I finally settled it; I decided to move to my father's hometown. It was a lovely place known as Concordia. There were flora and fauna I've spent my life studying, and many smart minds like mine as well. Father was a Concordian, and he's spent his life teaching me legends of that place.

A world connected by one tree, into one nation.

It sounded like pure bliss.

Of course, the real issue was that I was uncertain if mother would allow my leave. She was kind, and told me she would support whatever path I chose in life, but father's been bed-ridden for months now, with no sign of getting better. I was hoping something in Concordia would be able to help him; since it was his home.

I only delved so deep into my studies to see if I could find some combination of materials to help heal him. The doctors have been unable to find anything so far, and wouldn't let me help.

"The right places worth exploring are those that haven't been explored before," mother would always tell me. I hoped she was right.

I decided to confront her about it after dinner. We walked silently home, as I listened to the birds fleeing because of the autumn weather. She was always one to talk, but something was on her mind as well.

"Zokket," she started, making both of us stop. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

I worried for the worst. Did she find my research, my plans, before I was able to tell her and ask her permission? Or perhaps something was wrong with father?

"Is something bothering you?" I asked, wishing I hadn't corrupted my mind with these worrisome thoughts.

"I know you're old enough to head on your own now, so I want to tell you...You deserve to leave. You've worked so hard for this and it only seems right to let you go."

I had a feeling that was worrying her. "Mother..."

"I want you to do this. You've been just as worried for your dad as I have, and I think you're doing a good thing by finding answers in Concordia."

"So you saw those..."

"Yes, listen. You're a smart boy, and I'm sad to see you leave, but I know this is probably the best solution for all of us. If anyone can figure out the cure, I know it'll be you."

I felt my stomach tied into knots, and I rubbed a thumb against my hand. She sounded so heartbroken, weather she knew it or not. I had no choice. I needed to stay home, with mother working all the time to pay for the medical bills and care for the family.

"I...I changed my mind. I can't leave father like this. He might get worse and I won't be informed of it and-"

"Zokket, I'll still be there. Yes, I do have to work, but I know he'll understand. He'd appreciate it greatly if you were the one who worked so hard to cure him. You should go. I believe in you."

And it was set. Mother bought me plane tickets for Concordia, and gave me may unwanted "good luck kisses" on the cheek as she cried her eyes out whilst blubbering about missing me. I had to forcefully pull myself onto the plane to get her to calm down. I appreciate she cares for me so much, but the attention was too much for me.

I flipped through my studies before the flight. There was a small branch of flora experts, called Wattanists. If anyone could help me find a cure for father, they would be my best option. It came down to finding one and convincing them to take me under their wing as an apprentice.