Chapter 44

Nathaniel had just woken up that afternoon when his phone rang, displaying his father's name on the screen. He picked it up, expecting the usual conversation, but this time, his father's voice held an unusual tone.

"Nathaniel, I need you to come over to the sitting room this evening. Your mother and I would like to talk to you about something important."

Nathaniel sensed the seriousness in his voice. "Of course, Father. Is everything all right?"

His father hesitated for a moment before replying, "We will discuss it when you're here. Just make sure you're here at 7:00 PM."

Nathaniel agreed and the call ended, wondering what could be so important that his father had set up a time for a meeting with not just himself but with his mother. The thought of it weighed on him throughout noon, and he found it difficult to read the book he had planned to read.

At exactly 6:55 PM, Nathaniel left his room and headed for the meeting scheduled for 7:00 PM. The familiar portraits of his childhood pict