Tia Carter, the love of my life, and I were on our eighth date. I was planning to propose to her for marriage.
"Tia, you are looking very beautiful," I said nervously.
She smiled, a playful glimmer in her eyes. "So, was I not beautiful before?" she teased, a smile dancing on her lips.
"No, no, I mean to say, umm… actually, you are looking more beautiful and prettier than before," I stammered, feeling the weight of my nervousness. I wasn't good at talking to her—or any girl, for that matter.
"Aww, thanks," she replied, her voice light and filled with warmth.
I took a deep breath and decided not to waste another second. "Tia, I want to say something to you. I don't want to waste time anymore," I said, pulling out a diamond ring and kneeling down on one knee.
Her smile widened in surprise.
"Would you like to be mine forever, Tia?"
As she began walking toward me, her face lit with joy, I suddenly felt everything go dark. I lost my balance, and the world around me vanished.When I woke up and opened my eyes, a chill ran through me. I was half-naked and lying on the cold, damp ground. My surroundings were unrecognizable— there were no people, only trees and dense bushes. The place was utterly foreign to me, and I couldn't make sense of what had happened.The last thing I remembered was being with Tia. But now, I was here. I climbed a tall tree to get a better view, only to see an endless expanse of jungle stretching out in all directions.
That night, back at the house, my nephew Roy leaned in close to me, curiosity shining in his young eyes.
"Uncle, uncle, don't sleep! Tell na, how did you escape from that endless jungle? Did you marry Tia Carter?"
I smiled weakly. "Okay. I will tell you. But for now, go to sleep—it's already late. Tomorrow, we will continue."
"Yes! Goodnight, Uncle," Roy said excitedly and ran off to his room.
"Goodnight, beta. I promise I will tell you the full story," I said softly, feeling my eyes grow heavy with sleep.
Next Morning
"Uncle, uncle, get up! Good morning, it's 7:30 a.m. already—you're late!" Roy shouted, bursting into my room. He ran to my bed and shook me gently, but I didn't move.