In the morning, Elora wakes up normally. As usual, she checks her statistics. Her vital statistics were 7%, it was normal. Elora's parents had actually left for a work meeting, and Elora was all alone in the house. Since Elora didn't have any plans during the whole day, she decided to go through her home library. She actually had read plenty of their books. Most books were non-fiction, as her family was more inclined to science-minded. She remembered one specific book that she liked reading when she was a kid. The book was the basic principles of chemistry. She felt nostalgic as she held the book. When she was about to open the book, she heard the doorbell ring.

She was surprised. Elora was confident that they weren't expecting any guests. She put back her book and walked swiftly towards the front door. As she peeped through the window, she couldn’t believe her eyes. She breathed deeply as she was in awe. There was a tall guy with a short military haircut, standing just outside her gate. She quickly unlocked her door and ran out as fast as she could. She was breathing heavily with a lonely expression. The guy notices and looks at Elora with his soft comforting eyes. They stood in front of each other for 6 feet apart. After a short pause, the gave each other a small and warm smile.

Elora muttered the words "Pukki…" Elora's eyes started to water.

"Elly…how have you been?" The guy replied with a soft smile.

Elora realized how she might look bad while crying. So she wiped her small tears and laughed.

"Mr. Pukian Umissa, why have you never replied?" Elora said jokingly with little tears in her eyes.

Pukian genuinely apologized. He explained that he didn't have the opportunity to do so. Elora forgives her best friend. It has been almost 5 years since they've last met. They were originally neighbors and school mates. Due to Pukian's parent's job change, they have moved somewhere else. If there was one person Elora trusted, it was Pukian, Pukki. Both of them talked and caught up with one another. Elora tells Pukian, her achievements, and like the old days, Pukian was happy and proud for Elora. Pukian thought of Elora like a little sister. Although they were one year apart, Pukian was like a big brother figure for Elora.

As Elora invited Pukian in her house, they talked about hanging out in the city for a while. She prepared her clothes and necessities. When they went out, they took Pukian's car. Almost all the cars in the city are either 2, 4, or 6 seated. Since cars are considered grey areas, distance is required. Elora felt happy, they talked a lot about what they had missed. Both felt like nothing has changed but only their looks. For Elora, Pukian still had the same personality. He still told funny jokes and had always listened to Elora.

While traveling alone together, Elora was debating. She was thinking so hard. She wanted to tell Pukian about her touch incident. She doesn’t know if she should. She knows she could trust Pukki, but she felt like it was wrong to do so. For the longest time, she wanted to tell someone. She wanted someone to listen and help her. Elora decided to just wait and see. She understood that there should be the right timing.

They arrived at the café. The café again was a grey place. There were plenty of places with a single color code, however, both of them were of the opposite sex. They ordered their drinks, again the people strictly practiced social distancing. Upon receiving the drinks, there are receiver booths. Where one's number card would beep and show the booth number. The booth will have a sliding door, and there the order is ready. After getting their drinks and food, they sat down across each other. Pukian started a conversation.

"How are you? How are your parents…"

Elora thought that this was a bit random but she just answered anyway, "it's been fine but nothing alarming I guess."

"I see, well I'm just glad that you're alright," Pukian said with a smile.

Elora wanted to ask her best friend so many questions, like how was his new city, or what did his parents do? For the first time, she finally met someone who relocated and went back. That was such a rare scenario for her. However, Elora asks his goal onwards. Pukian does explain his motive for coming back.

"I wanted to help the people…" He said while looking towards the window.

Elora for a second, noticed a dark expression overcome Pukian. She thought could've been mistaken but she was sure his expression changed.

Pukian then followed up, "I'll be joining the honor guardian service."

"what?!" Elora couldn’t hold her voice. She was shocked. She hadn't expected that Pukian would do such a thing. HGS or the Honor Guardian Service is another type of military that the elders have full control of. They are in charge of arresting people who break the law 1. Basically, the science military government fraction. These soldiers have to train for years. Elora tried to argue back. She felt like the HGS soldiers were like soulless. They followed each and every order of the elders. She had witnessed one scene where they didn't pay any heed to the poor arrested child. Somehow, Elora had a bit of grudge towards them.

"I have to… I must" Pukian said with determination while looking straight right to Elora's eyes.

Elora was so frustrated that she stood up and went out. She needed fresh air. She felt betrayed. It has been a long time since she saw her best friend, she couldn’t accept the fact that she might not see her again for a long time.

As Pukian went out of the café door, he said quietly "follow me."

Elora finally snapped out and became curious. She wondered why Pukian had a low voice. Elora followed Pukian back to his car. When they close the car doors, Pukian said,

"I can't tell you the full details, but something big is going to happen with the city starting in the next few days."

Elora was just so surprised, "Pukian, are you alright? What's wrong?"

Pukian's face started to become pale, he muttered, "it's better if you don't know. However, you'll see…"

Pukian looked at Elora's eyes and tried to reassure her. Pukian states that whatever he will be doing is for her own good. Elora didn't understand this, but she knew there was something wrong with the bigger picture.

"Just be careful okay?" Elora said with disappointment, she admitted to herself that she was being selfish. She clutched both her arms, she was looking for warmth. She knew if Pukian were to leave again, she'll be all alone. Pukian drives Elora back to her home. It was almost evening.

As they got off their car, Elora and Pukian talked more and also exchanged contact information. When Elora opened her gate, Pukian said, "I won't make you worry or sad again but promise, you'll also stay out of trouble"

Elora looked back at Pukian, and said smilingly, "you should too, promise?"

Pukian laughed and replied, "I promise!"

They both said their farewells. Pukian and Elora decided to just hang out more the next day again. After Elora ate dinner and prepared for bed, she checks her memory box. The box looked like a treasure chest, it was old but sturdy.

She had her old school materials, letters, and photographs. She had found again her photograph with Pukian. She reminisces their school days, where Pukian would teach Elora how to do research. Elora wished that she could go back to the old days. To the time where life was simple and enjoyable. She does notice another unopened envelope that was probably dated 10 years ago, she just disregarded it.

She treated Pukki just like her family. She appreciated the comfort and happiness he gave. He was her most trustworthy person, but she realized she still couldn't tell her secret to her dependable friend.