Once again, the thought of tossing it out the window crossed my mind. It was meant to be a special birthday gift for Aria's 16th birthday, now seeming meaningless.
Each turn of the snowy landscape intensified the turmoil within, making the decision to keep or discard the box an increasingly daunting choice.
Since our kindergarten days, she's been my ultimate ally, offering unparalleled support and understanding. Our connection deepened as my mom became her art teacher.
Every secret, every problem, and every facet of my life was an open book to her, just as hers was to me. In essence, she's not just a friend; she's like a sister to me. But now, her changes left me bewildered.
"My bestie, what happened to you? I can't find any clues."
Touching the black box in my right pocket, I felt a moment of calm. This was the special gift for Mom's 33rd birthday.
In the midst of conflicting emotions, the journey continued, and soon, the familiar sight of home unfolded. Describing our house in one word? Mysterious.
But, for a detailed description, it's nestled in an exclusive enclave, an executive house that demands attention. Modern opulence and architectural finesse define its facade with towering pillars and intricate detailing, blending luxury and tranquility.
Meticulously manicured gardens surround the exterior, creating a seamless blend of nature and sophistication. Large, precisely framed windows bathed each room in natural light, exuding curated elegance.
The entrance, marked by a stately doorway, opens into a foyer with gleaming marble floors and tasteful art.
Rooms flow seamlessly, showcasing meticulous design and attention to detail. High ceilings and spacious layouts create an airy ambiance. Smart home technology integrates for comfort and innovation.
Entertainment spaces, a sprawling living room with a panoramic view, gourmet kitchens on each floor, and a dining area exuding refined elegance make the house marvelous.
Ascending the grand staircase reveals a master suite with a private balcony offering breathtaking views. Lavish bathrooms invite relaxation in a sanctuary of luxury.
Outside, a gazebo, expansive patio, and pool area beckon for outdoor gatherings.
Approaching our house, a mix of excitement and trepidation accompanied the surprise I had planned for Mom. Her warm smile and the anticipation of celebrating together motivated me to push aside the shadows of the day.
Uncle John parked the car. Carrying the cake inside, the comforting ambiance of home enveloped me, a refuge amidst emotional chaos.
Entering, the air filled with the aroma of Mom's favorite dishes, signaling Auntie Lisa's birthday feast. Uncle Luke, our grumpy but reliable housekeeper, stood silently in the background, seemingly indifferent to my affairs.
Auntie Lisa, with a warm smile, greeted me. Her slightly tanned complexion hinted at days spent under the sun. Paying no mind to Uncle Luke's unreadable expression, I inquired about Mom's whereabouts.
"Ma'am is on the second floor, possibly painting a new picture. She hasn't come down since breakfast," Auntie Lisa replied.
The second floor, off-limits to most, was reserved for a select few, including Mom, Mimi, B1, B2, B3, and Aria. Mom's fame as an artist with a quirky temper justified this restriction to others.
Expressing gratitude, I ascended the stairs, contemplating whether to divulge the matter of Aria to Mom. Unspoken truths hung heavy in the air.
At the door, scanning my retina and fingerprint allowed entry. Inside the cozy living room, Mom, engrossed in a black abstract-covered book, remained unaware of my arrival. The fireplace cast a warm glow, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Her attire was a blend of timeless elegance and personal flair. She wore a chic black dress, its fabric gracefully flowing around her. Paired with tailored black pants, the ensemble showcased a perfect fusion of style and comfort.
Around her neck, a delicate crescent pendant dangled, its subtle glow catching the flicker of the fireplace. The pendant hinted at a hidden story, a crescent moon—a symbol entwined with the mysterious threads of her past.
Her ears were adorned with a pair of intricate earrings. A vintage watch adorned her wrist, its aged leather strap telling tales of moments passed. An old platinum ring, weathered by time, graced her finger.
A pair of classic black shoes, the finishing touch, hinted at a subtle touch of sophistication. Beneath the hem of her dress, a hint of patterned socks peeked out, a playful contrast to the overall elegance.
Mom's presence was completed by a pair of stylish glasses perched on her nose, enhancing the intellectual charm she exuded. The glasses hinted at the countless hours spent immersed in coding and the enigmatic projects she had been part of throughout her professional journey.
I tiptoed toward her back slowly and covered her eyes with my hands. Feeling mischievous, I changed my voice and asked, "Can you recognize who am I?"
Surprised and joyful, she played along. "Oh my God, B1, B2, B3, quickly come here and save me. A burglar has invaded our house and is going to kidnap me. I, a damsel in distress, need your help."
I chuckled helplessly, removed my hand, and said, "Fear not, damsel in distress, General Claire has come to your rescue."
She turned, putting aside the book, smiled and said, "Claire, darling, you surprised me! I thought you were deeply engrossed in your study tour."
I said, "Well, General Claire decided to take a detour and launch a surprise rescue mission at home."
Mom smiling replied, "I can see that. But tell me, any interesting discoveries during this mission of yours?"
Standing up, she circled around me, exclaiming, 'Wow! Someone's looking good. Finally learned to dress up, girl.'
I hugged her tightly, relief flooding through me as her familiar teasing echoed in my ears.
With a laugh, I commented, 'The usual suspects—mysterious changes in Aria.'
Mom casually inquired about Aria, 'Have you figured out why her world is shifting?'
Pausing slightly I replied, "That's a code I haven't cracked yet mom. It's like her secrets have become encrypted."
Mom raised an eyebrow, 'Encrypted, you say? Interesting choice of words. What about your own encrypted secrets, any progress on decoding those?'
Smirking confidently I replied, "You know me, Mom. I prefer to keep my secrets as secure as your coding projects."
Trying to change the topic I said, "You are looking as beautiful as always, Mom. You haven't changed, as you are still reading your own written books on coding."
Mom responded with a touch of pride, "Nah, sweetie, I am revising my new coding book that I've designed, especially for you. This one is unique, tailored to your needs, and differs from my usual coding style."
She explained, "Even if you use it, others won't be able to link us together. I want to keep our relation private for your safety and mine. This customized approach ensures that our coding styles remain distinct."
Mom said, "After you've finished learning the books I provided earlier, you can embark on developing your own unique coding style. This way, you'll have a distinct identity in the coding world while maintaining the privacy and safety we value."
I nodded, absorbing her wisdom, and asked, "So, what inspired you to create a coding style specifically for me? Except for the security and privacy issues. You know I could have just stayed out of the coding world."
Mom smiled, 'Sweetie, as you step into the coding world, I've been observing your journey. I wanted to provide you with a foundation that reflects your personality and strengths. This tailored approach ensures that you're not confined by someone else's rules but can forge your own path.'
Mom continued, "I've always believed that a coding style is like a fingerprint, unique to each individual. It's not just about writing efficient code but expressing yourself through your programming."
Intrigued, I asked, 'What sets this coding style apart from your usual approach?'
Mom gestured to the abstract-covered book, 'It blends structured and creative elements. It's not just about logic; it's about infusing your code with a touch of your own flair."
As I flipped through the pages, Mom continued, "I've also included practical examples and challenges tailored to your interests. It's a hands-on approach to ensure you not only understand the concepts but can apply them in real-world scenarios."
Excitement bubbled within me as I envisioned delving into this personalized coding adventure.
She hugged me, "Sweetie, coding is a powerful tool, and I want you to wield it with confidence and creativity."
Curiosity sparked in my eyes. "You've always been an exceptional coder, Mom. What made you choose this path? I mean, besides the obvious brilliance."
She chuckled, a hint of mystery in her gaze. "Well, sweetie, coding is not just a profession for me. I believe the art of coding goes beyond logic; it's about expressing yourself in a way only those who understand your language can decipher."
Intrigued, I probed further, "But what about your past? I've heard whispers about your enigmatic projects and collaborations. Care to share a glimpse?"
Rozi...