3.

"Lisa, we need to move! The flight leaves in less than three hours!"

Jett Manoban’s gravelly voice rumbled through the halls of the family home, carrying the weight of a man who had spent two decades keeping the gears of Zenith Tech turning. At fifty, Jett was the sturdy pillar of the household, the primary breadwinner whose life was defined by reliability and the quiet pressure of providing.

"She’s almost ready, Jett. Gunther is handling the luggage," Ravee replied, smoothing the edges of her white cashmere sweater.

At forty-two, Ravee carried herself with a serene grace, her mind often wandering toward the celestial patterns she had been meticulously studying. An aspiring astrologer, she had spent months at the local temple decoding the stars, a side venture she hoped would soon provide a secondary pillar of support for their family.

"Here, Father," Gunther announced, emerging from the hallway with two heavy suitcases in tow. At twenty-five, Gunther was the family’s handsome, steady anchor.

Since graduating from the University of Thailand a year ago, he had been balancing job-hunting with his role as his mother’s business assistant, helping her carve out a professional space for her readings.

With his sharp, jet-black eyes and polished demeanor, he looked every bit the supportive older sibling.

Jett eyed the luggage, his brow furrowing. "Good grief, why is her bag so heavy?"

"She’s moving her life abroad for a year, Jett. It’s supposed to be heavy," Ravee reminded him firmly, yet with a soft smile.

"You two, finish locking the rooms and double-check the windows."

The house was a flurry of final preparations until a frantic, melodic voice cut through the air. "Where are they? I can’t leave without my headphones!"

"They’re on the living room table, Lili! Grab them and come out," Ravee called back.

Two minutes later, Lisa stepped into the hall. At twenty-two, she was an image of nervous readiness. Her black hair, accented with silver highlights, was styled in a chic half-up, half-down look that cascaded over one shoulder.

She wore crisp white cargo pants paired with a vibrant yellow shirt that seemed to radiate her excitement.

As the family turned to look at her, a collective, bittersweet silence settled over the room. The air felt thick with the unspoken pride of parents watching their youngest daughter take flight.

Lisa knew exactly what this moment cost.

She remembered the financial sacrifices her parents had endured to put Gunther through school in the UK, and she had vowed never to be a burden.

Through sheer force of will and endless nights of study, she had secured a 70% scholarship to the University of Seoul. When the acceptance letter had arrived a month ago, the path forward was clear.

It had taken a little persuasion to convince her parents that she was ready, but with Gunther’s unwavering support, they had finally relented.

"You look beautiful, Lili," Gunther said, his voice softening.

Lisa beamed, the tension of the morning melting into a determined smile. "Thank you, big brother. Now, come on—we have a flight to catch!"

Within ten minutes, the Manoban family was on the road, the house left quiet behind them as they drove toward a new chapter.

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