"It's not bad, the atmosphere still feels unfamiliar. But it's not as bad as I imagined."
"What about you? Is it hard?"
"Well... not bad. There are a lot of practical tools missing, especially for science lessons."
Liam nodded slowly. "Just understand, it's called a village school."
"Yeah, what else can I do." Hiyana shrugged resignedly.
Liam looked back at her for a moment, then said softly,
"Sorry, yes."
Hiyana looked at him in surprise. "Ehh? Why are you apologizing?"
"Because of you... we had to move to the village, start all over."
The girl laughed softly, then patted her brother's shoulder.
"Just relax. It's also quite beautiful here. The air is fresh, not like in the city."
They walked hand in hand to the parking lot while continuing to chat, trying to get used to the new environment that still felt unfamiliar. On the way home, Liam turned to Hiyana who was sitting behind him while hugging her bag.
"Hey, are you tired?" he asked over the roar of the motorcycle.
"Not bad, but why?"
"I want to take you somewhere. It's not far."
"Hmm? Okay, just not any weird places."
A few minutes later, their bikes pulled up to the edge of a lake hidden behind pine trees. The water was calm, the sky was starting to turn orange, and there was no one but them. It was quiet, peaceful... like a slice of the world separated from time.
Hiyana got off the bike and gazed at the lake with sparkling eyes.
"It's beautiful here... I'm glad we stopped here."
Liam also gazed at the calm water surface, then slowly said,
"Actually, you stopped here not just to enjoy the scenery. There's something... you want to try."
He took a few steps forward, making sure no one was looking. Then he raised his left hand forward, pointing it at the center of the lake.
The symbol on her left shoulder began to glow faintly, as if responding to her intentions. Instantly a wave of invisible impulse exploded from his palm. The lake water split violently, forming a deep and long path. A strong wind slammed into their faces, and Liam's body was pushed back a few steps by the sudden pressure.
"Brother!" Hiyana's voice rang out in panic. She ran over with a worried face.
"What did you just do? New power again?"
Liam could only stand transfixed, still trying to understand what had just happened. His breathing was heavy, his heart racing.
"It seems... yes. Sorry, yes. This... might get us into trouble again."
He stepped limply under a large tree beside the lake and sat down. The symbol on his shoulder slowly faded, sinking back into the skin as if it had never shone. He looked down, staring at the ground, trying to come to terms with the fact that the power was returning-all the more obvious, all the harder to control.
Hiyana sat next to him, leaning casually against the tree trunk. Although her eyes held worry, her lips remained smiling.
"Take it easy. One day I'll be a doctor, and I'll cure all your 'diseases', hehe."
Liam turned to her, smiling a small but bitter smile.
"Thank you, Hiyana. You're... really helped."
Of course, in his heart Liam knew. This was not a disease. And not something that could be cured with medicine or therapy. What was growing inside him... was more than that.
They sat together in silence, enjoying the remaining afternoon light reflecting off the lake. No more words were needed. Just the wind, the orange glow, and the slow ticking of time.
At exactly five in the afternoon, they decided to go home.
Arriving home, they were greeted by the tantalizing aroma of warm cooking. Mom and Dad were waiting in the dining room, the table filled with various appetizing dishes-fresh vegetables, crispy fried chicken, and Liam's favorite soup.
"There's so much food..." Liam said spontaneously, surprised but happy.
"I cooked a lot on purpose, today is a special day," his mother said with a warm smile.
"Okay, Mom," Liam replied quietly, but his gaze was blank.
"Liam, why are you silent?" Dad chimed in, looking at him with a slightly suspicious look in his eyes.
"No... I'm just going to change my clothes," he said briefly, then went to his room.
Liam took off his uniform and replaced it with a home-made T-shirt. But his thoughts returned to the lake-to the glowing symbol, to the power that came from nowhere, and to the gnawing worry.
Would he endanger them one day?
Liam's mind kept repeating the question that he never found the answer to.
"Liam... Liam. Is it still long?" Dad's voice came from outside the room, breaking his reverie.
"Yes, Dad. It'll be a while..." She took a deep breath and went out, heading for the dining room.
But it was dark. The room lights were turned off. She was confused for a moment before a small light from a candle on a cake was brought near. Instantly there was a festive sound.
"Happy 16th birthday, Liam!" cheered Mom and Dad together, each holding a gift.
"Happy birthday, Big Brother!" exclaimed Hiyana with a big smile, carrying a small gift wrapped in light blue paper.
Liam was transfixed. "Thank you... Dad, Mom, Hiyana... even I forgot it was my birthday," he said, laughing a little as he wiped the warmth from his eyes.
She blew out the candles, then they prayed together. When the prayer was over, the lights came back on, restoring the warmth of their home. The moment was so simple... but so precious.
For a moment, Liam forgot all the fears and questions. He was lost in laughter, stories, and warm food made by Mom. They exchanged stories about the first day at the new school, talking about the unique students, the lecturers on campus, and the funny memories of the past. That night, he fell asleep peacefully.