Chapter 7: Memories of a Life Stolen

Joy shook off the weight of the day as he prepared for his date with Tia. Tonight had to be perfect—a brief escape from the chaos that had consumed his life. He had spent days agonizing over this moment, rehearsing the words in his mind, only for them to vanish as soon as he pictured her smile. The restaurant was just as he remembered—warm, intimate, and bathed in the soft glow of flickering candles. It was their favorite spot, a place where they'd shared countless memories. Joy arrived early, ensuring everything was just right. The waiter nodded discreetly, understanding the importance of the evening.

When Tia walked in, it felt like the world slowed. Her dress flowed elegantly as she moved, her hair catching the light just so. She carried herself with the kind of effortless grace that had first drawn Joy to her.

"Tia Carter, the love of my life," he thought, his heart racing. "And I'm about to make her mine forever." She greeted him with a radiant smile, her presence immediately putting him at ease.

Joy stood awkwardly, pulling out her chair with a nervous chuckle. "Hi, Tia. You, uh, made it."

Her laugh was soft, teasing. "Of course, I did. You sounded so mysterious on the phone—I couldn't miss this."

They settled in, the ambient sounds of clinking glasses and hushed conversations creating a cozy backdrop. Joy's palms were clammy as he adjusted his silverware for the third time, trying to calm his nerves.

Finally, he blurted out, "Tia, you are looking very beautiful," his hands fidgeting under the table.

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," he stammered, feeling the weight of his nervousness. He wasn't good at talking to her or any girl, for that matter.

"Aww, thanks," she replied, her voice light and filled with warmth.

Joy took a deep breath, trying to steady the rapid thumping in his chest. He reached into his pocket, feeling the small box that had been burning a hole there all night. It was now or never.

"Tia, I want to say something to you. I don't want to waste time anymore," he said, his voice trembling slightly as he rose from his seat.

The restaurant seemed to fade into the background as he knelt down on one knee, pulling out the diamond ring. The soft candlelight reflected off the stone, casting tiny sparkles that danced between them.

Her smile widened in surprise, her hands instinctively flying to her mouth.

"Would you like to be mine forever, Tia?"

For a moment, everything was perfect. Her eyes shone with emotion, and she took a step toward him, her face lit with joy.

But just as she opened her mouth to speak, Joy's vision blurred. A wave of dizziness hit him like a freight train, and his heart raced uncontrollably. The room spun, and he felt the weight of the ring fall from his fingers as he tried to steady himself.

"Tia…" he managed to whisper, his voice barely audible before everything went dark.

When he woke, the familiar warmth and laughter of the restaurant were gone. Instead, the cold, damp ground pressed against his back. The scent of wet earth and moss filled his nostrils, and the distant calls of unfamiliar creatures echoed in the air.He sat up slowly, his body aching. His surroundings were utterly foreign—dense trees loomed overhead, their branches twisting together to block out most of the light. The ground was a tangle of roots and vines, and the only movement came from the shadows shifting among the foliage.Joy's breath quickened as panic began to set in. The last thing he remembered was Tia's face, her radiant smile. And now he was here, wherever here was.He forced himself to his feet, his legs shaking as he took in his surroundings. Spotting a tall tree, he decided to climb it for a better view. His hands slipped on the bark, but he pushed through, adrenaline fueling his movements.When he finally reached the top, his heart sank. All around him stretched an endless jungle, a sea of green that seemed to swallow the horizon."No… no, no, no," he whispered to himself, his voice trembling. He clung to the tree, the realization hitting him like a punch to the gut.

He was alone. And there was no sign of Tia, or the life he'd just left behind.