"Ha… I slept well." Nova yawned, stretching his arms as sunlight slipped through the window. He turned his head toward the other bed.
"Still sleeping, huh."
He got up and went out. Elaine was already busy in the kitchen, the scent of warm bread filling the house. Joren was out on his usual morning run. Sometimes, if Nova woke early enough, he joined his father — but not today.
"Good morning, Mom," he said, stepping into the kitchen.
Elaine looked over with a smile. "Good morning, Nova. Mira still sleeping?"
"Yeah. After all, she tired herself out fighting with me last night."
Elaine chuckled softly. "I'm sure she did."
Nova grinned, then stepped outside into the yard to breathe the crisp morning air. Moments later, Joren returned from his run, sweat glistening on his arms.
"Good morning, Dad."
"Good morning, son. Slept well? Did she cause any trouble?"
"Nah. Slept like a baby — after fighting with me, of course. She's still out cold."
"Haha, I see."
"Oh yeah, there's something I wanted to do." Nova ran to his room and came back holding the slingshot Tama had given him. "This'll do." He picked up a small stone from the ground.
He set it neatly on the leather strip, squinting one eye as he aimed at a tree near the edge of the yard.
Twang!
The stone zipped through the air and struck the bark with a sharp thunk.
"Heh. Better than last time," Nova said proudly, spinning the slingshot around his fingers.
Joren chuckled, crossing his arms. "Good shot. You've improved since last week."
"Of course. I've been practicing every day."
"Every day, huh? I didn't see you practice yesterday."
"That's because I was helping Mom! You can't expect me to practice and be a good son at the same time."
"Haha, fair enough," Joren laughed.
Nova aimed again. This time the pebble grazed past the tree, landing somewhere in the bushes.
"Tch. The wind."
"Blaming the wind already?" Joren teased.
"Hey! It's true!" Nova puffed out his chest.
"Alright," Joren smirked. "Let's see you hit that old tin can near the fence. If you get it in one shot, I'll let you come hunting with me next week."
Nova's eyes brightened. "Seriously?"
"Seriously."
He took a breath, raised his arm, and focused. The world seemed to hold its breath — even the morning birds fell silent.
Twang!
The stone flew straight, striking the can dead center.
Clang!
Nova's jaw dropped. "Did you see that?! Dead center!"
Joren grinned. "Not bad. Not bad at all."
Nova jumped in excitement. "Yes! You promised, Dad! I'm coming with you next week!"
"Damn it," Joren muttered under his breath.
"What?" Nova grinned. "I'll tell Mom you said that."
"Hey! It's not even that bad. And besides, you heard worse in the market last time."
"Yeah! Those two old men really went all out at each other." Nova giggled. "Anyway, you'll take me, right?"
Joren ruffled his hair. "I did promise."
Elaine's voice called from inside, "Breakfast is ready!"
"Coming!" Nova shouted, racing toward the house.
"Go wake your sister up, Nova. I'll set the table," Elaine said.
"Alright."
Nova rushed into his room and started nudging Mira. "Hey, wake up, sleepyhead."
"Mmm… what? Is it morning already?"
"Morning? Breakfast's already ready!"
Mira shot up. "What?!"
Soon, the family sat together at the table, breakfast warm and fresh. Afterward, Nova went to bathe while Mira stayed behind to help Elaine with the dishes.
"Ha… feels so good," Nova said as he stepped out, drying his hair. "Hey, Mira! Your turn."
"Yeah, yeah, I'll go," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Did Dad leave already?" Nova asked.
Elaine nodded. "He did. I'll head to the market in the afternoon, so don't cause trouble, you two."
"Yeah." Nova cracked his knuckles and looked at Mira with a mischievous grin. "Sure."
"Uh, Mom, can you take me with you?" Mira asked quickly.
Elaine laughed. "He's joking, Mira."
"Am I now?" Nova teased.
"He's definitely not joking, Mom…" Mira muttered helplessly.
---
By midday, sunlight poured through the windows, painting golden streaks across the wooden floor.
Elaine stood near the door, adjusting her shawl and the small pouch of coins at her waist.
"Alright, I'm heading to the market. Need anything?"
"Sweets!" Mira raised her hand.
"Dried meat strips!" Nova said immediately.
Elaine shook her head with a smile. "One always wants sweets, the other wants meat. You two never change."
"At least mine's useful," Nova said, crossing his arms. "Energy food."
"Yeah, for your mouth maybe," Mira shot back.
Nova ruffled her hair. "Keep talking, little sis. You're about to get beaten up again."
"Mom! See?!"
Elaine laughed. "Both of you behave. I'll be back before evening. Don't go too far."
"Got it!" they said in unison.
As the door shut, silence lingered for a moment before Nova turned to Mira with that familiar mischievous spark.
"So… what do we do now?"
Mira narrowed her eyes. "Whenever you say that, something bad happens."
"Bad? Please. I was just thinking we could go to the riverbank. It's been a while."
"But Mom said not to go far!"
"That's why we'll be quick." Nova grinned, already grabbing his slingshot. "Come on, scaredy cat."
"I'm not scared!" she pouted, standing up.
"Good. Then prove it."
Mira sighed but followed anyway, dragging her little wooden horse along as they stepped outside into the bright afternoon.
The air was warm but pleasant, carrying the scent of wet earth and wildflowers.
"See?" Nova said, hands on his hips. "Told you it'd be nice."
"Still… we should be quick," Mira muttered, glancing back at their house.
Nova smiled, spinning the slingshot around his fingers as they walked toward the river. Soon, they reached the riverbank. The water flowed gently, sunlight scattering across its surface.
Nova crouched and began skipping pebbles. Each skip sent ripples gliding across the glittering current.
"Let's see if you can beat seven skips…" He flicked his wrist. The stone danced — once, twice, thrice—
Thrum.
The sound was faint, but deep, like the earth groaning. Nova froze. The wind stopped. The birds went silent.
Then the ground began to hum.
"What's happening…?" Mira whispered.
Distant screams pierced the stillness — faint at first, then growing louder, rising from the heart of the village.
"Ahhhh!"
Nova's heart sank. "What…?"
"Big brother… what's happening?" Mira's voice trembled.
"I… I don't know. Come on!"
He grabbed her hand, running back toward the village. The screams didn't stop — they only multiplied.
When they reached home, Nova turned to her. He gave his slingshot to her.
"Go inside and hide."
Mira's grip tightened. "What about you?"
Nova placed a hand over hers, steadying her. "I'm going to check what's happening. Mom's still out there."
She hesitated, then finally let go.
Nova gave her one last nod and sprinted toward the main village — toward the chaos.
The peaceful day had ended.