Scarlet returned home, her gaze empty, the medal still hanging around her neck.
The great family villa stood before her—imposing, flawless… cold.
A vast garden surrounded the house. A swimming pool shimmered in the back, and a space designed for a dog lay nearby—
a dog that no longer existed, gone for years now.
She stepped inside.
Her hesitant smile faded as she heard her parents' voices, buried beneath a mountain of official documents.
Always the same files.
Always the same seriousness.
Never for her.
Scarlet took a breath, tried to believe one more time, and approached them.
— Father, Mother… I succeeded. I finished first in the fencing tournament. I won all my matches, and the final against Eden was—
— Well done, Scarlet, her father cut in without looking up. But it was only an amateur tournament. Nothing exceptional.
— You're interrupting us, her mother added. Please return to your activities.
Scarlet remained still for a moment.
No emotion appeared on her face.
She simply nodded, turned around, and walked down the long, silent hallway.
But the moment her bedroom door closed behind her…
She collapsed to the floor.
— Why… why don't I deserve parents who love me…? What did I do wrong?!
Her fists trembled.
Her tears flowed freely.
She knew her family was powerful—
influential, respected on Atlas.
Tied to the government.
Tied to the universe's greatest decisions.
But she… she wanted none of that.
She didn't want this nobility.
This world without warmth.
She just wanted… affection.
An hour passed.
Maybe two.
Or three.
She didn't move.
At last, she grabbed her phone and tried calling someone.
Eden didn't answer.
Rose picked up, but…
— Scarlet? Is something wrong?
— I… I'm not bothering you, am I?
— I'm at the banquet. I don't really have time.
— I see… sorry.
— No problem, Rose said, hanging up immediately.
Scarlet remained frozen.
Alone again.
Ignored again.
— Honestly… I really am pathetic, she murmured.
══ ✦ ══
Night fell.
As she often did when she felt this way, Scarlet put on a jacket, filled a bag with food, and quietly left the house.
She headed toward a forgotten district of Atlas—dark alleys, abandoned buildings… a place where the government never set foot.
But here, Scarlet could breathe.
— Look, it's Scarlet!
— She came!
The children ran toward her with sincere smiles.
Scarlet set her bag down and handed out drinks and food.
An old man sitting by a wall slowly approached.
— You keep coming despite the risks… You know what your father would do if he found out.
— I can't leave you like this. With you… I just feel free.
The old man nodded, moved.
— So? That tournament? You told us you were competing today.
Scarlet hesitated, then lowered her gaze.
— No one came… so it's not important.
— Hey, kid. Look at me. Tell me—did you win?
She sighed. Then a faint smile appeared.
— Yes. I finished first… for the first time.
— Really? Congratulations, Scarlet!
He turned to the children.
— Did you hear that? Scarlet won her tournament!
The children rushed toward her.
— Scarlet! Was it hard?
— You're so strong! Teach me!
— When I grow up, I'll win tournaments like you!
— Teach us how to become as strong as you!
Scarlet laughed—a rare but genuine laugh.
— Alright… I'll teach you everything I can.
She stayed with them for several hours.
She talked about her matches, her emotions, her doubts.
They listened with admiration, as if she were a heroine.
When the children finally fell asleep, the old man approached.
— Do you feel better?
— …Yes. Thank you. Talking with them… it helped.
— Then go home. It's getting late.
She nodded, picked up her now-empty bag, and walked away.
— And never forget this, Scarlet, he added before she disappeared.
You're a good person. Never let anyone treat you otherwise.
Scarlet smiled.
A real smile.
She waved back and left.
But when she reached the villa…
She heard her parents.
They were arguing violently… and the words that left their mouths pierced Scarlet like a blade.
Secrets.
Truths.
Things she was never meant to hear.
And her world… began to crack.