© Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

Chapter Six: The Moment of Choice

Bradley ascended to his room with slow, deliberate steps, leaving behind a heavy silence that seemed to weigh in the air. My son, Luca, and I remained seated at the dining table, exchanging faint glances across the empty plates, as though each of us were trying to avoid speaking. I could sense Luca’s pressing desire to voice his feelings, so I smiled softly at him, looking into his eyes with warmth and encouragement, and said in a gentle voice meant to ease him,

‘Luca… my dear, don’t you want to talk? I feel there’s a lot on your mind.’

Luca raised his gaze to meet mine, clearly struggling to hide his unease. He sighed deeply before replying,

‘No, Mother… honestly, I’ve accepted it. It seems I’ll continue on this path in life, and I’ll remain loyal to it. You don’t need to worry about me.’

But as a mother, I could see beyond his words. I felt his attempt to show acceptance, though his heart was burdened with questions and doubts. I wanted to reassure him with a piece of my own experiences, hoping he might find comfort in my story. I said to him with a voice brimming with wisdom and warmth,

‘Luca… when I was your age, I had a very different dream. I always wanted to be a merchant, travelling through markets and striking deals. But as you can see, life led me down a different path. I found myself among the sages, and over time, my abilities grew and developed until I became specialised in medical sciences, a field I never imagined myself in.’

I paused briefly to see if my words had an effect, then continued,

‘So don’t worry too much, my son. Life is full of surprises, and what seems like an ordinary path may well be the start of something completely unexpected. The important thing is to remain open to possibilities and trust yourself and your abilities.’

Luca nodded in understanding, smiling at me with genuine gratitude, and then said hesitantly,

‘Thank you, Mother. I promise I’ll make you proud. I’ll admit, I really admire Bradley… he may become my companion on this path, along with Chris, who’s walking it with me. I feel I can serve Desilta with all my dedication and devotion on the path that’s been chosen for me.’

As I listened to him, I realised how much Luca had matured and gained clarity about his goal and destiny. At that moment, I felt a deep sense of pride and relief. But Luca surprised me with a question that stirred mixed emotions within me.

‘What do you think will happen to Bradley tomorrow? Do you think he’ll find his place among us?’

At the mention of Bradley’s name, a wave of emotions overwhelmed me. Bradley… the strange man who had arrived in Desilta only a few days ago, yet had so quickly become an integral part of our lives. There was something remarkable about his character—his quiet demeanour, his patience, and his genuine care for others. Despite his natural confusion about Desilta’s laws, he held a rare appreciation for life, as if he understood both suffering and the value of fleeting happy moments.

I recalled memories of the past few days—how we had grown closer in ways I never anticipated. There was a paternal touch in his interactions with Luca, a mixture of guidance and support that we all seemed to need. I had seen how he won the affection of the villagers with his humility, his constant smile, and his tireless help for anyone in need. His strength, too, was unwavering, never used begrudgingly.

Luca broke through my thoughts with his voice.

‘Mother… what are you thinking? Is my question too hard to answer?’

I took a deep breath before responding honestly.

‘The truth is, Luca, I can’t say for certain what will happen tomorrow. But I have a feeling Bradley could become something wonderful—just as you suspect. I believe he has energy and talents that could flourish on this path. But remember, choosing a life path in Desilta isn’t easy, and it often surprises us with its results. We need to be ready for any outcome.’

Luca interrupted me with noticeable excitement in his voice, reflecting his passion.

‘How I wish Bradley would become one of the builders and join me! Imagine it, Mother—Bradley and I working together. I think we’d create extraordinary things, things Desilta has never seen before! Combining his wisdom and experience with my enthusiasm and new ideas would make us an unstoppable team.’

I smiled at his enthusiasm, but I wanted to learn more about his own experience, so I asked him,

‘Luca, did you meet the leader of the builders as planned? What did he tell you? I’m curious to know more about your future on this path.’

Luca answered eagerly, as though he had been waiting for the question.

‘Yes, Mother, I did meet him, and it was a fascinating meeting. He told me that after a year of beginning my path, the bracelet will start guiding me towards the most suitable specialisation for me. And believe me, the options are incredible! There are the Creators, for example—they’re the minds that design buildings, machines, and even weapons. They form entirely new ideas and create marvellous designs for us.’

He paused for a moment, as though gathering his thoughts, then continued,

‘Then there are the Craft Builders, who turn those ideas into tangible reality. They’re masters of their craft, with precise skills to execute the designs. And, of course, we can’t forget the Architect Builders, who combine creativity and precision to construct grand and complex structures.’

He added in a contemplative tone, gazing into the distance as if envisioning his future:

‘Mother, from my conversation with the builders’ leader, I realised the builders’ path is far more diverse and exciting than I imagined. There are so many specialisations, each filled with challenges. I don’t yet know which path I’ll choose, but I’m ready to wait for the bracelet’s guidance, and I’ll do my best to become a builder you can be proud of.’

I smiled and said to him with a voice full of pride,

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‘I’m already proud of you, Luca. Your attitude shows great wisdom and maturity, and it makes me confident that you’ll excel in your path.’

Then, with tenderness, I added,

‘Tomorrow, when Bradley goes to the celebration square to choose his life path, I’ll be by his side. I know you’ll be at work, but I strongly feel I should accompany him at that important moment.’

I noticed a fleeting disappointment cross Luca’s face—he had clearly hoped to be the one to accompany Bradley on this decisive day. However, he hid his feelings well and agreed to my suggestion. I could sense his genuine desire to support Bradley and how much he had grown close to and admired him.

Inside me, my emotions were a tangled web. I wasn’t sure why I so strongly wished to accompany Bradley tomorrow. Perhaps it was because I felt he might feel overwhelmed by our rituals and complex traditions, and I wanted to be there to clarify things and ease any tension. Or perhaps it was simpler than that—perhaps I simply felt a deep desire to be with him, to share in his joy if he succeeded or to support him if he felt lost.

Whatever the reason, I knew tomorrow would be a fateful day—not just for Bradley, but perhaps for all of us. As I watched Luca preparing for bed, a wave of optimism washed over me. I felt that, as a family, we were stronger together. And Bradley, who had arrived as a stranger, had become an inseparable part of this family.

Whatever the future held, I was certain we would face it together, as one family, drawing strength from each other.

✧ ✧ ✧

The next morning, I awoke with my heart pounding—a mixture of nerves and excitement that I couldn’t quite explain. We ate breakfast together, and I kept stealing glances at Bradley. He appeared calm and composed, an air of quiet confidence that only deepened my admiration for him. After bidding farewell to Luca, who left for his work, Bradley and I made our way to the market to purchase his ceremonial robe and the silver life bracelet he would wear during the path-choosing ritual.

I watched as Bradley chose his robe, his movements steady, his expression serene, as though he were born for this moment. By the time noon arrived, we set off toward the celebration square—a wide, open space situated between the surrounding villages, where everyone gathered to witness the rituals.

I tried hard to hide my own nervousness as we walked. Bradley, on the other hand, remained composed, his steps firm and unhurried. When we finally arrived at the square, we saw a lone boy dressed in ceremonial attire, already waiting for the sun to set and the ritual to begin. I turned to Bradley with an encouraging smile.

‘Bradley, are you ready?’

He turned his head to look at me, his gaze steady, and said in that calm, resolute voice of his,

‘Elena… I promise I’ll make you proud. You and Luca are the only family I have here.’

His words stunned me. A wave of deep happiness swelled within me, too strong to contain. He had said it with such certainty, and in that moment, I realised how much I had become part of his life. My cheeks flushed, and a soft warmth spread across my face. Had Bradley noticed the feelings I carried for him? I offered him a shy smile, watching as he ascended the platform with unshakable confidence. I didn’t know what would happen next, but I knew I would be by his side.

Soon, people began gathering around the square. Their murmurs and excited chatter filled the air, creating a festive energy. For them, this event was a chance to celebrate, a reprieve from their hard days of work.

As the red hues of twilight began to spread across the sky, the master of ceremonies stepped forward onto the platform. He surveyed the crowd, and silence fell over the square as his booming voice rang out, explaining the laws and traditions of the ritual. When he finished, he raised his hands and shouted,

‘Long live Desilta!’

The crowd roared in unison,

‘Long live Desilta!’

Their voices merged into a powerful wave, sending shivers through me, a deep sense of belonging settling in my chest. I turned my eyes to Bradley, who stood on the platform, composed and still. Unlike many who had stood in his place before, he showed no signs of fear or doubt. It was as if he had been preparing for this moment his entire life.

The other boy stepped forward first. He chose one of the coloured vials offered by the ceremony attendant, drank its contents with focus, and soon entered a state of stillness—as if absorbing his decision. Moments later, he awoke and raised his wrist to reveal his life bracelet glowing red.

‘Your path is that of the warrior,’ announced the master of ceremonies.

‘You are now bound to your bracelet. Guard it well, for removing it will strip you of your life.’

It was then Bradley’s turn. He stepped forward with measured steps, his gaze fixed on the vials held by the attendant. He selected one without hesitation and gripped it firmly. Before he drank, the master of ceremonies addressed him, his tone grave:

‘You are a stranger to the great kingdom of Desilta. By undertaking this ritual, you choose to become one of us, to live under the kingdom’s protection and strength. Are you ready for this decision, stranger?’

Bradley met the master’s gaze and replied in his usual calm tone,

‘I am ready.’

Pride swelled in my chest at his unwavering voice. But my pride soon gave way to anxiety as the master gestured for Bradley to drink. Bradley uncorked the vial with steady hands, lifted it to his lips, and drank. Then he lay down on the table, his eyes closing as if sinking into a deep, untroubled sleep. My heart raced, every part of me on edge as I watched him, my anticipation almost unbearable.

Then, something unexpected happened.

The master of ceremonies frowned, his expression growing puzzled. Bradley remained perfectly still, serene even, without the usual tremors or tension that accompanied this moment. It was as though he had fallen into a deep and peaceful slumber. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, their murmurs growing louder with each passing second. The master stepped closer to Bradley, placed a hand on his shoulder, and attempted to rouse him. But Bradley did not stir.

The murmurs intensified, an undercurrent of worry spreading through the crowd. Finally, the master of ceremonies straightened, his voice cutting through the noise with a decisive tone.

‘It appears the stranger has failed to choose his path. Desilta has rejected him.’

The words hit me like a thunderclap. My blood ran cold. What did this mean? Would Bradley remain trapped in this strange limbo, his life slipping away into rapid ageing? I couldn’t accept it. Bradley was strong. He had chosen his path with conviction. This had to be a mistake.

Before I knew what I was doing, I was running toward the platform. I pushed my way through the crowd, my voice breaking with desperation.

‘You promised me, Bradley… you can’t break your promise!’

I heard nothing but the sound of my own voice. The cheers of the crowd—‘Long live Desilta!’—faded into the background. All I could think about was reaching him, ensuring he was all right.

But when I reached the top of the platform, I froze in my tracks.

Bradley was standing behind the master of ceremonies, awake, steady, and very much alive. Relief flooded through me, so overwhelming that tears streamed down my face before I could stop them. He had awoken. He had chosen his path. He had kept his promise. I hadn’t lost him.

The master of ceremonies turned, clearly startled to see Bradley standing beside him. His voice was filled with disbelief as he said,

‘It seems you survived at the very last moment. Come, raise your wrist so all may see your bracelet.’

Bradley lifted his arm, revealing his bracelet.

And in that moment, the world seemed to come crashing down.

A heavy silence descended over the square. I stood frozen, my breaths shallow, my gaze fixed on his wrist. My body trembled, a cold shiver coursing through me.

My God… what is this? What is happening, Bradley?!

© Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.