The smell of sizzling bacon filled the small apartment, mingling with the sweetness of pancake batter cooking on the stovetop. Evan moved between the frying pan and the coffee maker, sleep still tugging at the corners of his mind but already beginning to fade in the warmth of the morning routine. Jason sat at the table, legs swinging back and forth as he idly fiddled with the salt shaker, his eyes occasionally darting toward the pan.

  "How much longer, Dad? I’m starving," Jason said, his voice carrying just the faintest edge of whine.

  Evan glanced over his shoulder, smirking. "If you’re starving, then I guess the three slices of toast you had while I was cooking weren’t enough?"

  Jason grinned, shrugging. "That was just an appetizer."

  "Well, the main course is ready now." Evan flipped the last pancake onto the plate and carried it over to the table, setting it down alongside the bacon and syrup. Jason’s eyes lit up as he grabbed his fork, and Evan chuckled, sitting down across from him.

  They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, the clinking of forks and the occasional satisfied hum from Jason filling the space. Evan watched his son, his heart tugging at the sight of him so happy and carefree. It made what he needed to say next all the harder—but also all the more important.

  "Hey, buddy," Evan started, his tone light but careful. He set his fork down and leaned forward slightly. "I wanted to talk to you about something. Something kind of important."

  Jason looked up from his plate, a strip of bacon halfway to his mouth. "What’s up?" he asked, his voice muffled slightly.

  Evan took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "You know how I’ve been working at my job for a long time now? Designing products and working with a big team to make stuff people use?"

  Jason nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. "Yeah. You’re always saying how it’s cool to make things from scratch and see people use them."

  "Right," Evan said, smiling faintly. "And I do like that part of it, a lot. But… there’s also a lot about it that’s been really hard for me lately. Stuff that makes it less fun, you know? Like all the meetings and rules that don’t actually help me make good things. And honestly, I’ve been feeling kind of stuck. Like I’m not doing something that really matters."

  Jason tilted his head, his fork hovering over his plate. "Okay… so what does that mean?"

  Evan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms loosely. "It means I’ve been thinking about leaving that job. Quitting, and doing something different. Something that might make me happier."

  Jason’s eyes widened slightly, his fork clattering onto his plate. "You’re quitting your job? What are you gonna do instead?"

  There it was—the big question. Evan hesitated for a moment, then decided to be as honest as he could without diving into the complexities of Velanthor that Jason wasn’t ready to understand. "You remember when I told you I went camping last week? That I was helping some people out?"

  Jason nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he tried to piece things together.

  "Well," Evan continued, "that wasn’t just a one-time thing. The people I was helping… they really need me. And I think the work I can do with them is important. It’s dangerous sometimes, but it’s also something that could make a real difference for a lot of people."

  Jason’s brows furrowed deeply, and he leaned forward, his hands resting on the table. "Dangerous? Like, how dangerous?"

  Evan sighed, keeping his tone calm and steady. "Sometimes it means being in risky situations. But I’ve been training for it, and I’ve got people looking out for me. I’m not doing it alone."

  Jason chewed on his lip, clearly thinking hard. "So… if you quit your job and do this other thing, does that mean you won’t be around as much?"

  Evan nodded slowly, his chest tightening. "Yeah, it might mean that. I wouldn’t be here during the week as much, and it might be harder for me to be around if you need me for small stuff. But weekends? Those are still yours. I promise. Just like this one, with a few exceptions here and there, like last week."

  Jason looked down at his plate, poking at his pancakes with his fork. "I don’t want you to get hurt," he said quietly.

  Evan’s heart ached at the words, and he reached across the table, placing a hand on Jason’s. "I know, buddy. And I promise you, I’m going to do everything I can to stay safe. I’d never take a risk I didn’t think I could handle. But this… this is something I think I need to do. For me, and for us."

  Jason was quiet for a moment, his small hand gripping Evan’s. Then he looked up, his blue eyes filled with worry but also a flicker of understanding. "Will you… be with Lyrin more? When you’re gone?"

  Evan blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Yeah," he admitted after a moment. "She’s part of the team I’ll be working with. Why?"

  Jason shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I like her. She’s nice. And if you’re gonna be gone, it’s good you’ve got someone like her with you, I guess."

  Evan felt a strange mix of relief and warmth at Jason’s words, and he smiled. "Thanks, kiddo. That means a lot."

  Jason’s smile widened slightly, but then he tilted his head, his expression turning serious again. "But you’re still coming back every weekend, right? Like, for real?"

  Evan gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "For real. Weekends are still ours. Pizza nights, video games, pancakes—everything. That’s not changing."

  Jason seemed to relax a little at that, his shoulders losing some of their tension. "Okay," he said quietly. "If it makes you happy, I think you should do it. But you have to promise you’ll be careful. Like, super careful."

  Evan chuckled softly, his chest swelling with pride for his son’s thoughtfulness. "I promise, Jason. I’ll be as careful as I can. And if I ever feel like it’s too much, I’ll stop. You’re the most important thing to me, always."

  Jason nodded, his smile returning. "Okay. Then… I guess it’s kinda cool. My dad’s gonna be, like, a hero or something."

  Evan laughed, standing and ruffling Jason’s hair. "I don’t know about a hero, but… I’ll do my best."

  Jason grinned up at him, and for a moment, the weight of the decision felt lighter. Whatever lay ahead, Evan knew he had Jason’s support. And that made all the difference.

  —--

  The air in Evan's parents' house was heavy with the scent of lavender and fresh linen, his mother’s favorite cleaning scents. Sunlight streamed through the windows, catching the dust motes floating lazily in the air. It was a quiet day—too quiet, Evan thought—as he sat across from his father in the small living room. The old western on the TV was muted, and Robert Carter sat in his armchair, a worn flannel blanket draped over his legs. His face was pale, but his brown eyes, sharp and warm, met Evan’s with an unwavering steadiness.

  Evan leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his hands clasped together tightly. He hadn’t planned to bring this up today—not with his father looking as tired as he did—but the weight of his decision was pressing down too hard for him to ignore. If anyone could help guide him through this, it was Robert.

  "Dad," Evan started, his voice low, careful. "I’ve been thinking about… making a big change."

  Robert raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but curious. "A big change, huh? What kind of change are we talking about?"

  Evan hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. He felt like he was walking a tightrope, trying to explain without explaining too much. "It’s… a career thing. I’ve got this opportunity to do something different. But it’s not exactly safe. It’d be more money—way more—but it’d also mean being away a lot more. And Jason… well, he’d have to adjust to that."

  Robert didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he studied Evan, his gaze penetrating in a way that made Evan feel like his father could see right through him. After a moment, Robert leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in a way that was oddly intentional, almost practiced.

  "Sounds like you’ve got a tough decision ahead of you," Robert said finally, his voice measured. "So, tell me. What’s pulling you toward this new thing? What’s making you want to leave what you’ve got now?"

  Evan sighed, leaning back on the couch and looking up at the ceiling. "It’s not that I hate what I’m doing now. I don’t. I like the work itself. But the rest of it—the meetings, the rules that don’t make sense, the people in charge who don’t care about the actual work—it’s draining. And this new opportunity… it feels like it could actually matter. Like I’d be doing something important. Something that makes a difference."

  Robert nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Making a difference. That’s not a bad reason, son. But it’s not the only thing to consider."

  Evan looked at him, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

  Robert shifted slightly, adjusting the blanket on his legs as he spoke. "You’ve got Jason to think about. And yourself. It’s not just about chasing something that feels important—you have to ask yourself if it’s the right thing for both of you. Can you do this new thing and still be the father Jason needs? Can you do it without losing yourself in the process?"

  Evan swallowed, the weight of the questions settling in his chest. He hadn’t expected his father to make this easy, but still, hearing it laid out so plainly made the decision feel even heavier.

  "But," Robert continued, his tone softening, "if this is something you really believe in, something that’ll make you happier and give Jason a better future, then maybe it’s worth the risk. Life’s full of risks, Evan. Sometimes you’ve gotta take them. The key is making sure the risk is worth the reward."

  Evan nodded slowly, his gaze drifting to the floor. "I just… I don’t want to screw this up. For me, or for him."

  Robert gave a quiet chuckle, his voice tinged with both warmth and something deeper, something knowing. "You think I didn’t feel the same way when you were Jason’s age? Every choice I made, every move I took—it was always with you and your mom in the back of my mind. Sometimes, I had to do dangerous things. Things I couldn’t talk about, even if I wanted to. But I did them because I believed they’d make things better for you in the long run. And everything I did, every risk I took, it was all driven by the same thing: family."

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  Evan’s head snapped up at that, his father’s words landing in a way that felt almost too pointed. There was a weight to them, an unspoken depth that Evan couldn’t quite decipher but couldn’t ignore either. He studied his father’s face, searching for clues, but Robert’s expression remained calm, unreadable.

  "You’re saying I should do it," Evan said slowly.

  "I’m saying you should think hard about what matters most to you," Robert replied. "If this new path is something you believe in, something that’ll make you a better man and give Jason a better life, then maybe it’s worth taking the leap. But don’t go into it blind. Plan for the risks. Be ready for the challenges. And don’t lose sight of why you’re doing it."

  Evan nodded again, his chest tightening. "I just… I don’t want Jason to feel like I’m not there for him. That’s the part that scares me the most."

  Robert leaned forward, resting a hand on Evan’s knee. His grip was firm, steady, despite the tremor in his fingers. "Jason’s a smart kid, Evan. He knows how much you love him. And as long as you’re honest with him, as long as you make time for him when you can, he’ll understand. What matters most is that he sees you living a life you believe in. That’s what’ll stick with him."

  Evan swallowed hard, his throat tight. "Thanks, Dad."

  Robert smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. "Anytime, son. And hey—don’t be afraid to lean on the people around you. You don’t have to do this alone."

  Evan nodded, his mind racing but his heart feeling a little steadier. As he left the house later that day, his father’s words echoed in his mind, the weight of them settling into his bones. He still didn’t have all the answers, but one thing was clear: whatever choice he made, it would be driven by the same thing that had driven his father all those years ago.

  Family. Always family.

  —--

  Evan sat at his kitchen table, Jason’s laughter still echoing faintly from his room where he was playing a game. The decision had settled in his chest like a stone—heavy, but solid. He was quitting his job. It wasn’t a rash decision, not with all the conversations he’d had, the soul-searching, and the quiet moments spent in his Ego Space reflecting on everything. His father’s words still rang in his ears: Plan for the risks. Be ready for the challenges.

  He had weighed it all. His love for Jason, his responsibilities as a father, his desire to be present in his son’s life—and the undeniable pull of Velanthor, of the work that felt real and meaningful in a way his corporate job hadn’t for years. It wasn’t going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever was.

  With a deep breath, he picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts. His thumb hovered over Elena’s name for a moment, a flicker of hesitation gripping him. Canceling his training sessions wasn’t just about logistics. Elena had been a steady presence in his life, her energy and drive pushing him to be better, stronger. She was one of the few people who had seen him at his worst and never blinked. And yet, this was the right thing to do.

  He tapped her name and hit call, raising the phone to his ear. The line rang twice before her familiar, confident voice answered.

  “Evan! Hey! What’s up? You ready to get your ass kicked again this week?” she asked, her tone teasing and bright.

  Evan couldn’t help but chuckle, his nerves easing slightly. “Hey, Elena. About that… I actually needed to talk to you about our sessions.”

  There was a pause on the other end, just long enough for her to pick up on the seriousness in his tone. “Okay…” she said slowly. “What’s going on?”

  Evan leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve decided to leave my job. It’s… a big change, and it’s going to mean my schedule’s all over the place for a while. I’m not going to be able to commit to regular training sessions anymore.”

  Another brief silence, then Elena’s voice came back, softer now. “Wow. That’s a big step. Are you okay? I mean, you sounded like you were pretty solid at that job, even if you didn’t love it.”

  “I’m okay,” Evan said, smiling faintly at her concern. “Honestly, it feels like the right move. I’ve got this… opportunity to do something that matters, something I’m passionate about. It’s going to be a lot, but I think it’s what I need.”

  “Something that matters, huh?” Elena said, her tone thoughtful. “That’s big stuff, Evan. I’m proud of you. Seriously.”

  “Thanks,” he said, the warmth in her voice easing some of the guilt he felt about canceling. “And I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Elena. You’ve helped me more than you know.”

  “Well, I wasn’t going to say it, but yeah, I am pretty awesome,” she quipped, and he could practically hear her grin through the phone. “But seriously, I get it. You’re making some big moves, and that’s always going to shake things up.”

  Evan breathed a small sigh of relief, grateful for her understanding. “Thanks for being cool about this.”

  “Of course. But now that you’re not a client anymore…” Her voice shifted, taking on a playful edge. “Does that mean we can finally go for those drinks?”

  Evan blinked, caught completely off guard. “Wait—what?” he said, his brain struggling to catch up.

  “You heard me,” Elena said, and he could hear the smirk in her tone. “You’re not my client anymore, which means we don’t have that whole professional boundary thing hanging over us. So… drinks? You know, to celebrate your new life path or whatever?”

  Evan’s mind spun. He hadn’t seen this coming, though in hindsight, maybe he should have. There had always been a spark between them, an easy chemistry that made their sessions feel less like work and more like… something else. And now, without the professional barrier? The idea of drinks, of spending time with her outside of the gym, was… tempting. More than tempting.

  But the voice in the back of his head—the one shaped by years of modern Earth sensibilities—pushed back. He’d just made a huge life decision. Did he really want to complicate things further by stepping into this uncharted territory with Elena?

  “Elena, I…” he started, then paused, trying to find the right words. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “Yeah, I figured,” she said with a laugh. “Look, no pressure. I just thought I’d put it out there. You don’t have to decide right now. But, you know… think about it.”

  Evan swallowed, his thoughts a tangle of conflicting emotions. “I will,” he said finally. “I promise.”

  “Good,” Elena replied, her tone light again. “And hey, even if you don’t take me up on it, you’d better keep in touch. I want updates on all this ‘something that matters’ stuff. Deal?”

  “Deal,” Evan said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

  “Alright. Well, I’ve got a class starting in a few, so I’ll let you go. But seriously, Evan—good luck with everything. You’ve got this.”

  “Thanks, Elena,” he said, his chest tightening slightly. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Looking forward to it,” she said, and then the line went dead.

  Evan set the phone down on the table, staring at it for a long moment. His thoughts churned, a mix of excitement, nervousness, and something else he couldn’t quite name. Elena’s invitation hung in the air, tantalizing and complicated. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do about it yet, but one thing was clear: his life was about to get a whole lot more interesting.

  —--

  Evan adjusted the strap of his messenger bag over his shoulder as he stepped into the office for what he knew would be the last time. The smell of burnt coffee and faintly stale air greeted him as usual, but today, he didn’t feel the familiar weight of dread. Today, he felt... lighter. Nervous, sure, but lighter. His decision was made, and with every step toward his boss’s office, he felt the kind of clarity he hadn’t felt in years.

  Cindy's office door was ajar, and he could see her sitting at her desk, a pair of glasses perched on her nose as she squinted at her computer screen. She looked like she always did—overworked, juggling a hundred things at once, and likely putting out fires caused by the latest executive whim.

  He knocked lightly on the doorframe. “Got a minute?”

  Cindy glanced up, her expression brightening when she saw him. “Evan! Sure, come on in. What’s up?”

  He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He didn’t sit, not yet. The words he needed to say felt too big to be delivered from the comfort of a chair.

  “I, uh... I wanted to talk to you about something important,” he began, his voice steady but tinged with hesitation.

  Cindy leaned back in her chair, her brows furrowing slightly. “That sounds serious. Is everything okay?”

  Evan nodded, then shook his head, then nodded again. He let out a small, self-deprecating laugh. “Yeah, it’s... complicated. But the short version is, I’m putting in my notice. I’m leaving.”

  Cindy’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. “You’re leaving? Evan, wow. That’s... unexpected. Can I ask why?”

  He sighed, finally sitting down across from her. “It’s not an easy decision, but... I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I love designing, Cindy. I love the work itself. But everything around it—the processes, the constant rushing, the way decisions are made based on quarterly results instead of long-term goals—it’s draining. It’s like every time we try to do something right, we’re tripping over our own feet. And the pressure to hit impossible deadlines? It just makes everything take longer in the end.”

  Cindy nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “I can’t say I don’t see where you’re coming from. Those pressures come from the top, and I know they’ve made things harder for you—and for a lot of the team.”

  “I know it’s not your fault,” Evan said quickly. “You’ve always done your best to protect us from the worst of it, and I appreciate that. But... it’s not enough anymore. I’ve got an opportunity to do something different, something that feels more meaningful. And I think I have to take it.”

  Cindy was quiet for a moment, her gaze steady. “You know, Evan, I’ve always admired your honesty and the way you fight for what you believe in. I hate to lose you, but... I get it. I really do. And I respect your decision.”

  “Thanks,” Evan said, relief washing over him. “That means a lot.”

  Cindy leaned forward, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Just promise me one thing?”

  “Sure. What is it?”

  “Promise you’ll keep designing, wherever you’re going. You’re too talented to let that go.”

  Evan smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through him. “I promise.”

  They talked for a little longer, hashing out the logistics of his departure. By the time he left Cindy’s office, he felt a strange mix of emotions—relief, excitement, and a twinge of sadness. But mostly, he felt ready. Ready to move forward.

  That evening, back in his apartment, Evan sat cross-legged on the floor of his living room, the lights dimmed and the sounds of the city muted by the closed windows. Jason was at a friend’s house for the night, giving Evan the rare solitude he needed for what he was about to attempt.

  He exhaled deeply, closing his eyes. He wasn’t sure this would work. He wasn’t even entirely sure how it worked. But he’d seen Seralith reach out to him before, felt her presence in ways that defied explanation. If she could contact him, maybe—just maybe—he could contact her too.

  Focusing his thoughts, he pictured her in his mind: the radiant goddess of renewal and light, her presence both awe-inspiring and comforting. He let the image of her fill his mind, and then, hesitantly, he spoke.

  “Seralith,” he began, his voice quiet but steady. “I don’t know if you can hear me, but... I’ve made my decision. I’m committing to this—to you, to Velanthor, to the work we’re doing. I’m ready to give it my all. I just... I wanted you to know.”

  For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Evan opened one eye, glancing around the room as if half-expecting her to appear instantly. When nothing happened, he sighed, leaning back against the couch.

  “Guess that was a long shot,” he muttered to himself.

  But then, just as he was about to give up, a soft, golden light began to fill the room. It started as a faint glow, barely perceptible, but it grew steadily brighter, warmer, until it was almost blinding. Evan shielded his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest.

  When the light faded, Seralith stood before him, her presence as ethereal and commanding as ever. Her silver hair flowed like liquid moonlight, and her amber eyes seemed to pierce straight through him.

  “Evan,” she said, her voice resonant and serene. “You reached out to me.”

  “Uh... yeah.” He scrambled to his feet, feeling suddenly self-conscious. “I wasn’t sure it would actually work.”

  Seralith smiled, a soft, almost amused expression. “You’ve taken your first step toward deepening our connection. I’m pleased.”

  Evan swallowed, his nerves threatening to get the better of him. “I just... I wanted to tell you that I’ve made my decision. I quit my job today. I’m committing fully to this—to you, to Velanthor. Whatever you need from me, I’m in.”

  Her gaze softened, and for a moment, she looked almost... human. “Thank you, Evan. Your dedication means more to me than you know. But remember this: the path ahead will not be easy. There will be trials, dangers, and moments of doubt. Are you truly ready for that?”

  Evan met her gaze, his shoulders squaring. “I am. I’ve thought about it a lot, and I know it’s the right thing to do. For me, for Jason, for... everything.”

  Seralith stepped closer, her presence radiating warmth. “Your resolve is admirable. And your bond with Jason is a strength, not a weakness. Never forget that.”

  “I won’t,” Evan said, his voice firm.

  Seralith studied him for a moment longer, then nodded. “Very well. We have much to do, Evan. But for now, rest. You’ve taken an important step today.”

  And with that, the golden light enveloped her once more, and she was gone, leaving Evan alone in the quiet of his living room.

  He sat back down, letting out a long breath and running a hand through his hair. It wasn’t every day you quit your job and made a pact with a goddess. But for the first time in a long time, Evan felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.