In a big garden, a 10 year old little boy was sitting beside an oak tree, surrounded by colorful flowers and chirping birds. He was writing something on his notebook, his brow furrowed in concentration. He didn't notice the man who walked up to him until he heard his voice.
"Good morning." The man greeted him in a cheerful tone, as if they were old friends.
The little boy looked up, startled. He saw a tall, muscular man with a long coat and a hat. He had a friendly smile on his face and warm eyes.
"Who are you?" Ethan asked bluntly, stopping his pencil from notebook.
"My name is Gorgon, and you?" The man said, extending his hand.
"What are you doing here?" Ethan asked, ignoring his hand.
"At least you should introduce yourself when an elder is speaking." Gorgon said, lowering his hand.
"I'm Ethan. Now state your business." Ethan said, irritated. He wished the man would leave him alone. He just wanted to write in peace.
"Okay, Ethan. I'm here to recruit you in Echelon." Gorgon said, maintaining his smile.
"I refuse." Ethan said, without hesitation. He had enough problems in his life.
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"Why?" Gorgon asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Can you tell me why should I join Echelon?" Ethan asked back.
"Because I think you want to escape from the eyes that remind you of that incident." Gorgon said, his voice dropping to a whisper.
He didn't reply anything. He just glared at the man, his eyes filled with coldness.
Gorgon sighed. He could see that Ethan was not ready to join him. He decided to give him some time.
"I will stay here for a few more days. If you change your mind, you can find me at the hotel on the corner. Think about it, Ethan. Echelon can give you a chance for a new life." Gorgon said, and then turned and walked away.
Ethan watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions. He didn't know what to do. He went back to writing in his notebook.
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The night sky was dark and starless, reflecting the mood of Norman and Wanda. They were sitting on the edge of their bed, in their big and luxurious room.
"Is it necessary to send Ethan away?" Wanda asked, her voice trembling. She looked at Norman with pleading eyes. She loved her son more than anything, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing him.
"Yes, dear. You already know. This is the only way by which he can focus on other things and escape from that incident." Norman explained, his voice calm and rational. He had seen Ethan getting more and more distant and uncaring. He knew that Ethan needed a change, a chance to start over.
"But would he be okay alone there? What if someone bullies him or what if his situation gets worse?" Wanda panicked, imagining all the horrible things that could happen to Ethan.
"Don't worry, honey. Commander Gorgon has assured us that Ethan will get better. And if he faces any problem, we can always go to him. He said he will keep in touch with us." Norman said, trying to reassure her. He reached out and held her hand, squeezing it gently.
"Okay. I just wish he becomes a normal and happy boy." Wanda said, her voice breaking. She wanted Ethan to laugh and play like a normal child.
"I also wish the same." Norman said, his eyes moist. He felt a lump in his throat, as he thought of his son. He wanted to see him smile again, too.
"Dear, I am a bad mother, right?" Wanda said, with tears in her eyes. She blamed herself for what had happened to Ethan.
"No, you are not. You tried your best." Norman said, hugging her. He wanted to make her feel better, to ease her guilt.
"But..." She wanted to continue, but her tears stopped her.
"It was me who failed in being a good father." Norman said, his voice filled with regret. He blamed himself, too.
They held each other, and cried. They didn't know what the future would bring, but they knew they had to let Ethan go. They hoped that he would find his happiness, somewhere, somehow. They hoped that they would be a happy family again, someday, somehow.