Gabriel jerks awake with a gasp, his heart racing. He takes a moment to catch his breath, muttering to himself, "Just a dream, only a dream..." Wiping the sweat from his brow, he chuckles dryly, "I should've known. Dad's not the most reliable, but that's a bit much. A shower should do the trick to calm down."

Under the shower, the water soothes Gabriel, steam filling the room. His thoughts turn to the wedding invitation, debating whether to attend his mother's wedding. He sighs, "Mom's happy, found herself someone stable. And Dad... well, he's always been a bit of a wild card." Lost in thought, he remembers past moments.

"Young Gabriel, holding his father's hand and his ice cream, asks, "Why's Mom always busy? She's missed so many weekends."

His father, smiling gently, replies, "Your mom's got a lot on her plate with work. It's tough to explain to a kid."

"I'm not just a kid! I'll be in school soon, and Mom says that means I'm practically a grown-up," Gabriel protests, then adds quietly, "She says grown-ups don't cling to their parents..."

His father teases, "Well, not exactly..." Seeing Gabriel's disappointed look, he laughs, "Hey, I'm always here for you, champ. I'm your guardian!"

Gabriel, reassured, goes back to his ice cream. After a moment, he asks, "Dad, are we running out of money?"

His father chuckles, "Why would you think that? I'm a great musician, remember? My songs pay the bills."

"But Mom says you're just coasting on the old family money. That's why she's always working," Gabriel says bluntly.

His father falls silent, then manages a half-smile, "Your mom's just... really driven. Let's get going, it's starting to rain."

Gabriel steps out of the shower, toweling off. He wipes the foggy mirror, revealing his reflection, and smirks, "Not bad, Gabriel, not bad." Then he notices a strange countdown in his vision: 17:32:16. He blinks, but it remains: 17:32:14, 13, 12...

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"What's this? Some new feature on the mirror?" He wipes it again, realizing with a shiver that the countdown is in his vision. "What's happening to me?"

In their dorm, Samuel yawns and greets Gabriel, who's staring at his laptop. "Morning, Gabriel."

Gabriel turns and asks, "Ever heard of a countdown appearing like it's stuck in your eye?"

Samuel, confused, replies, "Sounds like a movie plot. Check online; you'll find tons of stuff."

Gabriel, forcing a smile, stands up, "Need to head out for a bit."

"Skipping class?" Samuel asks.

"Mind covering for me?" Gabriel says, already heading out the door.

Gabriel arrives at his childhood home, stepping out of the taxi. The house looks well-kept. He reaches for the door, which opens from the inside.

Aunt Maria, the cleaner, greets him warmly, "Gabriel! It's been ages. You look great. What brings you here?"

"Just visiting, Aunt Maria. You're cleaning today?" Gabriel asks.

"Yes, every two weeks. This place is empty now, needs some life. You should think about renting it out," she suggests.

Gabriel nods thoughtfully, "I'll talk to Mom about it. You're right. Thanks, Aunt Maria."

Inside, Gabriel heads to his old room, full of memories. He sits on the bed, holding a basketball, lost in thought. Then he hears the front door and footsteps. He sets the ball down and heads out.

Seeing his mother downstairs, he asks, "Mom, what are you doing here?"

Elina, surprised and happy, replies, "Gabriel! Haven't seen you in a while. You look thin. Sophie keeps asking about you."

Gabriel smiles, "She could visit me, you know."

"She's busy with exams, and I don't want her to distract you," Elina says.

"Is she at school today?" he asks.

"Of course, it's Friday. Why aren't you in class?" she asks.

"No class today," he replies, coming down the stairs, "I'll probably see Sophie later... if I have time."

After a pause, Elina asks softly, "Will you come tomorrow?"

"Maybe, if I can make it," Gabriel says, glancing at the countdown: 13:27:15.

Looking at his mother, he says sincerely, "I hope you're happy, Mom."

Elina, concerned, observes, "You seem a bit off today."

Gabriel reassures her with a smile, "Just some stuff to sort out. I should get going." Heading out, he adds, "Let's rent out the upstairs rooms. Empty houses aren't good."

At the street corner, Gabriel dials his father's number. After a few rings, his dad answers cheerfully, "Hey, son! Miss me?"

"Where are you?" Gabriel asks.

"At New Century Game City. Why don't you join me? Let's have some fun," his dad laughs.

"Why are you there again? Wait for me, don't go anywhere," Gabriel says.

"Sure thing, son. Your old man's waiting," his dad replies, ending the call with a chuckle.

Gabriel shakes his head, smiling wryly, and hails a taxi.