Sal opened a door to reveal a young man lying on the wooden four post bed. He was curled up, back turned to her but the length of his limbs was undeniable. He looked so tall. He was sleeping yet he seemed as if that was his only chance of doing so. He was thin. Oleon?

Sal sauntered up to his side to see his brows furrowed even in his sleep. He looked so different from the little boy she knew. At instinct, Sal glanced up the door to assure that Ren stayed there before remembering that he locked the door to keep her presence a secret. Sal was now alone with her brother. Would he even recognize her? Would he despise her for showing up? How many years has he grown, leaving her behind?

She tried to pinch his cheek before skipping off. It must be appropriate to open the windows. Despite hating the intense sunlight, she pulled open the capiz windows of the room. There was an annoyed groan before one can see Oleon turning to the opposite side of the bed. His sister took small steps beside him pointing her finger at his cheek. He turned again only for Sal's small, pale finger to poke at his cheek. She let out a small smile as she waited for a wave of recognition to come over her brother.

His eyes only widened in confusion before softening into a hard look. It must have been useless of her to even show up. Three soft knocks came at the door. Duren's signal. Sal made a small bow before going until a large, bony hand held her wrist. Oleon held him by the wrist. Upon quick realization, he withdrew his hand before turning his head against her.

" Please, do not make me leave, " He said shakily.

Sal stood stiff. Was there anything to reply? She ran out of words. It was as if any reply would be met with condescension but she willed to respond. She nodded.

" Oleon, mi Oleon." She whispered as she sat on the bed. He looked so tired and worn of this world.

" Kome va?" she asked in Caligarian.

His brows furrowed and he sat on the bed. " Only Papa speaks that tongue. The University wants us to speak in Halbioni. " He remarked.

She remained silent at this. The roll of Caligarian words seemed so natural. The outside world even rejects her Signor's preferred speak. There was a certain grit in his monotone voice as he mentioned the university. " Is the University a big place?"

He shook his head then his gaze wandered at the window outside away from her reach. He was looking at the mango tree. This little boy used to be a hysteric mess whenever Sal was on top of the tree. Was the memory still with him?

" It looked so frail now" He muttered.

" We can go outside to climb that tree again, like before."

He smiled ruefully and handed a small letter to Sal.

Three loud knocks.

" The Signor is here." It was a servant's hasty voice from outside announcing the presence of the visitor who marched inside even before he finished his words. It was a man, tall , dignified, and stern. His steps were a monotone cadence. His gaze was a path that will never cross with Sal's.

Oleon made a quick bow and an attempt to stand from his bed despite his state. Two servants beside the old man followed suit. At instinct, Sal bowed too, as she was supposed to do. The man stood tall and the room was filled with silence. Footsteps. As the Signor paced nearer the boy, Sal stood still and watched as Oleon’s eyes sparked with what seemed like hope. The Signor put a hand on his arm and on his forehead.

“ If you have the strength to sit up, you might as well be strong enough to leave and go back to the University.”

She can see Oleon bowing his head.

“ Men of old face battle and plagues, you. Youth, the only job required of you is to sit and there you mangle it like feeble, fainting girls.”

Sal kept her feet planted on the floor and bowed her head, as if doing so would keep her away from his notice. Now, that her veil is off her head.

“ What will people tell of the Cuorre heir? You want them to think of you, weak? Someone who makes excuses to avoid his duty?”

“ No,” Oleon whispered. “ I’m sorry.”

“Then, prove it.”

Sal is aghast. This boy, no, this young boy of fourteen was almost shaking. He bowed his head and Sal could swear that he was not well.

" The family is rightly ashamed of your incompetence." His tone was hard and emphatic but it almost dissolves into a whisper. Sal was almost frozen in her place with a storm brewing on her chest. She tilted her head to glance at Oleon as the Signor's words cut him deep. He barely even spoke after that but Sal cannot bear to look at anything else but his cane that stood there like a sword poised to strike.

Sal lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. Turbulent waters fighting another storm."

"Why do you say those words?"

Graying hair pushed to neatly away from a face whose features surprisingly seemed weak for a voice that contained harshness. For a moment, Sal saw the Signor's steps waver as he held onto his cane. He glanced at his side for a few moments and then he looked at her. Sal was exposed.

" Out with this stranger." His voice was low, calm.

The servants opened the door and Duren was clearly waiting outside. She knows he’s tried. He was not out of earshot and it was bothering to know that he heard everything. He should not have seen this nor Oleon too. Sal did as she was told. As she was ushered with the lady to her room, Sal peeked at the letter Oleon handed her. The University was rejecting him.