Chapter Seven

In the quiet of the night that settled over the dilapidated house where Michael and his son Victor stayed, they began preparing for sleep. Edward had prepared a warm room for them, but the thoughts and tensions still lingered. The dim lights cast mysterious shadows on the walls, as if hiding secrets that could never be revealed.

Victor sat next to his father on the bed, smiling with determination and resolve, and said in a voice filled with confidence: "I'll go out in the morning to find a suitable job. I promise you, Father, that I will restore your fortune and teach that woman a lesson."

Michael's expression changed, with old memories clearly reflected in his eyes, as if a ghost from the past had returned to haunt his thoughts. He replied with a weak smile, "I wish I could live to see that day, my son."

Victor, with boldness, reassured him: "Don't worry, Father, that time will come soon."

Then Michael looked at Victor with a serious face and asked, "My son, what would you do if you had a book that could change the fate of the entire world?"

Victor paused for a moment, deeply thinking, then replied firmly: "I would change the fate of our lives and not allow any source of sorrow or misery to remain."

Michael continued: "And after that, what would you do?"

Victor paused again, then said with determination: "I would take revenge on anyone who hurt me or caused harm to those I love."

Michael laughed cheerfully, as if some of his burdens had been lifted, and said with a touch of humor: "I knew it. You must have inherited some of your mother's traits." He chuckled a bit before adding more seriously: "My son, I raised you because I feared you would become like her, with a cold heart that cares only for itself. I wish I had known her before marriage, but regret won't help me now."

Victor looked at his father, his mind racing with deep thoughts, as if there were hidden mysteries in his father's words.

Michael continued in a gentle tone: "My son, I will leave you with a legacy. Calm your heart in all situations, even in life and death moments, and practice patience. You must be a positive influence on everyone around you." He added with a playful tone: "But don't overdo it," and laughed lightly, as if some wisdom lay behind that smile.

"I tell you this, my son, because the world is filled with wounded and exhausted people. They've become like bodies without hearts, but even if they pretend to be strong, you can change them. You have a unique charm, you possess the hope and self-confidence that can overcome all difficult situations. But you haven't unleashed that magic yet, so your journey hasn't begun. You need a push to understand the bitterness of the world we live in."

Victor asked in astonishment: "What are you saying, Father?"

Michael looked at Victor, gently placing his hand on his shoulder, and said: "You will know soon. But promise me, when that time comes, don't let it affect you too much and continue on your righteous path."

Victor responded seriously: "I promise, though I don't understand any of what you're saying."

The conversation then shifted as Michael's gaze softened with nostalgia. He began, "Do you remember when you were just a baby, Victor? You were so tiny and fragile, yet so full of life. I used to hold you in my arms, and even in those early days, I could see a spark in you. Your first steps, your first words—those were precious moments that seemed to pass in the blink of an eye."

Victor, intrigued, leaned closer, "Yes, I remember a little. I recall how you would sing to me every night before bed. It made me feel safe and loved."

Michael smiled, "I sang to you because I wanted you to know that no matter what happens, you were always surrounded by love. I tried to instill in you a sense of security and warmth, to balance the harsh realities of the world with the comfort of home. I remember staying up nights, rocking you to sleep, and wondering what kind of man you would grow up to be."

Victor's eyes glistened, "I didn't realize you put so much thought into those moments. I always felt like you were my guiding light, even when I didn't fully understand why."

Michael chuckled softly, "Ah, but you were quite a handful back then. Do you remember when you were learning to walk? You had this habit of stumbling over absolutely everything. We had to pad the corners of every piece of furniture in the house. I think you had more bumps and bruises than most kids do in their entire childhood."

Victor laughed, "I suppose I was a bit clumsy."

Michael's eyes twinkled with amusement, "Clumsy doesn't quite cover it. You were like a miniature tornado, knocking things over, getting into everything. I remember one time you managed to climb onto the kitchen counter and got your hands on the flour. The whole kitchen looked like it had snowed inside."

Victor grinned sheepishly, "I do remember that. I made a mess everywhere. I'm surprised you didn't lose your patience with me."

Michael shook his head, "Oh, I was frustrated at times, but mostly, I found it endearing. You were always so curious and adventurous. Even if it meant cleaning up after your little escapades, it was worth it to see you explore and grow."

Victor tilted his head, "What about the time I tried to fix things myself? I remember trying to use a screwdriver to fix the old clock. I ended up breaking it even more."

Michael laughed heartily, "Yes, I remember that well. You had the best intentions, but your attempts usually ended up with more broken pieces than we started with. You were determined, though, and that's something I always admired about you."

Victor's expression softened, "It sounds like you had your hands full."

Michael nodded, "Indeed, I did. But those moments shaped you into the person you are today. You learned from your mistakes and grew stronger. It's a process that never really ends. Even now, as you face new challenges, remember those early days of stumbling and learning. They were just the beginning of a lifetime of growth and discovery."

Victor's voice grew thoughtful, "I suppose those experiences taught me a lot. They made me realize that even when things don't go as planned, there's always something to learn."

Michael placed a reassuring hand on Victor's shoulder, "Exactly. Life is full of unpredictable moments, and how you handle them defines who you become. I've seen you face many trials with grace and strength, and I have no doubt that you will continue to do so."

Victor looked at his father with gratitude, "Thank you for always being there for me, through all the ups and downs."

Michael smiled warmly, "It's been my greatest joy to watch you grow. And as you move forward, remember that no matter what happens, I'm always here for you. Just like in those early days, even when you're stumbling, you have my support and love."

As the tender conversation between father and son unfolded, the camera slowly began to pull away from the warm and intimate scene in Michael and Victor's room. The soft glow of the dim lights gradually faded, transitioning to a broader view of the house's dimly lit hallway.

The camera moved silently through the house, its movements deliberate and unhurried. The creaking of old floorboards was barely audible as it passed by closed doors and faded wallpaper. It descended a set of narrow stairs, each step echoing softly, until it reached the ground floor.

In the darkness of the night, the house seemed almost eerie, its quietness punctuated only by the occasional distant sound of wind rustling through the trees outside. The camera continued its journey, eventually arriving at a hidden study off to one side of the house.

Here, in the study, a group of Clara's servants were gathered around a table covered in maps and documents. Their hushed voices and hurried movements contrasted sharply with the calm of the house above. One of the servants, a tall man with a serious expression, was on the phone with Clara.

The servant spoke into the phone, his voice tense, "Yes, Madam, we've located them. They are staying in a small, rundown house on the outskirts of town. The location is confirmed."

Clara's voice, though distant, was clearly audible through the receiver, "Good work. Keep an eye on them and report back immediately if there are any changes. We cannot afford any mistakes."

The servant nodded, even though Clara could not see him, "Understood. We will maintain surveillance and ensure that they do not leave the premises."

As the conversation ended, the camera captured the servant hanging up and turning to his colleagues. They exchanged serious glances, their expressions reflecting the gravity of their task. The group began preparing for their next move, gathering equipment and checking their supplies with meticulous care.

The camera panned to a window overlooking the street, revealing the darkened road outside. The quiet of the night was now contrasted by the bustling activity within the study, where plans were being made and decisions were being executed with precision.

Outside, a pair of shadowy figures emerged from the darkness, moving stealthily towards the house. Their presence was almost imperceptible against the backdrop of the night, but their intent was clear. The camera followed them as they approached the building, their footsteps muffled against the gravel path.

The scene closed with a final shot of the house, its windows dimly lit and its surroundings shrouded in darkness. The camera lingered on the silhouette of the structure, emphasizing the mystery and tension that now enveloped the story. As the screen faded to black, the sense of anticipation and looming conflict left an impression of uncertainty and intrigue.

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