Kith jolted awake at the sudden ring of his cellphone. It was already half past six in the evening when he received the call. He had been walking wearily in his study, where he left his phone. The room's dimly lit ambiance seemed to reflect his current mood, a blend of fatigue and anticipation.
A gentle smile formed on his face when he saw his father's name on the caller ID. It was an overseas call, and Kith wasn't sure which country his father was in this time. Miguel Prime, a man of incredible industry, was indeed one of the busiest individuals on Earth, traversing borders due to his business ventures and ownership of a plethora of companies. Each call from him was a reminder of the distance that separated them physically but could never distance their familial bond.
"Hello, Daddy," Kith greeted as he walked back to his bed and collapsed onto it. His voice conveyed warmth and respect, mirroring the relationship he held with his father.
"How's my youngest?" his father inquired from the other end, his tone carrying a mixture of paternal care and the weariness of a man who managed empires.
Kith couldn't help but smile at the endearment. He knew his father fully accepted him, as he hadn't hidden his true self from Miguel Prime. "I'm one hundred percent alright, Daddy." His words were filled with a sense of assurance, a reassurance that his father might often seek despite his prominent stature in the business world.
"Noam called earlier. I don't know what to do, Hijo," the elder man said with a tinge of sadness. The use of "Hijo" or "son" emphasized the intimate father-son connection, even in the face of a son's adulthood.
Kith was concerned now. "What happened to Noam, Dad?" Concern, curiosity, and readiness to support were embedded in his query.
"He's depressed." Miguel Prime's admission carried not only the weight of paternal concern but also the acknowledgment of Noam's struggles.
Kith had no immediate response to his father's revelation, understanding that this was a complex issue that required a thoughtful approach.
"I told him to come back to the Philippines for some rest," Miguel Prime added, unveiling his paternal instinct to provide solace and refuge for his son.
"Well, that could work, Dad, since Rath is in Tokyo, right?" Kith referred to his stepbrother, acknowledging family dynamics. When Miguel married his mother, Rath was a little boy, the son of Miguel's first wife who had tragically died in a plane crash. The mention of Rath highlighted the interconnectedness of their extended family.
"Yes, Hijo." The response was laden with agreement, appreciating Kith's insight and the unique circumstances of their family.
"So maybe Rath can temporarily handle the PMV in Tokyo, Dad, because he's more capable of handling the business than Noam." Kith's proposal was laced with practicality, a demonstration of how he thought about family and business dynamics. His words reflected a desire to find a balanced solution that would benefit everyone.
From the other end of the line, he could hear his father sigh, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the need for thoughtful decisions.
"Here's the thing, Daddy, you should tell Noam that I'll give him my position in PPB, and that I'm going back to college. This way, he might develop an interest in coming home. He was here a decade ago and even mentioned that he would only return to the Philippines if Noam handled the PPB. So, we don't really have much of a choice, Daddy." Kith's proposal was well-thought-out, considering not only the family's welfare but also Noam's personal motivations and history.
Miguel Prime released another deep sigh, underscoring the weight of the decision at hand and the acknowledgment of Kith's role in the family's future.
"Alright, I'll hang up. Remember, we don't have much of a choice. I don't want anything bad to happen to Noam either. I'll give my position to him in PPB. Call me after you've talked to Noam," Kith said with a smile, signifying his readiness to take action and reassure his father that they were making the right choice. His smile was a reflection of his optimism and proactive approach.
"Alright, Hijo. Please take care of yourself." Miguel Prime's closing words were filled with paternal warmth and a reminder to look after his own well-being, even as he embraced his role in the family's affairs.
"You too, Dad," he replied, and then rushed to the bathroom to take a shower. After nearly twenty minutes, he dressed and checked his Rolex; it was past half-past seven in the evening. The details of his preparation and the mention of the time underscored his readiness and punctuality.
He released a sigh and left his room, hurrying because he was about to meet Theron at the Drawbridge. The anticipation of their meeting and the connection between these characters added depth to the story, emphasizing the significance of their encounter.