All-around teacher at the magic academy

"Hansen, you're amazing!" A gentle and familiar voice rang out, as if traveling through a time tunnel and reaching straight into Hansen's heart.

Hansen looked up at the woman standing in front of him. Her face was already blurry in his memory, but in that instant, he still recognized her at a glance.

That was his mother, the one who would always be as warm and sunny in his heart.

He held her tightly, as if he wanted to pour out all his longing and grievances.

Hansen said, his voice choked with emotion, "Mother, I miss you so much."

His voice trembled, a release of long-suppressed emotions.

“I miss you so much, little Hansen.” The woman gently patted Hansen’s back, a gesture full of love and comfort. Her hand was soft, just like the countless times she had soothed him to sleep when he was a child.

"They've all grown up, taller than me now," she said with emotion, her eyes sparkling with pride and love. Time had left its mark on her, but her maternal love had never changed.

“I’m not a child anymore,” Hansen replied, his voice carrying a hint of maturity, but even more so an endless longing for his mother.

"No matter how old you get, you'll always be a child in my eyes," the woman said gently.

"I'm sorry, Mother, I lost the match." Hansen lowered his head, his voice revealing deep disappointment and self-blame.

"There's nothing to apologize for. You've already done so well, Hansen. I'm so proud of you," the woman said softly, trying to comfort him.

“I have also disappointed my father.” Hansen’s voice was even lower, his frustration evident.

The woman looked at him, her eyes filled with love and earnestness. "Tell me about what has happened over the years," she asked softly, wanting to know about Hansen's experiences and emotional journey.

Hansen looked up and met his mother's gaze. He then recounted in detail his upbringing, his learning of magic, and the little things in his life.

After hearing this, the woman sighed softly and comforted him, "Your father has had a hard life too. He's always lived a very tiring life. You have to understand him. There must be a reason why he did what he did." Her tone revealed her understanding of her husband and her expectations for her son.

Hansen remained silent, listening to his mother's words, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him. He knew his mother's words came from the heart, and he understood his father's hardships and struggles, but the sense of loss and self-blame in his heart still lingered.

"Hansen, promise your mother, okay? Get along well with your father and brother. They both love you very much." The woman's voice was gentle yet firm. She knew the importance of family and hoped Hansen could understand and cherish it.

"Yes, yes." Hansen nodded vigorously, his eyes flashing with determination.

The woman gently stroked Hansen's head; her palm was warm and kind, and the familiar touch gave Hansen a long-lost sense of peace.

She smiled, her eyes full of doting and pride. "I knew Hansen was the best behaved."

Hansen smiled happily, his smile as bright and pure as sunlight piercing through the clouds.

At that moment, he felt as if he had returned to his childhood, to that carefree time when he was cared for by his mother.

...

Hansen slowly awoke from his sleep, feeling a sharp pain emanating from his feet, like tiny needles pricking his nerves. He couldn't help but gasp, his brow furrowing as he tried to suppress the pain.

"Awake?" Eric's voice rang out in the quiet room. He sat on the edge of the bed, looking at his younger brother lying on the bed with concern.

"Hmm, what brings you here?" Hansen tried to sit up, looking at Eric with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

“My father sent me. He has a lot of things to take care of lately and can’t get away, so he asked me to come and cheer you on in his place,” Eric explained, his tone revealing respect for his father and concern for Hansen.

Hansen fell silent, his eyes filled with complex emotions, unsure whether to believe Eric's words or think it was just a comforting fabrication to ease his own conscience.

He was torn, longing for his father's care on one hand, and fearing on the other that it was all just his imagination.

"I..." Hansen opened his mouth, but found that his throat was blocked by something, and he didn't know what to say. His heart was filled with complicated emotions.

Looking back on his attitude towards his brother over the years—his indifference and neglect—Hansen felt like a complete failure.

What did Eric do wrong? He had always been by her side, silently supporting her and selflessly dedicating himself, yet she hadn't given him a kind look for so many years because of some pointless jealousy and misunderstanding.

He looked at his older brother sitting next to him, that always strong and tolerant figure, and a strong sense of guilt welled up in his heart.

Hansen knew he owed Eric a great deal, but he didn't know how to express his apology.

Eric looked at Hansen, who seemed hesitant to speak, and didn't know what to say to comfort him.

"Don't worry, the doctor said your foot is fine. Luckily you were brought in early, otherwise it might have left lasting effects." Eric's words carried a hint of reassurance; he tried to make his voice sound relaxed so as not to worry Hansen too much.

"Mmm," Hansen responded softly, a hint of relaxation in his eyes, but he still didn't say much.

“I’ll head back now if there’s nothing else. You take good care of yourself here. There are still many things to do at home. I’ll come back when I have more free time.” Eric looked at his younger brother, his eyes filled with concern and reluctance.

"Mmm," Hansen replied again, his voice trembling slightly, as if he was trying to suppress some emotion.

After saying that, Eric turned to leave. He sensed that Hansen didn't seem to want him there, or that Hansen wanted to deal with his emotions alone. Eric decided not to bother him any longer.

Hansen watched his departing figure, a wave of guilt and gratitude washing over him. Just as Eric was about to leave the room, he finally couldn't help but say, "Brother, I'm sorry."

Eric paused upon hearing this, somewhat bewildered; the words had clearly taken him by surprise.

He turned to look at Hansen and found that the other man had turned his head to the other side, his back to him, as if he was hiding his emotions.

Eric smiled silently, a warmth filling his heart. Those words were enough; he knew his former younger brother had returned.

He said, "Take good care of your injury."

After saying that, he left the ward without looking back, leaving Hansen alone lying quietly on the bed, lost in thought.