Victor returned to his house feeling completely drained. Every step toward his bedroom felt
heavy, as if the weight of the day clung to him. He had just lowered himself onto the bed when
his phone suddenly rang.
He glanced at the screen.
It was his father.
Victor frowned slightly. Whenever his father called, it usually meant trouble or criticism. For a
moment, he hesitated, staring at the ringing phone as if hoping it would stop on its own. But
after a few seconds, he let out a quiet sigh and answered.
“Victor,
” his father said softly from the other end of the line.
“What’s wrong with you, son? How
can you stop working for a whole week and even clear your desk without telling me anything?”
Victor closed his eyes briefly. He didn’t know where to begin. He had thought that one w
