Lucan Vale, an 11-year-old boy, was reading a book in the library. His eyes widened, lips curling into a gentle smile.
The bell rang. All the students left the library, and the teacher was about to lock the door, but she noticed Lucan still sitting inside. She walked over, placed the lock on the table, and gently took the book from his hands, which were covering his face.
"Lucan, didn't you hear the bell ring? Your friends have already left. What are you still doing?" she asked.
"Oh, sorry, teacher. I was just interested in this book. I'll leave now," Lucan replied. He stood, quietly walked out, and left.
The teacher sighed and looked at the book. It was about space, opened to its last page. She read the line: "Space is infinite. It has neither boundaries nor edges. It is a vast and endless place."
She muttered to herself, "This kid… interested in science at just 11 years old? Well, never mind, it's already time to leave."
She returned the book to the shelf, locked the library, and left. Lucan, meanwhile, was packing his bags in the classroom.
A group of friends approached him. One of them, a boy named Aric, asked, "Hey Lucan, we're all going out. Want to join us?"
Lucan smiled. "I'm sorry, Aric, not today. I've got some work to do." He left.
Aric sighed. A girl named Lana said, "I'm worried about him. He always stays alone, never mingling with anyone. We should do something."
Aric replied, "Yeah, but all we can do is try. It's his choice, ultimately."
Lana frowned. "I know, but I feel pity for him."
At that moment, the teacher entered. "You all—what's going on? Aren't you leaving yet?"
Aric explained. She patted them on the heads. "Don't worry. He will eventually open up. Now, it's time. You must all go home; your parents will worry if you're late."
The students left. The teacher stayed behind, deep in thought. Her friends, other teachers, came up to her.
"Is something wrong?" one asked.
"Ah, it's nothing—just zoning out," she replied.
"If something's bothering you, just say it," they insisted. She shook her head. "No, it's nothing." They all left.
Lucan arrived home. His mother said, "Lu! You're back. Here, have some snacks. You must be hungry."
"Mom, just a few minutes. I have important work," he said.
His mother raised an eyebrow, worried. What could an 11-year-old possibly have that's important?
His 16-year-old sister, Marie, was in the kitchen. "Mom, don't worry. Maybe he wants to play with his toys or games. He's just 11!"
She laughed. "Yes, Marie. What else could he be doing?"
But they had all underestimated Lucan. He went to his room, opened the computer, and typed: "What is at the end of space?"
No answers came. Most results said, "Space expands infinitely. It has no end…"
He sighed, searching through books and websites for a whole hour, but nothing satisfied him. Exhausted, he lay on his bed.
"This question is not answered by anyone. I hate this! There must be an end to space. I WILL FIND IT ON MY OWN!" he declared.
His stomach growled. "Well… first, I should eat something."
He went downstairs, thoughts clouding his mind. His mother asked, "Is something the matter, Lu?"
He shook his head. "No."
After eating with a serious expression, he turned to his mother and sister. "Mom! Sister! I've decided my goal."
Marie asked, "What is it? To be a superhero or something?"
His mother smiled.
"No," he said. "It's to answer the unanswered question. I'm going to explore the whole of space and find its end—and the truth beyond it."
They both laughed. "Nobody's joking?" Lucan exclaimed. "What's wrong? Why are you laughing?"
Marie said, "That would be a great goal, Lucan, but… there's no end to space." She patted his head. His mother nodded.
He pushed her hands away. Running to his room, he slammed the door. "Why? Why? Why is she saying the same thing? I will definitely see the end of space! I swear!"
His mother knocked. "Lu, come out. She was just joking. You have a great goal."
Marie added, "Yes, Lucan, come out."
Lucan yelled, "No need to fake it! I know you don't believe me. Leave me alone!"
They left. Marie whispered to her mother, "He hasn't realized the truth yet. He's still a child. I should've thought twice before saying that to him."
Her mother replied, "No problem. We can handle this. My only worry is that he doesn't make friends. He spends most of his time alone."
A man approached, putting his hands on their shoulders. "What's going on today?"
They explained. He said, "Honey, don't worry. I was like him once—lonely, full of childish thoughts. He'll gradually change. Just leave him alone."
He hugged and reassured them. Marie smiled but said nothing. She glanced at Lucan's room one last time before leaving.
The clock struck midnight. Everyone was asleep. Lucan finished his research, sleepy, lay down, pointed his hands upward, and whispered, "One day, I will reach the end of space and find THE TRUTH BEYOND EVERYTHING!.