Chapter 26: Roller Coaster

"About that, when we were in twelfth grade…"

"I know," Alicia giggled. "I felt so silly and embarrassed!"

"Do you still remember what I told you back then?"

"Hmm? What do you mean what you told me back then? I don't think I remember."

"Well, back then, I said that I couldn't accept your confession then because I needed to focus on my studies and my siblings. But if you were willing to wait, I wanted to be with you too. That's what I said then, but you suddenly ran and I got flustered."

"W-What? You said that?"

The boy nervously chuckled. "To be really honest, I was actually serious and until now, I still like you. But of course, if you've grown tired and you found someone else, I—A-Alicia?"

He was filled with confusion again when he saw her cry.

"Why the hell didn't you say anything?!" She yelled, grabbing his collar tightly. "I didn't know that! I didn't even hear anything about that! And you didn't even contact me after our high school graduation! What is wrong with you?!"

"I-I'm sorry… I thought you hated me when you ran away that day, so I couldn't bring myself to get in touch with you again during college. I'm really sorry. Please don't cry."

"I… I never hated you!" She began sobbing. "I've always admired you! I always thought that you were amazing and wished that I was always beside you!"

The man embraced her. "I've always liked you too, Alicia. You're a beautiful and strong woman."

Since that embarrassingly emotional night, the man and Alicia met up the next day to hang out.

And then, they hung out the other day too.

They did it for a few weeks until they started officially dating.

And the following year, they got engaged and soon got married.

The blessings poured in and Alicia felt so full with all the happiness she's receiving.

The following year too, they had the greatest gift when she gave birth to her first son.

They named the child Eugene.

Alicia felt like she was floating and that she was invincible until the day of fate came that misfortune struck them.

Only a year and a half later when Eugene was born, the hospital called her, informing about her husband's death due to occupational hazard.

She couldn't bear the grief she felt that day that she almost wanted to kill herself.

But then, Eugene saved her from that loneliness and pain.

His tiny fingers and beautiful eyes kept her alive.

And right then, she swore that she'll give her son all the love in the world.

Eugene reminded her of all her husband was. Brave, kind, patient, and hardworking.

Eugene was so fascinating and amazing like Alicia's husband that she grew more and more fond of him.

--

When Alicia woke up, her face was wet with tears.

"Eugene," She whispered. "Eugene, my son… I'm coming home. I'm coming home soon, so please wait for me. Just a little longer and I'll be by your side again. I love you, my dear son."

She closed her eyes, breathed heavily, and opened her eyes again.

Soon, she heard loud and merry sounds paired with glowing lights of blue, red, yellow, green, and pink on the floor.

It's enticing her.

She was so curious that she immediately went out of the circus tent despite promising not to until they found the new portal.

When Alicia was out to see what's going on, she was surprised at first.

And then, she cried.