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Zynah raced to the gate, her heart thumping fast in her chest. She found the lazy gatekeeper sprawled out on his bench, as usual. His eyes were closed, but it didn't seem he was asleep; he had an earpiece in his ears and was humming a tune.

Zynah called out his name, but due to the obvious reasons, he didn't respond. Frustrated, she kicked the bench, startling him, and causing him to almost fall off the bench.

He quickly removed the earpiece from his ear and sprang up. Then, he apologized; "I'm sorry, ma. I didn't hear you calling."

Zynah suppressed the urge to roll her eyes him. "How would you, when you had stuff in your ears. Is this what I paid you to do for me? It seems you're beginning to forget your purpose here."

"I'm so—"

Zynah held up a hand, silencing him. "Keep your apology to yourself. I don't need it. It doesn't even matter now. Where are my children? Did they leave the house?"

"Yes," he replied, his voice flat.

Zynah couldn't believe her ears. It sou