Arun’s life took a somber turn as he approached his teenage years. When he was 13, his beloved meemaw passed away, leaving a void in his heart. The funeral was a brief reunion with Lime and Dus, but it was bittersweet. They exchanged a few words, but the connection they once had seemed like a distant memory. After the funeral, they lost contact again.

As Arun navigated his teenage years, his school life became increasingly isolated. His passion for science remained strong, but apart from that, all his grades were less than stellar. He found it hard to connect with his classmates and teachers, feeling more and more like an outsider. His introverted nature and preference for solitary activities grew even more pronounced.

Chee had always harbored high hopes for his sons, envisioning them pursuing “respectable” careers such as doctors, lawyers, or architects. He frequently reminded Arun and Benny of these aspirations. “I want you boys to be successful, to have respectable careers,” Chee would say. “Nothing less than the best for my sons.”

When Arun was 15, Shari graduated and started working as an insurance agent. Her presence became a source of stability and support for the family. Arun admired her determination and resilience, even though he struggled to express his feelings.

At 16, Arun faced another devastating loss when his mawmaw passed away. Unlike meemaw, mawmaw had been more forgiving and understanding, and her absence left the family feeling even more fragmented. Arun felt the weight of the world on his shoulders, struggling to find his place in a changing family dynamic.

Chee’s career continued to advance, and when Arun was 17, he was promoted to Territory Manager, responsible for the Shizi, Malagu, and Insulada regions. The increased responsibilities meant Chee spent more time at work, leaving less time for the family. Chris, meanwhile, spent even more time outside Shizi, growing ever more distant from the family. Her frequent travels were financed by the rental income from a small apartment she had bought in both her and Benny’s names around Benny’s 14th birthday.

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Despite the strained relationship between Chee and Chris, Shari and Charm developed into strong pillars for the brothers. They provided guidance, support, and a sense of stability amidst the chaos.

The relationship between Arun and Benny, while still strained, began to show signs of improvement. Benny’s brilliance shone through in his excellent grades at school and his leadership among the church youth. Arun, although struggling with his own academic performance, found solace in Benny’s achievements and started to appreciate his younger brother’s strengths.

Arun also began serving in the church, but unlike Benny, he chose roles that kept him in the background, away from the limelight. He helped with setting up events, managing logistics, and other behind-the-scenes tasks. Despite his contributions, Arun started to feel overshadowed by Benny’s success and popularity. Gradually, he was identified more as “Benny’s Brother” rather than having his own identity within the church community.

As Arun grew older, he became increasingly aware of his own sexuality and curiosity about the female body. This awakening brought with it a sense of guilt and internal conflict, as his Christian upbringing taught him to suppress these impulses. He struggled to reconcile his natural curiosity with the teachings of the church, often feeling ashamed of his thoughts and desires.

“Why do I feel this way?” Arun would wonder, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. “Is it wrong to have these thoughts?”

Shizi itself was undergoing significant changes. The infrastructure was improving, with better roads and public transportation making the town more accessible. Schools were centrally planned and managed by the efficient Education Ministry, providing a more structured and consistent educational experience. However, despite these improvements, the wealth gap began to widen. The nouveau riche started to appear, and while the wealth gap was not yet troublesome, hints of potential conflicts began to surface.

As Arun transitioned from a boy to a man, he faced many challenges and losses. Despite the darkness that seemed to surround him, he found strength in his passion for science, the support of his cousins, and the slowly improving relationship with his brother. The large house, once a source of discomfort, gradually became a place where Arun could explore his passions and grow, even as the world around him continued to change.