After the conversation with Robert at night, Next Day.
At the School, Smith reaches the head office
Smith knocks on the principal's door.
"Come in," a voice calls from inside.
"Good morning, ma'am. How are you?" Smith greets as he enters.
"Morning, Smith! I'm fine, thank you. Long time no see," she replies warmly. She had once been Smith's teacher during his school days.
"Yes, ma'am. Work has kept me busy. I couldn't find time to visit," Smith says. Then, with a chuckle, "But you've gotten thinner. You should come stay at my place for a while—you'll get healthier!"
The principal laughs. "Still full of humor, I see. So, what brings the busy man here today?"
"I came to talk about transferring Laura and Jack. I've been assigned to another town for a few months."
"Oh? But what about their midterm exams? Why now?" she asks.
"I've been promoted as manager of a new branch. It's just for a month or two. We'll be back soon," he explains.
"All right, I'll have their transfer certificates ready by tomorrow. Come collect them then—and say hello to your wife. Have a good day," she smiles.
At the Parking Area
Smith stands near his car, thinking. Suddenly, he hears his son shouting.
"Daddy! Daddy! When did you come? You never come to pick us up!" Jack runs toward him.
"I had to talk to your principal, so I came," Smith says. "Where's Laura? Let her come—I'll explain."
Laura arrives with a friend, smiling.
"Hi, Dad! How are you? I'll come home by bus," she says casually.
"See, Dad? I told you she'd say that. She doesn't like coming with me. She says I bother her, but I don't!" Jack complains.
"What? That's not what I meant!" Laura defends herself. "I just like chatting with my friends on the bus."
"Okay, enough, both of you. You can go today, but tomorrow you're coming with me. You're being transferred to a new school," Smith says firmly.
"No, Dad! School just started! I don't want to leave my friends," Laura pleads.
"Who'll be my English teacher?" Jack whispers.
"What? What did you say?" Laura asks, unable to hear him.
"Go now. We'll talk later," Smith says and leaves with Jack while Laura boards the bus.
At Home
"Good evening, Mom!" Jack calls as he enters the house.
"Good evening, dear. How was your day? Where's Laura?" Julie asks.
"It was good, Mom. She's coming by bus. I'm hungry."
"Dinner is ready, dear. We'll wait for your sister. Where's your father?"
"He's in the bathroom," Jack replies.
Just then, Laura walks in. "Good evening, Mom."
"Good evening, dear. Go get ready quickly—let's have dinner together," Julie says.
"Mom, it'll take her forever. Is there anything in the fridge? I'm starving," Jack whines.
"There's a sandwich you left yesterday."
"No, I don't want leftovers. Our English teacher said they're unhealthy."
"Oh, so now you're suddenly health-conscious?" Laura teases. "Yesterday you had no problem eating them!"
Later at a Restaurant
Smith spots his friend, Tony.
"Hey, bud! How are you?" Smith greets.
"I'm... not great," Tony admits, sitting across from him.
"What's wrong? You seemed off on the phone too."
"I heard you're moving to Monte Cristo. Is it true?"
"Yes," Smith confirms.
"Don't go there," Tony says seriously.
Smith stiffens. "Why? What happened?"
"There's a house there—Dewal. Eight families have lived there. In each case, a girl either got injured... or disappeared. Please don't shift there."
"That's why you called me here?" Smith asks, annoyed, rising to leave.
Tony grabs his arm. "Laura is like a daughter to me…"
"Then prove it. Show me there's something wrong. You have no proof. I think you're just being paranoid. Go home and rest," Smith says and walks away, as others in the restaurant stare.
Back at Home
The doorbell rings.
"Laura, open the door! I think it's your dad," Julie calls from the kitchen.
"I'll get it!" Jack says and runs to the door.
"Hey champ! Had dinner yet?" Smith asks.
"Not yet, Dad. We're waiting for you. But why are we moving? This house is nice and my friends will miss me."
"I know, son. But I've been promoted. I need to manage a new branch for a few months. We'll come back soon." Smith hands chocolates to both kids. "Here's something sweet for my sweethearts."
"Thanks, Dad—and congrats!" Jack beams.
"You're the first to say that!" Smith smiles.
Laura enters, holding a flower. "Congrats, Dad! This is for you! And... where's my gift?"
"We'll go shopping tomorrow—you'll both get gifts," Smith promises.
"Dad, who'll teach me English in the new school?" Jack asks quietly.
Smith, distracted by his phone, doesn't hear him. Laura does, and teases, "Dad, do you know Jack liiiiikes…"
"No! That's not true!" Jack yells.
"I meant English! You like English and you're good at it!" Laura laughs.
"Right! That's what she meant," Jack laughs too.
"Good! Focus on math too. I hope the new teacher is as nice," Smith says.
Dinner Time
"Dinner's ready!" Julie announces.
"Come on, wash your hands first," she adds. The kids run to the sink. They all sit and eat together.
After Dinner
"I'll make some tea. Everyone should be in bed by 10," says Smith.
"You make the tea. I'll wash the dishes. You two come help me," Julie instructs.
"Mom, I think something's wrong with my stomach," Jack fakes a groan.
"Don't act, Jack. I know you," Julie says.
Jack sulks. "Why is she always mad at me?" he asks his dad.
"She's teasing you. Now help me. Hand me the tea powder. After tea, change into your nightwear," Smith replies.
"You're nice, Dad. Love you—not Mom!" Jack says.
Julie overhears. "Fine! Stay with your dad then!" she shouts from the dining room.
"Oops! She heard us!" Jack giggles and runs.
Tea Time
"Hurry up! Drink your tea. Don't forget to brush before bed," Smith says.
Jack arrives running. Laura follows, slowly stepping out of the laundry room.
"I talked to your principal. You can talk to her again if you want," Smith says. "I'll be going to Monte Cristo. Julie, will you come too?"
"Yes, of course. I want to see the house and meet the new principal," she replies.
"What about our gifts and snacks?" Jack interrupts.
"We'll buy them on the way tomorrow," Smith promises.
"Mom, I want chocolates and biscuits!" Jack demands.
"And I want ice cream!" Laura adds.
"Okay, okay! Time for bed. Brush your teeth and sleep," Smith orders.
Next Morning – 7:00 AM
Julie knocks on the bedroom door.
"Wake up! You'll be late! Wash up and have breakfast!" she shouts.
"Huh? What breakfast?" Jack grumbles, half-asleep.
"I'll come later and pick you up," Julie says.
"Okay, Mom," Laura mumbles in her sleep.
"Wake up, Laura! It's already time!" Julie yells.
"Yes, Mom!" Laura snaps and runs to the bathroom, pushing Jack aside.
At the Dining Table
"I'll drop you off at school. I have some errands nearby," Smith says.
"Why don't we all go together?" Julie asks.
"Actually, that's a great idea," Smith agrees.
"Everyone ready? Let's go!" he calls.
"Yes, Dad!"
"Yes, Pops!" Laura and Jack chime together.
They drive off, drop the kids at school, and wave goodbye.
"Bye, dears! Have lunch on time!" Julie calls out.
"Okay, Mom! Thank you!"
Smith and Julie smiled as the kids disappeared into the school building. The car felt quieter now, like the laughter had been scooped out of the air.
Julie leaned back. "It's strange," she murmured, "the air feels different today."
Smith started the engine. "Maybe it's just the weather. The forecast says clouds by noon."
They drove in silence for a while, the city slowly giving way to open fields and winding roads. The greenery turned darker, denser. The GPS blinked a few times before stabilizing.
"Still want to check out that place?" Smith asked, glancing at Julie.
Julie nodded. "Monte Cristo. I've heard stories… old village, untouched, almost forgotten."
Smith raised an eyebrow. "Forgotten villages always have stories."
Julie smirked. "Exactly why we're going."