Linked By Threads | 3RACHA

Chapter 1

Edit: June 1, 2022

°Chan°

"We're here, Sweets." Mother's gentle voice seeps through the fatigue that clouds my mind as my eyes flutter ajar—squinting due to the bright lights spilling through the windows. Recollecting my bearing, my younger sister, Hannah, already stood beside the open car door stretching her limbs out after being packed into a car with the whole family. While on my other side, Lucas, the youngest, persists in his state of slumber with his baseball cap resting against his face.

"Hey, Chris, can you help get the boxes out from the back," My attention now tugged to Father's words, I slid myself out of the vehicle to avoid suddenly waking Lucas. With my bag slung to my back, I transport a box from the now open trunk and move it into our new home.

"Also, go get Lucas to help." Before I could protest and tell him he was still asleep, he disappeared to the kitchen for me to only sigh as I knew I had no choice in the matter.

Heading back to the car, Lucas still hasn't awakened from his slumber. Attempt number one to pull him out of his dreamland: I gently shake his shoulders. No success. Second attempt: I pick him up bridal style and try to rid him from the state of sleep. After earning a whine of refusal, I explain that he has to help at the request of our Father.

"I know, I know you want to sleep, but you have to help."

"But I don't want to."

"Too bad. Dad has already told you to help."

"Fine."

Once letting out a huff in annoyance, I placed him onto his feet as he proceeded to begrudgingly help carry in boxes from the trunk and into the house. As I shook my head and let a soft chuckle fall from my lips, I continued to carry box after box into our living room. Soon the boxes that once neatly packed in the back of the car now pile aimlessly in our living area awaiting a purpose.

"Alright! Now we just need to bring in the sofa." Mother suddenly emerges from the kitchen with a smile. However, as if on cue, the rest of us collectively let out an exhausted sigh as we (not so) nearly forgot about the largest item.

"Alright, let's get this over with." I let out a defended breath as Father and I went to the moving truck. Father went to the other side as I occupied my side.

"1...2..3."

"Whee~!" guiding the sofa to our living room, Lucas decided to straight up throw his body upon the furniture once it was safely placed on the wooden flooring. His child-like behavior had earned an eruption of resounding laughter despite fatigue drenching each one of us.

• • •

After a long day of unpacking everything from the loose boxes and giving everything a new home, I let myself slump to the floor beside my bed in exhaustion. Dropping my bag next to me that previously was on my back, I fish out my stray phone to check the time.

8:37 p.m.

"Long day?" Looking up to see Mother by the door with a sympathetic smile painted onto her face. She would then proceed to sit besides me on my bed.

"Eh, I expected it." I reply with a tired grin.

"I know how hard it is to be constantly moving to new places—especially in your situation. You're in the last year of high school and it probably seems like you had no time to make close friends," Mother lets out an apologetic sigh as she tries to look for the bright things. "However, as you may already know, this would be the last time we are moving in a while, so go and make all the friends in the world."

"Mom, you don't have to be sorry. You know I understand that Dad's job requires moving. I really do."

"I know that you know. I just want you to know that whatever happens, we will always love you," Mother concludes as she pulls me in a tight hug. "Also, I bet you'll find your soulmate here."

"Mom~." I let out a whine as she giggles from her teasing. Looking down at my hand, I take a glance at the white thread that wraps itself neatly around my pinky finger as I let a hopeful smile spread across my face. Hoping that this thread leads to anyone and not just an empty end.