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DICE [8] a
"Sir?"Gala lets out an annoyed sigh. "What now?""Let me help. So it'll be done faster, Sir."Gala usually doesn't get triggered to anger or annoyance, but since earlier, when he was tidying up the kitchen area that resembled a shipwreck—almost like his own kitchen but currently less painful to look at. Whatever Dice was doing, the kitchen and dining area looked neater and livelier. Gala often struggles to find time to tidy up this spacious but not-so-spacious flat. He's like a busy employee with tons of tasks, yet his tasks involve dragging trash and washing a mountain of pots and dishes."Come in," Gala orders. This time, he doesn't tolerate all of Dice's words around him. He's lucky Mr. Richard is visiting his son. He's free to remove Dice from the box hanging around his neck."But, Sir." Dice speaks again. His eyes gaze at Gala with a hint of plea. Since a while ago, he's noticed that his boss hasn't complained at all about the work in front of him. It's the same in the restauran
DICE [8] b
"Sir," he calls softly. No response. "Sir, can you wake up? Dinner is ready." This time, Dice slightly nudges Gala's leg, making the young man groan softly. He blinks a bit while scratching his face. Then back to sleep. "Sir. Don't blame me if you get surprised later."He touches Gala's bare foot. A little light emits from his fingertips. Then..."ARGH!!!" Gala immediately springs up. His body sways until he falls near the sofa table, where there's a cabinet full of dusty, old figurines starting to fall on him. "OH MY GOD!"Dice just looks at Gala without intending to help him. "Sir, are you okay?""Did you do that on purpose?"The hologram girl tilts her head slightly. "On purpose? What did I do on purpose?""Shock me?! You're insane!" Gala jumps up hurriedly, not caring if his head hits his mother's old ceramic vase from the collection. He checks a bit, noticing a bump that seems to cause enough pain to make Gala grimace. "Damn," he mutters softly."Sir needs to eat first."Gala gru
DICE [9] a
All night, Gala couldn't sleep soundly. His mind kept replaying his conversation with Dice, especially about his father. From what he remembers about Xavier, the man is gentle and often smiles. Quite the opposite of what Dice said. When Gala voiced his concerns, Dice just smiled awkwardly. Then...I don't know what Dice did, but in front of Gala, it's like a big screen where he sees someone he recognizes: Xavier. Walking cautiously with a large gun-like weapon slung over his shoulder. His eyes sharp, scanning the surroundings, his body moving agilely through trees and plants."This is Mr. Xavier hunting the owner of an illegal store in East Metro, sir. At that time, he hadn't met Mrs. Bellamie yet.""Does he ever age?""What do you mean, sir?" Dice is confused by Gala's question.While Gala shrugs, "Yeah... you said Xavier is around 800 years old. His face doesn't look old at all. Just as I remember him before he left me abruptly." There's frustration and anger in Gala's voice that he
DICE [9] b
Gala shakes his head in disbelief."Maybe because my programming can change the weight of an object to a size I can lift.""That makes more sense, Dice." Gala leans back on the sofa a bit. "You're really advanced.""That's just part of it, sir."That immediately makes Gala sit up straight again. "Is there more?""Hasn't sir been paying attention to what I've been saying?"Innocently, Gala shakes his head. "Looks like I do have a weakness, Dice."The holographic girl laughs softly."You can laugh too? I thought you only nod and smile oddly.""No, sir. Just a little. And only if I find it really funny. Like sir's recent statement. Weakness. Sir is not weak."Gala's brow furrows."Want me to show you anything I have? As a protector of a Horratio like your father and now you?""Anything?" Gala squints a bit. He's somewhat hesitant after hearing Dice's previous statement, but he's curious. Starting from a box the size of his fist that can change to as small as a pendant. The holographic gi
DICE [10] a
"Gala, can you be faster? The customers are waiting, oh my god!" Marta arrives with a flushed face. The circles under her eyes also look darker than usual. Gala quickly turns and thinks, he has already placed the glasses Marta should use in their designated spot. So, what's the problem now?"Are you looking for glasses?" Gala asks with a puzzled expression. The girl, who would actually be pretty if she just looked a bit more normal when applying makeup, sighs in annoyance. Her tied-up hair, with some strands sticking out, slightly obstructs her vision. Not to mention her lips not showing any signs of a smile."Yeah!""On the shelf, Marta. You can check it yourself."Gala feels like he's just informing, not engaging in a two-way conversation, but Marta's face, for some reason, turns purple. As if holding back anger, she raises her middle finger perfectly at Gala. "What did I do wrong?" he wonders. Following Marta's movements as she quickly takes the glasses, her back disappears from th
DICE [10] b
"Don't repeat yesterday's actions, Dice," Gala warns. They walk together where Gala pushes his bike. Dice is next to him. Whether walking or floating, Gala can't bring himself to look down. In the flat, Gala can still see Dice walking like an ordinary person. Perhaps it's the same now.This time, Dice displays a calming violet light. Making the usually empty hallway Gala's path home bright enough. Occasionally, there's the squeaking sound of rats scurrying around without fear. Sometimes, there's food residue in their mouths. Rushed to their nests, maybe."Alright, sir. Thank you for forgiving me." Dice pulls his stiff smile. The glow from his body intensifies. Making Gala turn to look at him. "Are you hungry, sir? What do you want to eat?""There's nothing in my fridge. It's useless." Gala straightens his path again. Tonight, he doesn't have a schedule to go to Mr. Jian's house. Besides, his body really feels shattered. There's been so much work today. Luke also added to his list of t
DICE [11] a
Gala shivers with cold. The flashes of memory from earlier terrify him. Luke's stern face makes it seem like Gala is taking his last breath. It replays in his mind until he can't sleep tonight. Despite drinking repeatedly, he thought it might help him forget along with the water passing through his throat. But it turns out it's all pointless.Gala even skips his dinner. He lets Dice do whatever she wants in the kitchen, which he finds a bit messy. Dice's presence turns out to be quite useful, keeping his stomach from growling too much.Since entering the small flat Gala occupies, Dice knows her master is in disarray. Along the way, he mutters, his hands shaking, not to mention his facial expression like someone confused. Dice wants to talk, but she abandons the intention. It's useless. Gala, in this distracted state, might be even more shocked to hear her explanation.Allowing Gala to enter his room without changing clothes, Dice glances at him briefly to see what her master is doing.
DICE [11] b
"Mom, why do the leaves keep falling? Will the tree die?" Gala asks. His hands, wearing bright orange gloves, tightly hold the hand of the woman he calls 'mom.' The woman turns, smiles, although her face is not too clear, Gala can feel the warmth of her smile there."There are times when leaves leave the branches of big trees, Gala. Later, new leaf buds will grow. New life will continue.""Will the tree not die?"The woman shakes her head. "Unless someone cuts it down.""Ah, that's cruel."Once again, the woman shakes her head. "Trees are useful for human life. It's just that sometimes they want things in excess. South Metro is still beautiful for us to enjoy, Gala. There's an even more beautiful place. West Metro. Someday, maybe you'd like to visit there?"Gala looks up, staring at his mother in confusion."Later, when we go there, you'll encounter many things that make you forget your origins..."Gala's forehead wrinkles. His heart beats irregularly, gradually faster. What he just e