A Conversation by the Sea

"Sean, Sean?"

By the shimmering sea, a gentle, beautiful woman called up toward the second floor of the seaside villa.

After receiving no response for a long while, she climbed the outdoor stairs with some dissatisfaction and knocked on her eldest son's door.

After quite some time, a handsome young man with slightly dark circles under his eyes opened the door.

"Oh, Mom, what is it?" Sean said, rubbing his eyes.

Mrs. Wallop's tone carried both concern and indulgence, though there was also a trace of dissatisfaction with her son.

"Dear, you've been in your room for nearly a whole day and night."

Sean raised his wrist in realization. After checking the time, he said, "Has it really been that long... Sorry, Mom."

Mrs. Wallop sighed. "Dear, it's vacation. You don't need to stay in your room working on that proposal of yours all the time... Of course, your father and I don't mind you working harder, but don't harm your health. Look at those bags under your eyes. Honestly, I've never seen you this exhausted."

Sean smiled sheepishly. "I understand, Mom."

He had been preparing a practical combat training plan for the new students during this holiday. Since he would be taking quite a few lower-year students out this time, he had to make every possible preparation. It would be terrible if those children suffered irreversible harm.

However, while drafting the plan, Sean had thought of everything that had happened before. Used to reviewing events afterward and extrapolating every possibility, he had once again become absorbed in it.

Mrs. Wallop shot him a reproachful look. "Have you been living off the snacks in your room? You haven't eaten all day."

"I am rather hungry..."

As mother and son spoke, Mr. Wallop's voice rose from below. "Sean, are you out?"