With a lingering worry, Jared opted to let go of the concern regarding the phone call. Deciding it wasn't worth making a scene, he chose to focus on what was going on in the house.
"Morning, Dad! Any exciting plans for today?" he asked with enthusiasm. His father, a robust figure with a buzzed light brown haircut and a beard that could outshine most.
Jared observed his dad's business casual attire—sporting a polo tee, a jacket to combat the cold, stylish jeans, and sleek black loafers. His role as a head manager in a business company remained a mystery to Jared, who rarely inquired about everyone's workplaces, knowing he'd likely forget the details within a month.
But he new his father, Robert King, is a man characterized by a quiet determination and a steadfast sense of responsibility. His weathered hands and strong, yet gentle, gaze reflected a life of hard work and dedication to his family.
Robert's practical wisdom and supportive nature provided a stable foundation for Jared. While he may not be one to express "lovey-dovey" emotions openly, his actions spoke volumes about his love and commitment to his son.
With a pragmatic approach to life, Robert imparts valuable life lessons to Jared, shaping his character and resilience. In the face of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Jared's journey, Robert's influence serves as a grounding force, reminding his son of the principles that will guide him through the challenges of life.
"Morning, son! Today's a mix of numbers and strategy. Gotta dive into some business plans at work. After that, we're aiming to catch your little sister's soccer game." His dad's bulky yet professional demeanor, complemented by the impressive beard, reflected a dual role of business acumen and family involvement.
Jared's eyes widened as his dad mentioned the soccer game, realizing he completely forgot about it. "Oh, shit! Soccer games today!" he thought, a momentary panic setting in. Determined to keep his promise, he quickly reassured himself that he had a free day and made a mental note to prioritize attending his sister's game.
A stern expression crossed his dad's face as he noticed Jared's panic. "You forgot, didn't you?" he asked with a mix of seriousness and a hint of amusement. "We'll have to rearrange our plans a bit. Let's make sure you're there to cheer on your sister. Family comes first, after all." The stern tone softened into a reassuring reminder of priorities.
With his father's words concluding, Jared's mother swiftly entered the room, heading straight for her bag on the kitchen counter. A brief smile graced her lips as she spotted Jared before she delved into the contents of her bag.
Halting her search, she found what she was looking for and turned her attention to Jared. With a gentle tone, she asked, "How was your sleep, honey?"
"It was great, until I got woken up by some dumbass calli..." Jared abruptly halted his words, a realization crossing his face as he acknowledged he might have misspoken.
His mother shot him a stern look, prompting Jared to swiftly amend his words, "I meant some idiot called and woke me up, probably a scam." He grinned, attempting to downplay the earlier slip.
Helen King, Jared's mother, possessed an air of quiet grace with her dark brown hair, adorned by subtle silver streaks that add a touch of elegance. Her eyes reflecting a soft warmth and understanding, emphasizing her nurturing nature. Helen's presence is both comforting and resilient, a testament to the strength that lies within her.
Being a school teacher, she was dressed in a professional yet approachable manner. She wore a knee-length, floral-patterned dress that exuded a sense of charm and modesty. Paired with comfortable yet stylish flats, her attire reflected a perfect blend of teacherly professionalism and a welcoming demeanor.
Knowing her son's tendencies, Helen gave Jared a set of tasks before she left. "Make sure you take the dogs out for a walk, feed them, and put away and refill the dishwasher. I'll be back home at 4:30," she reminded him, her voice carrying a mix of authority and trust.
"Okay, Mom, I got you," Jared answered reassuringly. "Thank you," she said, glancing at her watch. "Oh, I'm going to be late. Better get going," she stated, hurrying off. In sync, they both completed their preparations, secured their keys, and exited the house, closing the door behind them. Taking a moment to say bye to Jared.
Having completed his meal, Jared headed downstairs to the bathroom, to finish his morning routine. As he undressed, catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He showcased his Ethiopian heritage through captivating dark pupils that add depth to his gaze.
His dark black hair, tapered on the sides and back with loose curls, framed his face with a touch of modern style. Jared's physique, a blend of muscles and a hint of belly fat and love handles, of which he hated. He kept trying to remind himself to go to the gym.
Done checking himself out, doing a little bit of flexing. He connected the speaker and hopped in the shower. As Jared clicked through his playlist, searching for the perfect mood, he landed on "Love in This Club." By Usher, The familiar beats filled the shower, and he immediately fell into the rhythm, the hot water enveloping him in a cozy embrace.
Jared, lost in his impromptu shower concert, remained unaware of the clicking noises at the basement door. Outside, a formidable figure, standing about 6 foot 4, was using a set of tools to forcefully break into the house.
Outside the basement door, the intruder wore a dark jacket and a ball cap. A scar ran down the side of his face, and one of his eyes had a hazy, milky-white appearance, adding an ominous touch to his imposing figure. The contrast between the cozy scene inside and the mysterious, scarred man outside heightened the tension in the air.
Amidst another round of clicking, a loud CLACK echoed through the basement. The man successfully turned the handle and opened the door.
Stepping in, eyes scanning the basement making sure nobody was around. The way he did this was so natural, methodically shifting his body weight if he had to react. Not missing a shadow of any corner or within sight. It was as if this came easy to him, or…he was trained so well to the point of not needing to think about the motions.
He lifted his right hand to his ear, whispering in a deep, clear, and menacing voice, "I'm in. The plan is a go." The weight of his words hung in the air, introducing an unexpected and potentially dangerous turn of events.