Zephyr

When life presents a series of seemingly unending challenges, it can feel like being trapped in a cycle of hardship.

There comes a time when you find yourself questioning your decisions, not just once, but repeatedly, as you seek clarity in a fog of uncertainty.

Despite possessing a passion, a clear goal, or a vivid vision within you, feelings of confusion and disorientation can overwhelm your mind.

You may find yourself struggling to connect with that inner drive as everything around you appears to be crumbling.

The weight of your aspirations feels heavier under the strain of disappointment, leaving you to wonder how to piece together the fragments of your life when they seem to be scattered far and wide.

Every precious thing you have nurtured, embraced, and held dear is being violently ripped apart, frayed at the edges, and mercilessly destroyed before your eyes.

You watch helplessly, feeling the weight of your inability to intervene or salvage what once brought you joy and comfort.

You stand there, fully aware of the unfolding situation before you. You observe the events forming, the injustices occurring, and the harm inflicted.

Each detail is clear to you, and deep down, you possess the knowledge of how to resolve the issue at hand. Yet, despite this awareness, you find yourself paralyzed by a lack of courage.

The thought of stepping out of the shadows to confront the problem feels daunting. You want to take action, to be the one who protects those in need and puts an end to the troubling scenario, but fear holds you back.

The battle between your conscience and your hesitation rages within you, leaving you torn between knowing what is right and the unwillingness to act.

"When are you going to tell Roman about your heart?" Calder's question sharply stung Dean's heart. "I know everything."

Calder crossed his arms. "I don't wish to see my friend staying in the dark." Calder steps forward, cornering Dean, who bowed his head down. "Just wait until Ms. Amelia gets justice."

Calder raised his right eyebrow. "Justice? How sure are you that you'll be able to provide justice to her? What power do you have?"

Dean took a deep breath. "Power, because I know the truth."

"Truth? What do you know?"

"Ms. Amelia was not just killed in an accident; she was murdered because of selfish reasons."

Calder grits his teeth. "Follow me."

They sat side by side on a weathered wooden bench in the hospital, surrounded by the gentle rustling of leaves. Warm sunlight filtered through the branches overhead, casting dappled patterns on the ground.

In this calm and serene moment, everything seemed perfect, yet beneath the surface, a storm of conflicting emotions brewed within each of them.

They exchanged glances, their expressions revealing a mixture of longing and uncertainty as thoughts raced through their minds, battling against the tranquility of their surroundings.

"I want to know every single thing," Calder spoke with the final.

Dean felt the weight of exposure pressing down on him. His gaze dropped to his feet, watching as he crushed the tiny pebbles beneath them, each crackle echoing his inner turmoil.

He began to unravel the tangled web of his thoughts and emotions, sharing how it all started with a simple spark of curiosity.

He spoke of the heavy weight on his heart, the ache of not being able to express his gratitude to the family that had unknowingly changed his life.

His words flowed, describing the longing to meet them, the hope that flickered within him as he imagined the warmth of their presence. He recounted the moment Elder Raynott unveiled the truth, the revelation that shifted everything he thought he knew.

Then there was Nathan, with his wild, untamed love that seemed to envelop Dean like a storm—intense and all-consuming.

Yet, amidst the warmth of those connections, a gnawing fear gripped him—the terror of losing Roman and Ayan, the two anchors in his life that kept him steady amidst the chaos.

Each detail he revealed painted a vivid picture of his emotional landscape, rich with longing, and the shadows of uncertainty.

Every single thought and idea had been meticulously extracted from the depths of his mind, leaving him feeling both drained and exposed.

Yet, when you looked into his eyes, all you could see was a haunting emptiness, as if they reflected a void that swallowed every spark of hope and emotion.

Deep down, perhaps he had come to terms with the inevitability of this moment, the understanding that the chapter they shared was drawing to a close.

"So, you are the root cause of all the problems happening and that happened to Roman's family?"

Right, everything happened to Amelia because of me. Roman's loneliness is because of me. Ayan believes his mother is a star because of me. A beautiful, happy family is shattered because of me.

Dean nodded tenderly, "Yes, I promise once I give justice to my donor. I'll leave them alone. I'll go far away. Even my shadow--"

"We will see about that later. For cuffing such a rich man's hands. We'll need a solid reason to reopen the case." Calder lets out a sigh while standing up. "I'll help you with this."

Why does my heart feel heavy? This is what I wanted. Now, I'll reach the end with Calder's help and support.

In the end, everything will unfold beautifully, bringing a sense of closure and healing.

Meanwhile, Roman, who has been haunted by the shadows of his past, will finally discover a pathway to inner peace.

With each step he takes toward resolution, he will begin to shed the burdens that have weighed him down for so long.

As these transformative journeys come to fruition, the chaos of their lives will gradually settle, and the pieces will fall into place, creating a tapestry of hope, renewal, and profound understanding for both of them.

"Dean, I think, if you say that you know everything and tell the truth in court. They'll—"

"They'll fabricate something and prove me wrong. If they can force people to lie to protect themselves. They'll cut my tongue if needed." Dean frowns while saying further. "What I am worried about is that they haven't attacked me or my family yet. However, today's Roman's accident..."

"It wasn't an accident. It was planned and perfectly executed. My team is looking through the CCTV of the company. We'll see what can be found. Meanwhile," Calder placed a hand on Dean's shoulder. "Stay with Roman. He can help you memorize laws easily." Calder laughs while adding, "It was because of him that I passed my accounts exam. He's good at teaching; I can add that."

Calder wears a tender gaze. "I would still suggest you tell Roman beforehand about Amelia. It'll hurt him badly if he gets to know through someone else. And, I don't want to see my friend broken again."

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

As Dean stepped into the room, the air seemed to shift slightly around him. Roman, seated by the window with a contemplative gaze, turned his attention sharply toward the entrance.

His eyes held a mixture of anticipation and wariness, as if he had been waiting for this moment with an unwavering focus on the door, alert to every sound of a knock and the subtle creak of the door swinging open.

Roman's eyes fell upon Dean, whose smile, typically warm and inviting, now carried an unsettling heaviness. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant laughter that had filled the air just moments before.

Dean's eyes, usually bright and full of life, were dulled by an invisible weight, and his shoulders seemed to slump as if burdened by an unseen force.

Concern surged within Roman as he leaned forward, instinctively seeking to bridge the gap that sadness had created between them. He could not shake the feeling that something—or someone—had cast a shadow over Dean's spirit.

Roman cast a quick, sidelong glance at Calder, whose body tensed and shivered involuntarily as if a chill wind had cut through the air.

The unspoken tension between them hung heavy in the room, amplifying the uncharacteristic vulnerability etched across Calder's features.

"I didn't do anything, bro," Calder explained himself.

"Huh?" A sync reply and heads turning in his direction.

"What are you saying?" Calder's mom asked with a frown.

Ayan, painting his dad's plastered leg, looks up with a sketch in his hand.

Neil and Roma exchanged a brief but meaningful glance, their eyes locking for a moment as unspoken thoughts passed between them.

Calder threw an awkward laugh. "I was talking to myself."

Calder's mom sighed at herself. "I hope the baby will take only good qualities from him."

Calder quickly injects. "Mom, how can you wish like that? Can't I talk to myself now?"

A nurse coughs next to Calder. "Sir, you are disturbing the patients."

Calder gasped and pointed at himself. "There's a whole ass family here, and I'm the only—"

"Language Cal," Roman warned while gesturing towards Ayan, who was looking at him with big eyes.

Roman pats Ayan's head. "You continue drawing, dear."

"This is all because of you." Calder points his finger at Roman, who raises his eyebrows.

"Oh? What did I say to you?"

Calder was at a loss for words. He accepted his defeat. "Can't believe I lost for the second time."

Roman smiled and glanced at Dean, who was looking out of the window.

The sunset glowing on his face, making him look ethereal, the eyelashes and hairs shining to brown eyes holding an angel's halo.

"Gosh," Roman mumbled.

"Horse?" Ayan asked as he stopped drawing the sun.

Roman smiles and pats his head, drawing the boy closer and placing him on his right leg.

When Ayan entered the room along with Ethan, his eyes were looking around with a tender gaze. When his eyes focused on his father. He jutted his lips while pointing at the plaster.

"Hurt, papa hurt."

How does he have to calm the boy, hugging him tightly while sniffing on his shoulder? After a while, Ayan calmed down as Roman carefully explained that he was not hurt.

And his parents tried to look calm for him. But he knows and understands them. After all, he's a father too.

"You know, your teacher is feeling sad," Roman whispered to Ayan, who looked at his teacher and pouted. He looked down at the sketch pens and smiled.

"I'll ask my teacher to draw too. Drawing makes me happy, Papa. The teacher will be happy too." Ayan looks down with sad eyes.

"But the teacher tells lies. Papa says we tell no lies. Lying is a bad habit. The teacher has a bad habit. I don't like teachers anymore. The teacher is bad."

Dean snapped his head towards Ayan with a tender hum when he heard 'teacher' and heard the last phrases of Ayan.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

"Please don't worry, ma'am. Everything is fine. Your child too." The gynecologist assured her with a warm smile.

Calder's wife bites her lower lip and nods. Believing the doctor's words is what she can do now. As long as they are fine and healthy while breathing.

"Don't trouble your mom already. Your dad himself is so troublesome." The lady carefully caressed her baby bump.

The doctor smiled, "Perhaps the baby wants to see Christmas."

"Yeah, good thing I brought all the things beforehand. Otherwise, like a mom like a son." Calder replied while looking at his wife, who threw a sharp glare.

"My love," Calder sings songs, earning a chuckle from the doctor, who turns away to give privacy.

Watching her husband, she immediately asked, "How is Roman?"

Calder shook his head while pulling a chair and sitting on it with a long sigh.

"He is fine. He was smart enough to divert his bike and hit a tree. He got lucky; it's just his leg got stuck in the back wheel while falling."

She nodded her head. "Perhaps it was Amelia's--"

"Hey, I'm leaving for the day, doc."

The hushed whispers of the room faded as a voice cut through the stillness, echoing with an oddly familiar timbre. Calder felt a tingle of recognition prickle at the back of his mind. He turned around slowly, curiosity mingling with a hint of anxiety.

His gaze landed on a doctor standing a few feet away, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and concern. She was still dressed in her crisp white coat, the fabric slightly wrinkled, suggesting she had just come from a long shift.

The starkness of her uniform contrasted sharply with the dim lighting of the room, bringing a sense of urgency to the moment as Calder tried to process the poignant familiarity of her presence.

Calder immediately recognized the look of panic that flooded her eyes upon catching sight of him.

It was as though the world around her had momentarily blurred, and in a swift, almost instinctive motion, she turned and closed the door behind her.

The soft click of the latch echoed in the silence, drowning out any response that the gynecologist might have offered.

Calder swiftly opened the door and went in search of the lady. She must be hiding something.

"I have seen her. I have a feeling she knows me."

Calder let out a deep sigh, a heavy sense of frustration settling over him as he came to the unsettling conclusion that the lady must have found a place to conceal herself.

His gaze instinctively shifted towards the surveillance monitor, where the flickering images of the CCTV footage played out in the hall.

He scrutinized the screens, searching for any sign of her, his heart racing as he hoped to catch a glimpse of the hidden figure in the grainy footage.

He stood on a nurse's path and asked, "Who has access to the CCTV?"

The nurse, noticing the uniform, didn't question him. "Sir. It's with the security team."

Calder nodded thoughtfully, feeling a sense of anticipation wash over him. Soon he was behind a watchman, who was focused intently on the screen before him.

The rhythmic clacking of fingers on the keyboard filled the air as the watchman tapped away, each keystroke accompanied by a faint glow from the monitor that illuminated their determined expression.

"Yes, the same lady. I want to know about her."

The security narrowed his eyes trying to remember the person; however, the lady guard sitting next to him peeked inside the monitor and said, "That ID no. 5054, Dr. Jennifer."

Calder's brain rings a bell. "Ask Jenifer to come here."

The once sterile security room transformed into a tense interrogation chamber, its stark white walls now feeling oppressive. The surveillance monitors flickered in the dim light, casting shadows that danced ominously across the furniture.

The air was thick with anticipation as the table, usually reserved for routine briefings, became the central stage for a high-stakes questioning. The chairs, typically unremarkable, now seemed to bear the weight of secrets waiting to be revealed.

With every minute that passed, the atmosphere grew heavier, charged with the urgency of the situation at hand.

Jenifer hesitated, attempting to politely decline the invitation while crafting a multitude of reasons in her mind to justify her decision.

However, the security personnel were firm in their stance, insisting that they would escalate the matter to the managing director if she chose to stay away, emphasizing that they believed her absence could have serious repercussions.

The weight of their words hung in the air, leaving her with a sense of urgency and unease about her choice.

"Speak promptly. Do you know me, Ms. Jenifer?" Calder asked after ushering the guards out of the room.

Jennifer hesitated.

"If you don't be honest now. You'll never get this chance again with me speaking calmly."

The icy tone of the voice reverberated through the room, sending a shiver down Jenifer's spine and causing her to tense up in her seat.

She felt a chill in the air as if the very warmth of the space had been sucked away, leaving her in an uncomfortable, unsettling silence.

She took a deep breath. "No wonder people say the truth cannot be hidden forever."

She looks back at Calder. "I know you; Amelia introduced us when she had a baby shower."

Calder crossed his arms. "Kindly enlighten me."

Jenifer looks down. "When Amelia introduced me as her friend, and later, I saw how you were making jokes and making others laugh. I kind of got a crush on you."

The impact struck Calder with the sudden intensity of a lightning bolt crashing down from the sky, jarring him deeply as he stood frozen in surprise.

The force of realization electrified his thoughts, leaving him momentarily stunned and disoriented.

"I wanted to know you better. However, you already found your love, and I attended your wedding too."

Calder clears his throat while looking away.

That could have hurt.

Calder finds it hard to picture himself sitting through his wife's wedding, the air filled with laughter and love, while his heart weighs heavy with emotion.

He can hardly fathom the moment when he might turn to Roman, seeking solace as tears spill down his cheeks, the profound sadness of the occasion crashing over him like a wave.

"No hard feelings because I know you never noticed me nor were you interested in me," Jennifer added with a shrug.

Calder nodded his head. "I'm sorry about that. However, was that the only reason you ran away when you saw me?"

There was hesitation in her eyes. She looked away.

"If you know something about Amelia. Your words could help me find the culprit."

Jenifer cast a lingering glance back at Calder, her expression reflecting a mixture of doubt and contemplation. In that fleeting moment, it became clear to him that his words were beginning to resonate with her, slowly breaking through the barriers she had put up.

He could see the subtle shift in her demeanor, the way her brow furrowed slightly as she processed what he had said.

Just a little more encouragement, he thought to himself, confident that he could tip the balance in his favor.

"Roman had to step back to protect his son. He didn't have any supporting power to help him. Don't you think, as a dear friend of Amelia, you should make Roman happy too, because your friend's happiness lies in him, right?"

Jenifer agreed with a nod of the head.

Calder added, "On baby shower day, how happy Amelia was. You know, Ayan has grown up, and his manners are so much like Amelia's."

A little more...

"But Ayan is living in a myth that his mother is in the stars." Calder sighed in disappointment. "Roman had to weave it after all; Amelia didn't get justice."

Dr. Jenifer shifts restlessly in her seat, her fingers tapping nervously against the armrest as she glances around the room. Her brow furrows with concern.

The slight crease in her forehead deepens as she nervously bites her lower lip. Her eyes dart from the clock on the wall to the door, seemingly counting the seconds until something happens.

Calder sighs with a final attempt.

"Amelia thought you were her friend. I'm afraid she was wrong." Calder pretends to stand up.

Jenifer jerks in her seat, her mind panicked. "Wait, I know something; just don't let my name be known. They will take away my doctor's license."

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

The doctor has advised Roman that he must adhere to a strict regimen of complete bed rest. This means he should avoid any physical movements or activities that could strain his body. He is to minimize stress and mental exertion as well, ensuring that he prioritizes relaxation and recuperation.

The emphasis is on allowing his body the necessary time to heal, free from any distractions or demands that could hinder his recovery process.

Roman felt a weight lift from his shoulders, knowing that he could finally rest, but only if Ayan was safe. He cast a glance at his mother, who, with a fierce glare couldn't be mistaken for anything other than determination. 

It was clear she intended to ensure Ayan was well taken care of. As Roman observed Ayan, he noticed the little boy's face lighting up with joy at the prospect of spending time with their grandparents. 

There was an undeniable sense of contentment in Ayan's expression, and Roman couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and gratitude.

It was hard for him to deny the happiness radiating from Ayan, and at that moment, he realized that maybe, just maybe, everything would be alright.

"Alright, I'll come back with breakfast in the morning." His mom said that the nurse had asked them to vacate the place for the patient to rest because the visiting hour was over.

Before Roman could say anything, his father added, "I'll drop Ayan off at school, pick him up, and bring him here."

Roman nodded, "Thank you, Dad."

"Of course, son. You should stop sprouting nonsense and rest." Neil smiled. "How dare you say thank you to Dad, huh? You might have grown up. However, you're still a kid for me."

Roman zips his lips.

"Alright, we should get going." Roma caressed Roman's head. "Cal must be with his wife. He's so whipped for her; she is a wonderful child too."

Roman nodded, holding her hand. "Yeah, they make a great couple," he replied, feeling warm in his chest. As they walked together, Roman couldn't help but think about how love brought people closer, regardless of age or gender.

With a fleeting gaze, he caught sight of Dean, who was gazing intently at him, a serene expression on his face. Ayan, nestled comfortably against Dean's shoulder, was peacefully asleep, his small features relaxed and tranquil in slumber.

What's troubling him so much? His silence is troubling me more. Was it because of Ayan's words?

Dean gently handed Ayan over to Roma. Ayan immediately started to whine softly, his eyes drooping with fatigue. Not long after, he let out a small sigh and curled up, surrendering to sleep once again, his tiny body relaxing against the warmth of his grandma.

"Mom, take care of him. This will be the first time I'm staying away from him."

Roma smiles, "Don't worry, son. You should heal fast and worry about yourself more."

Roma smiled at Dean. "You must be tired too. Take a rest, yeah?"

Dean gave a smile and nodded. Dean turns around to leave.

Roman parts his lip. However, he was unable to whisper his words.

Dean turned his head slightly, casting a sideways glance at Roman, his expression a mix of understanding and encouragement. He gave a slow, deliberate nod as if to convey his support.

Roman, feeling the weight of the moment, hesitated for a breath before returning the gesture, his own nod tentative and reluctant, as if he were grappling with the decision at hand.

Dean reached for the cold metal knob, his fingers brushing against its surface as he turned it slowly. With a soft creak, the door swung open, revealing the dimly lit hallway beyond.

He stepped out, the faint scent of lingering cologne and the remnants of a conversation still hanging in the air. Roman's gaze was fixed on him, intensity flickering in his eyes as he pondered the weight of the moment. 

Yet, despite the urge bubbling up within him, Roman found himself paralyzed, his lips closed tight. But he couldn't summon the courage to plead for Dean to stay just a little longer.

Dean walked slowly down the dimly lit hallway, his thoughts drifting as he looked down at Ayan, whose peaceful sleeping face was illuminated by the soft glow of the light.

 Pausing, Dean turned his gaze toward the window at the end of the corridor. The glass pane framed a canvas of a cloudy sky, where gray and white clouds mingled, casting a muted light into the room.

He leaned slightly closer, entranced by the way the clouds shifted and curled as if they were whispering secrets of the day ahead.

His eyes lingered on the horizon, lost in thought, contemplating the weight of unspoken words and the fragile beauty of the moment.

Roman, the man who has silently wiped away his tears in moments of vulnerability, may soon turn away, leaving him to face his sorrow alone once more. 

The depth of feelings that have blossomed within him for Roman is undeniable; a tiny flame dances steadily in his heart, igniting with every stolen glance and shared moment.

In the aftermath of his surgery, when he searched desperately for peace and solace, he found unexpected comfort in the warm embrace of Roman. 

The strength and reassurance that Roman offers have become a sanctuary, a refuge from the chaos of his emotions, making the thought of losing that connection all the more painful.

'Dean'

"Huh?" Dean looks back. The voice was like Roman was calling for him. The voice was longing for him.

Dean felt a heavy weight in his chest, unable to muster the strength to take another step forward. He turned slowly, his heart racing, and with each deliberate movement, he found himself facing the familiar walls of the room behind him.

Roman leaned against the bedside, his posture relaxed yet introspective, as he gazed contemplatively out of the window. He imagined that, at that very moment, someone else was also looking up, sharing the same view, their thoughts perhaps mirroring his own.

In that fleeting silence, Roman felt compelled to whisper a name—softly, almost as if uttering a prayer—hoping that the wind would carry it to the one who occupied his thoughts.

Dean quietly sat on the available chair.

Roman gently closed his eyes, a soft smile gracing his lips as warmth flooded his heart.

In that moment, he could feel an unmistakable connection; a deep understanding washed over him. He knew, without a doubt, that Dean was there with him, sharing in the silence that only they could understand.

Dean's heart raced at the thought of being so close to him, yet so far away. The air was thick with unspoken words, and at that moment, he wished more than anything to bridge the distance between them.

Roman slowly opened his eyes as if sensing Dean's longing, momentarily locking gazes with him. The warmth of that brief connection sent a rush of emotions through Dean, igniting both hope and fear in his heart.

He swallowed hard, his mind racing with possibilities of what could unfold if he dared to step closer.

Each heartbeat echoed the unsteady rhythm of his emotions, urging him to overcome the barriers that kept them apart.

Taking a deep breath, Dean felt the weight of his own hesitation pressing down on him, yet the undeniable pull towards Roman was stronger than ever.

With a tentative smile, he shifted slightly, contemplating the leap of faith that could either solidify their bond or shatter it altogether.

It was a risk he had to take, for the promise of something deeper lay just beyond the threshold of uncertainty.

As he moved forward, the world around him faded, leaving only the two of them suspended in a moment that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

In the delicate stillness that enveloped them, their eyes met with an intensity that seemed to transcend the boundaries of spoken language. 

At that moment, a world of unspoken emotions flickered between them—each glance a silent conversation filled with longing, vulnerability, and a growing sense of understanding.

He hesitated for just a heartbeat, his breath catching in his throat as he slowly extended his hand. It trembled ever so slightly as if the mere act of reaching out was both a leap of faith and a plea for connection, attempting to bridge the chasm that had loomed between them for far too long.

As their fingers lightly brushed against each other, a warm and electric sensation rippled through them both, igniting feelings they had kept hidden for far too long.

It was a brief moment, yet it felt like time slowed down, allowing them to savor the unspoken bond that had been simmering just beneath the surface. 

Each heartbeat seemed to echo the intensity of the connection they had longed to explore, a silent acknowledgment of the depth of their emotions surfacing at last.

"What's bothering you? Is it ok to share it with me?"

Once more, Dean found himself grappling with the words he couldn't bring himself to speak. The anxiety surged within him like a tidal wave, drowning out the flickering flame of his resolve.

Memories of past failures and the weight of unsaid truths loomed large in his mind, wrapping around him like a suffocating blanket.

Despite the urgency of the moment, he felt as though a heavy anchor was tethering him to the ground, rendering his determination powerless against the relentless surge of fear.

Swallowing his worry, he whispered, "Nothing, just feeling tired."

Just a few more moments together. Then, I'll be happy to see them from afar. 

Just a few thoughts together. Then, I'll be happy remembering them.

I can keep these moments in my memory album and live happily.

_____________________________________