The next morning, I woke up to the aroma of something delicious wafting through the air. My stomach grumbled in response, and I quickly made my way to the kitchen. There, I found Tata Lino already busy preparing breakfast, humming a soft tune as he flipped something on a skillet.

"Good morning, ija," he greeted me warmly without looking up, his voice deep and steady.

"Good morning," I replied, smiling as I approached the dining table. The spread was simple but inviting—scrambled eggs, fried rice, and a platter of fruits.

"Come, sit down and eat," he said, motioning to the chair closest to me. "After you finish, I'll drive you to De Grande University. What time is your class?"

"8:30 a.m.," I said, already reaching for a plate. "But you really don't have to drive me. I'm used to commuting back home anyway."

He chuckled at my suggestion, shaking his head. "Ija, there's no public transportation that reaches this house. We're at the very edge of town—too far for anyone to pass by on their usual route."

I blinked, realizing he was right. From what I'd seen yesterday, the mansion was surrounded by forest and practically isolated. If I tried to find my way alone, I'd probably end up lost.

"Okay, you win," I said, laughing softly. "I'll take the ride, thank you."

After breakfast, we headed out to his old but well-maintained red pickup truck. The drive to the university was quiet at first, the road winding through lush greenery. I admired the scenery, though the silence was enough to prompt me to break it.

"Do you live in that big house all by yourself?" I asked, glancing at him.

"No," he replied with a slight smile, his hands steady on the wheel. "I have someone staying with me. His name is Son."

"Ah, your son?"

"Something like that," he answered, his tone light but vague.

Something like that? What does that even mean? I wanted to press him further, but his expression suggested it wasn't a topic he was eager to expand on.

"What about your wife? Do you have grandchildren?" I ventured, curious about his life.

His smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of sadness that settled in his eyes. "It's been three years since they left," he said quietly.

I didn't know what to say. The thought of someone as kind as Tata Lino being left alone weighed on me. I glanced out the window, trying to imagine the kind of pain he must have endured.

Before I could respond, he spoke again. "We're here."

As the red pickup rolled into the main gates of De Grande University, I found myself leaning closer to the window, marveling at the sprawling campus that lay ahead. The university grounds stretched far and wide, its perfectly manicured lawns and towering trees exuding both prestige and a sense of serenity. The main building stood proudly at the heart of it all, its neoclassical design a stark contrast to the modern architecture of other buildings scattered across the campus.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Tata Lino said with a chuckle, catching me staring in awe.

"It's beautiful," I replied, unable to take my eyes off the tall columns and intricate carvings on the façade. It reminded me of something straight out of an old movie, the kind of place that held stories of generations past.

He pulled into a small parking lot near the main building and turned to me. "What time should I pick you up later, ija?"

"12:00 p.m. It's just a half-day schedule," I said, flashing him a grateful smile.

"Alright. I'll be here, parked in the same spot," he promised.

"Thank you," I said, flashing him a grateful smile as I grabbed my bag and climbed out of the truck.

The warm morning sun greeted me as I stepped onto the cobblestone pathway that led to the entrance. Around me, students moved in groups, chatting and laughing, while others walked alone, their expressions focused and determined. The atmosphere was alive with energy, a mix of excitement and purpose.

I took a deep breath and adjusted my bag strap on my shoulder. This was it—a new chapter, a new environment, a new me.

Inside the main building, the air was cooler, and the faint smell of old books and polished wood lingered. The marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting, and I couldn't help but admire the high ceilings adorned with intricate moldings. There were bulletin boards on nearly every wall, cluttered with posters for clubs, events, and notices for exams.

As I made my way to my classroom, I glanced at the students passing by. Some wore crisp uniforms that signaled their seniority, while others, like me, were dressed casually but neatly. The hum of conversations surrounded me, snippets of greetings and laughter filling the air.

I finally found my classroom on the second floor. The door was already open, and a few students were seated inside, chatting among themselves. I hesitated for a moment, suddenly feeling a little out of place. Everyone seemed to know each other already.

Swallowing my nerves, I stepped inside and chose a seat near the window, hoping to blend in. The view outside was breathtaking—a sprawling courtyard with students lounging on benches or walking briskly to their next class. Beyond that, I could see a sparkling fountain surrounded by a circular garden.

"Hey, new here?" a voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned to see a girl with shoulder-length curly hair and a bright smile standing next to me. She was holding a notebook and a pen, her curious eyes scanning my face.

"Yeah," I admitted, smiling shyly. "First day."

"Welcome to De Grande! I'm Dana," she said, offering her hand.

"NM," I replied, shaking it.

"You'll love it here," Dana said confidently as she took the seat in front of me. "It's a little overwhelming at first, but the campus is amazing, and the professors are nice. Most of them, anyway."

I laughed softly at her candor, already feeling a bit more at ease.

The class itself was straightforward—a mix of introductions, syllabus reviews, and reminders about summer coursework. The professor, a middle-aged man with a kind face and an energetic voice, encouraged everyone to make the most of their time here.

As the lecture ended, I gathered my things and exited the room along with the other students. The hallway was bustling with activity, and I found myself drifting along with the crowd, curious to explore more of the campus before heading back to the parking lot.

The library caught my eye almost immediately. It was a grand structure with large arched windows and tall wooden doors that seemed to promise endless knowledge inside. I stepped through the doors, and my jaw dropped. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched to the ceiling, each one filled with books of all sizes and ages. A few students were already settled at tables, their heads bent over notebooks or laptops.

"This place is incredible," I murmured to myself, running my fingers along the spines of the books as I wandered between the shelves.

***

By the time I returned to the parking lot, the sun was high, and the heat was starting to creep in. I spotted Tata Lino's red pickup right where he said it would be, and I quickened my pace.

"Had a good first day?" Tata Lino asked as I climbed into the truck.

"It was... different," I admitted, buckling my seatbelt. "But in a good way. The campus is beautiful, and the people seem nice."

"Good," he said, smiling. "It's important to surround yourself with good people in a place like this."

As the truck pulled out of the parking lot, I found myself staring out the window, my mind already drifting back to the faces I'd seen, the conversations I'd overheard, and the possibilities that awaited me in this new environment. Something about this place felt special, like it was just the beginning of a story I hadn't yet unraveled.

The drive back to the mansion was uneventful, the gentle hum of the engine lulling me into a relaxed state. As we arrived, I noticed he didn't immediately head inside with me.

"I have to run some errands," he explained. "I'll be back later this evening."

I nodded, watching as he drove off before heading into the house. My stomach was growling by the time I reached the kitchen, so I went straight to the fridge.

But before I could open it, I froze.

There was someone already there.

A tall figure stood in front of the refrigerator, their back to me. His movements were casual as he reached in and pulled something out, and I realized this must be the "Son" that Tata Lino had mentioned.

I waited for him to turn around, silently studying the broad set of his shoulders and the way his hair fell slightly into his face as he shut the fridge door. But when he finally did, my breath caught in my throat.

"Greco..."

The name slipped from my lips before I could stop it, barely louder than a whisper.

His eyes locked with mine, and for a moment, neither of us moved. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst.

It was him. After all these months, Greco was here, standing right in front of me.