“Are you okay with leaving Mommy?” Denise asked.
The three children had never once left Natasha's side ever since they were born. If Benjamin were to attend training, it would mean that he had to be separated from Natasha and his siblings. The thought of it was already unbearable for Denise.
“I will definitely miss her, but we all have to grow up one day and have our own lives. We can't stay with her forever. We have to be strong so we can protect her one day, right?” he answered, raising his brows.
“Yeah... but I still don't want you to leave. How can Mommy live without her children?” Denise whined when she thought about not seeing her brother for a long time, but Benjamin smiled and comforted her.
“That's why you'll stay at home with Mommy. You will inherit and take care of everything Daddy has while I protect you and Mommy from the outside.”
Denise was touched by his words, but deep down, she agreed with what Benjamin said. She knew that her parents and brothers would do everything to protect her throughout her life, but things could always take an unexpected turn. As Natasha said, there might be times when she herself had to depend on her children, and that meant the three of them had to be able to fend for themselves.
After a moment of silence, Denise spoke again. “Let me sleep on this. I need time to think about it.”
Thalia smiled and nodded. “Sure. The minimum age for training is seven years old, so you can take all the time you need to chew on this.”
Denise nodded in response.
Meanwhile, Anthony, who had been listening to their conversation, pursed his lips as he pondered on Benjamin's words.
It was a moment of realization for him. He had always thought that the best way to protect Natasha was by staying by her side all the time, but in retrospect, he had always felt helpless whenever Natasha was in danger. Being an IT pro was not enough if there were imminent threats. The most practical thing he could do was to be physically strong so he could shield her from harm. That was what Anthony learned from Benjamin's sharing.
It turned out that Benjamin was the one who was the most discerning and wisest among them.
As he said, the sadness that came with saying goodbye was transient, yet the future was boundless and full of possibilities for those who worked hard to become stronger.
Anthony pursed his lips and looked at Benjamin approvingly.
“What about you? What are your plans?” Thalia suddenly asked Anthony, who then looked up at her and Benjamin.
“I agree with Benjamin. I didn't realize I was wrong until I heard what he said,” Anthony said with a nod.
“Oh, so, you actually agree with him?” That was not what Thalia expected Anthony would say.
“I need some time to settle something first, though, but it will be quick. I promise,” he continued. The previous incident had prompted him to make a decision in secret that he should go on some sort of training so he could better protect Natasha, but that thought was suspended because of his hesitation until Benjamin spoke and enlightened his mind.
It was then clear to him that sometimes, partings were necessary for the greater good.
Thalia was elated when she heard that Anthony was joining the special training because getting him on board was the biggest hurdle for her—and they just surmounted it. Thus, when Anthony asked for some time before he joined, Thalia did not see why he should not have it.
After all, they still had half a year before they had to decide.
Sparkles of indescribable thrill glittered in Thalia's eyes when she looked at the three children. She could already see the future stars of Darknetz before her.
This meant she scored big in the
organization for ushering in these talents.
Ha! I can't believe I'm bringing in three geniuses into Darknetz. Even Kyle would have to talk to me nicely by then! It turns out this trip is worth it!
“All right, kids. It's late. You guys should head back already,” Thalia announced with a smile.
How she wished she could call Kyle immediately and tell him the good news. She would have done so if Anthony had not made her keep it a secret.
The three children looked at each other when they saw how glad Thalia was, and got up to leave after that.
“Be careful when you go out later in the night,” Anthony reminded before he left.
“It's okay. Not many people from around here dare to do anything to me,” Thalia replied chirpily, still indulging herself in the moment of happiness. “Go on. Don't worry about me. Your mother will start feeling anxious if you guys keep her waiting!”
The children got up and left, but before they were just a few steps away, Denise suddenly remembered something and looked back. “By the way, Thalia, we're celebrating our birthday soon. Do you want to come to our party?
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