When the water in the kettle finished boiling, Angelo took two cups from the set, poured tea, and stepped onto the balcony.
Cool air. City lights. The same view for twelve years.
Laughter. Arguments. Long kitchen talks.
Maria stepped out onto the balcony.
"Sweetheart, it's cold out there."
"Let's go in."
They returned to the kitchen, sat at the table, and began eating the cake.
For a moment, there was only silence. The quiet kind.
Then Angelo spoke.
"I'm glad you're here. In my life… I'm glad I met you."
Maria smiled softly.
"I'm glad I have such a wonderful son."
"In this life… and the next… we'll always be together."
"My silly child," she said gently. "I won't always be able to stay with you."
Angelo looked at her, calm. Certain.
"There is nothing impossible in this world. Our bond is too strong to be broken. Not by heaven… nor by the underworld."
Silence settled again.
Then Angelo picked up the brochure and placed it in front of her.
Life Without End.
A full-immersion game with over 500 million players. A world where reality and illusion blurred.
Once, there was a player who ruled it all.
Angelo Fool.
Level 150. Rank M Blood Element.
The true Emperor of Pelegon.
Maria's eyes widened slightly.
"I thought you quit this game."
"I did."
He pointed at a specific line on the brochure.
$1,000,000 for an interview with the legend.
Maria smiled faintly.
"So… you just decided to earn some money?"
Angelo smiled back.
"Money is never useless."
She studied him.
"Are you sure about this?"
"If I wasn't ready… I wouldn't tell you."
He looked at her, then added:
"After the interview, I'll buy anything what you want, my angel."
Maria smiled warmly, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Whatever you decide… I'll always support you."
Then her expression became a little more serious.
"But Angelo… you understand that no one pays that kind of money for a simple interview. I think you know that."
"I know."
They finished their tea, ate the rest of the cake, washed the dishes, and quietly hugged.
Then they went to their rooms.