Chapter 14: Start of change
Adam's father, Ricky, enters the room just as his mother, Rachel, begins preparing dinner.
The familiar aroma of spices fills the air, and as the family gathers, Adam's father casually mentions, "Rachel, did you hear about the robbery at Mr. Honda's house today?"
The words catch Adam off guard, his curiosity piqued. Rachel, equally surprised, stops chopping vegetables and turns to his grandfather. "What? Really?"
"Yes," Ricky nods, his tone serious. "I spoke to Mr. Honda earlier. He said no one was home at the time, but these break-ins are becoming all too frequent in our neighborhood. I'm worried. Maybe we shouldn't leave Adam alone in the house."
Rachel glances at Adam, worry creasing her face. She considers for a moment, then says, "Adam, I think it might be best if you stay at your friend Leo's place until we figure this out. You shouldn't be home alone."
Adam feels a hint of resistance rising within him. The thought of staying away from home doesn't sit well with him, but he knows arguing will only worry his mother further. "Alright," he agrees, though reluctantly. "I'll stay at Leo's place and won't come back until you're home."
Rachel smiles, a small look of relief in her eyes, and returns to cooking. They finish dinner in silence, Adam's mind lingering on the news of the robbery. After eating, he retires to his room, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling gnawing at him.
Once in his room, Adam initiates a conversation with Pratham, his AI Life form companion. "Can you investigate this robbery?" he asks, his voice low but determined.
Pratham, in his usual confident tone, replies, "Lord Adam, I'll start the investigation right away." With that, the pratham vanishes from Adam's phone screen.
Adam spends the next few minutes playing a game on his phone, hoping to distract himself. A short while later, Pratham reappears. "Lord Adam," he says, his voice sounding urgent, "I found seven suspicious individuals roaming the neighborhood."
Adam's brows lift in surprise. "Seven? Do you have their locations?"