My contained laughter let loose and shook my body into relaxation, bringing my attention to sore, smiling cheeks. Flowing tears reminded me that my interest in the Integrator was not futile; months of searching and gathering information was only a precursor.

The coolness of teardrops flowing to my chin passed into my skin and propagated down my neck – encompassing my whole body. It's all I ever wanted—to have my efforts realized. I wiped the tears from my chin and sniffed and rubbed my eyes with the Integrator's cursive in front of me. It was handwritten. Personally handwritten by him. I cried into my elbow.

I felt light; my body felt light; I was lightheaded. Maybe it's a dream. I have upcoming classes in the next month, I had to study, I had to graduate. I pulled away my elbow and held the paper card in front of me again. Two days!

The Explorers Project—the text released into my imagination and drowned me in its call to adventure—trailblazing in a team of six and freely running in joy across foreign fields, discovering an ancient past while navigating rugged terrain, exchanging ideas with teammates to pioneer anything.

Limitless possibilities. So limitless, my head pulsated until I stood from my chair and let my limbs wiggle and dance, not caring for its symbolism. Not that I knew how to dance with elegance anyway.

My phone rings in Ruyo’s name and I immediately answer it, placing it to my ear. “Ruyo, you won’t believe what I just received!”

“Seems like my senses were right and you needed some guidance. Now, calm down because you’re muffled when you speak so loudly like that.”

“It's insane! I’ll be personally learning under the disciples and the Integrator!” I told him with contained giddiness.

“Have you been creating a zoo of imaginary people in the last hour since we’ve been apart? Earth to Laizen, Earth to Laizen,” Ruyo said in a feigned worrisome tone.

“Come on – when I’m upset, you tease me. Now I am a hot sun and you feel the need to water me down?” I pouted.

“Becoming a star doesn’t mean people appreciate you—just look at the daily lives of people appreciating the sun. Even though it shines, no one cares.”

I take a few deep breaths. “Fine fine, so you called me?”

“To verify the senses I have so eagerly enhanced throughout my life, yes,” Ruyo said. “I felt the planet increasing in positive energy and decided that you were the culprit. Seems like I was right.”

“You and your perfect timing. Sorry, but I can’t detail anything other than what I’ve said about being their student.” It was difficult not to share more with my best friend. I felt so light I could glide across any body of water or jump out my window and fly to faraway lands. Appreciating the breeze of the air, flying with the birds, seeing the oceans and its surface inhabitants, and breathing in the freshness of an expansive forest.

“So where will you be going?” Ruyo asked.

“No idea, the letter doesn’t say.”

“Ooh a letter? Maybe I wrote it.”

I nearly let out words pertaining to the Explorers Project and used ‘grand’ to describe it, but quickly adjusted my focus. “Nope, not possible. And I know you are sneaking in some funny thoughts regarding doubt, but there is one verification I am waiting for.”

“And what would that be?” Ruyo asked.

As if in perfect timing, my phone vibrated and I checked the caller. It was my dad. “Parents are calling. I don’t know when I will be able to speak to you again, so—”

Ruyo chuckled. “Don’t worry about me, there is an adventure ahead of you. I trust we will meet again—but this time, I will have an arts degree and you will be the Integrator’s student.”

I snorted in response and bid my farewell, then accepted the incoming video call from dad and saw mom sitting next to him in the dim afternoon light. I sat my phone vertically on the square table and exchanged smiles after taking a seat.

“So we heard about the news,” dad said. “Looks like there is a new path in life ahead of you.”

“What did your letter say?” I asked with pointed curiosity.

“It was mostly about how you will be gone but we can remain in contact with each other,” mom replied with a breath of relief. “But we also don’t know how often you will meet us after your departure; it may be less frequent than being a student.”

“Let’s meet each other at a restaurant tomorrow before you go off on your journey,” dad said. “It will be our gift as family—a celebration of the two holidays we missed together, and for all your birthdays in the time you are gone. We didn’t have much time to prepare for this sudden news, so it's the best we got.”

“It’s okay,” I responded. I wondered how long I will be gone for as there was nothing about the duration of my residence.

“Well, that’s about it from our end, son. Have a good night’s rest and we’ll meet tomorrow around noon,” dad said.