"Mom, I need to talk to you about something." Dante's voice was tight with anxiety, the words slipping out of his mouth as if they were made of glass. He sat, adjusting himself properly on his sit, his mother's face a blurry oval on the phone screen as he switched to FaceTime.
Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of concern crossing her features. "What is it, Dante?" she asked, setting aside the book she had been reading.
"It's about my job," he began, rubbing the back of his neck. The lie tasted bitter in his mouth, but he knew he couldn't tell her the truth about the bounty on his head. Not yet. "Things have gotten... complicated."
Dante's mother leaned in closer to the screen, the lines around her eyes deepening. "How so?" she pressed, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hand.
"Well, there might be some people looking for me, and I don't want to put you in danger," he said, his gaze drifting to the floor, avoiding the worry in her eyes. "I think it's best if you stay with Uncle Jason for a while, just until I can sort things out."
Her hand paused mid-air, the book she had just picked up hovering above the coffee table. "Danger? What do you mean, Dante?" The tremble in her voice was unmistakable now, and Dante felt his chest tighten.
He took a deep breath, trying to keep his tone calm. "It's nothing to worry about, Mom. Just some... work stuff. I don't want any of it to affect you." He glanced around the room, looking for the right words. "It's just a precaution, really."
Her expression softened slightly. "Okay, but you'll tell me if it's serious?"
"I will," he promised, feeling a pang of guilt for the evasion. "But for now, let's just say it's better for you to be somewhere else for a bit."
Dante's mother nodded, her eyes searching his. "Alright," she said, her voice small. "I trust you."
Dante felt the weight of her trust like a boulder on his shoulders. He had to make this work. He had to keep her safe. "Thank you, Mom," he said, forcing a smile. "I'll talk to Uncle Jason later and get it all sorted out."
The call ended, leaving him in silence. He leaned back on the couch, his heart racing. He knew Uncle Jason would understand, but he also knew that Jason would want answers. Answers he wasn't ready to give.
Dante's thoughts raced as he formulated a plan. He needed to be strategic about this. If Uncle Jason knew the truth, he would likely insist on getting involved, and that was the last thing Dante wanted. He needed to keep his family out of the crossfire.
Pushing off the couch, he paced around the room, the floorboards creaking under his boots. He had to come up with a plausible reason for his mother's sudden move. Something that would sound serious enough to convince her to leave without causing undue alarm.
As he thought, his eyes fell on the framed picture of him and his mother at his high school graduation. The smile on her face was so proud, so full of hope. He couldn't bear the thought of her living in fear because of his choices. He had to protect her, even if it meant lying to her.
Dante picked up the phone and dialed Uncle Jason's number, his thumb hovering over the screen before he finally hit 'call'. The phone rang a few times before his uncle's gruff voice filled the line. "Dante, what's up?"
"Hey, Uncle Jay," he started, trying to sound casual. "Could we meet up tomorrow? I need to talk to you about something."
"Sure, I've got a spare hour before the training session at the Eternal Era football club," Jason said, the excitement of his job seeping into his tone. "How about I give you a tour of the facility while we chat?"
"Sounds good," Dante replied, trying to keep his voice even. The last thing he wanted was for his mother's safety to be discussed in a crowded place. "What time works for you?"
"How about 2 PM?" Uncle Jason suggested, his enthusiasm palpable. "I'll show you around the new training grounds and the locker room. Maybe even introduce you to some of the players."
Dante nodded, his mind racing. "That's perfect," he said, trying to sound genuinely excited. "I've been wanting to see the new facilities."
The next day, he found himself standing outside the imposing structure of the Eternal Era football club, his stomach churning with nerves. He had practiced his story a hundred times in his head, but now that the moment was here, he wasn't so sure.
As he waited for his uncle to arrive, Dante took in the sprawling green fields, the gleaming buildings, and the bustle of activity. Players in their matching jerseys jogged past, their laughter carrying on the crisp spring air.
Finally, a burly figure emerged from the main building, waving at him. "Dante! Over here, kiddo!" Uncle Jason called out, his bald head reflecting the sun like a beacon. Dressed in the club's branded gear, he looked every bit the part of the ex-athlete turned coach.
As they met, Jason clapped Dante on the back, nearly knocking the wind out of him. "You're looking fit," he said, his eyes assessing him. "Been hitting the gym, I see."
Dante chuckled nervously, trying to play it off. "Yeah, just trying to keep up with the youngsters."
Uncle Jason's grin grew wider. "Well, come on then. I've got a surprise for you."