Protection

The two, father and son, sit together on the hospital bed. They are sitting side by side.

Though his father is old. He is still taller than Xavier.

His father tell him the story that he keep hidden for 20 years.

They are from Su Village.

And one of the largest family is the Austin Clan. They are large family in the Su Village and the main source of food and income comes from farming, fishing and hunting.

Julius is the son of the patriarch from his second wife.

But his mother died later after he was born. The one he called mother is his father's first wife.

Though he knows that she is not fond of him, he keeps being filial.

All the money he earned are given to his 'mother' until he gets married.

Despite his father's interference. His 'mother' ask him to move out of the main house and lived in an abandoned house of the family that is further away from the other villager. They look like an outcast from the village but the good thing is there is a near source of water from the river. There is a farm land that their family own there just behind their house but it was abandoned long ago and the land is rocky and sandy.

The house is also nearer in the forest and wild animals will come from time to time.

This is really bad for the newly wed but fearing that his wife will get bullied in the main house, Julius reluctantly agreed to live there separate from the family.

With his father's support, they live happily in the old house.

The era was old and war is rampant.

People are deceiving each other and there is turmoil every day.

Though their village is far from the most affected area, the distress is still in the air.

That year is the worst when the palace ask the farmer to join the war.

Julius decided to go for their family. Layla and him where fighting and Xavier who is only 5 back then is crying so Julius carried him.

This door that is being taken care of by generation of the Austin family suddenly burst open and swallows him and Xavier inside.

"Back then, I have no idea why. My father used to tell me that the door leads our family to fortune and it is precious thing. Later I realize that the door is more like protecting our family.

It feels the turmoil in the air and wanting to preserve our family and swallow us and lead us to this developed world.

Back then, I was lost. I wanted to go back no matter what.

My 2 sons, my pregnant wife. The world is in chaos back then. Gerald is just 10 years old.

But whatever I do, The door won't open again.

You were scared and you were having a high fever. As you grow up the memory from our original world was forgotten. To me, that is better. It is good for you not to hope that one day it will open again."

Xavier pats his father back. He can now smile and tell him the past. How they lived and who are his older siblings and who are those other people.

Those friends he was closed to and his father,Xavier's granddad.

Xavier slowly hold his father's hand and squeeze it.

"Father, I talk to Second brother and mom for a short time but I can understand that the situation....may be a little bit different to what you expected."

His father clenched his hand.

"What do you mean?"

"I...I heard from their talk that...It seems Eldest brothe is injured but the main family is still asking him to work."

He felt his father's hand tightening again.

He stops talking to let his father relax.

He did consider not to tell it to him in one go. But he won't be able to calm down not knowing anything either.

Time passes by and his father relax more.

"What else did you hear? Your Mother is a stubborn person. She will not tell us anything is wrong if she knows we will worry."

"It seems Our youngest...is a girl." He smiles.

His father also heave a relied sighs and he grins

"Good. Good. After having three sons. I am really happy. It's too sad that she is already living far but we will visit her in her husband's house often."

He said happily.

"Dad....She is not yet married."

"Nonsense! We left 20 years ago. She is already 19. In that place, being married in 15 is normal. Some parents decided to keep their daughter until she is 18. Your mother must be anxious to keep her. But 19....What if she won't get married?"

He is now even more worried.

The frown in his forehead is evident.

"Dad, you have to stay here for another week. I will continue to communicate to Mom until they tell the problem. You have to recuperate then we will go back to our family."

"......Son, will you go?"

Xavier is startled.

"Dad, do you plan on leaving me alone here?"

"That place is not good. It is very bad. Here you can argue with what is right and wrong base on what your conscience tells you but there....without money, nobody will listen to you. I am reluctant to let you experience that world."

"Dad, I am from that place. No matter what you say. I will go where you go. And...How can I be filial here when my parents are leaving in such a place?"

His Dad nods.

He pats his head.

"Though you grow up and lived in this world your heart who cares and respect your parents are still with you. I am really proud that I am part of your life growing up. Your mother will be really jealous."

He laughs.

Xavier looks down.

"Dad, Don't worry. Once we are back. We will help our family to get better."

"Yes. Yes. I know you can."