"Honey, what occupies your thoughts?" the gentle voice beside me asked, drawing my gaze.
I let out a soft sigh, allowing a nostalgic smile to form on my lips. "Just reflecting on the past. Those days were filled with such joy," I replied, locking my eyes with hers and recognizing the spark of shared memories mirrored in her gaze.
She grinned, her eyes shining with delight. "Time really does fly. It's fascinating how it can make once-familiar places feel small, turning their strangeness into something nearly mundane."
"Absolutely, everything is always changing, yet your smile remains as radiant as ever," I said, my voice warm with affection.
Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she turned away, unable to fully hide the bashful grin that danced on her lips. To any observer, we might appear to be carefree souls in our twenties, but the truth is, we're nearly 55 years old.
How many years have slipped by? About 50—no, it's actually 55 years since I was reborn into this vivid world.
"Hey, do you remember how we first met, Linda?" I asked, a playful curiosity in my tone.
She turned to face me, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "Of course! You were being bullied, and I came to your rescue. You were weak and lost, and I couldn't help but feel pity for you. Who would have guessed that same weakling would eventually rise to become the vice-captain of the royal army?"
"Gah—let's not dwell on that! Please, forget it," I said, a hint of embarrassment creeping in.
She giggled, "How could I forget when you were so cute back then?" There was a flirtatious embarrassment in her eyes.
"So you're saying I'm not cute now?" I asked teasingly, trying to pout.
"You're cool now. Just look at those muscles." She was spot on; my physique had certainly changed since then.
"Did you expect anything less from the vice-commander of the royal army?" I declared.
"No, of course not," she replied, but suddenly her expression soured, the smile fading.
"I just had one last wish: to become a mother," she whispered so softly that I had to strain to hear her.
"I'm sorry," I said, the weight of her words heavy in the air.
When we got married, she had said we would have three children and even chose their names. Regrettably, I never made that dream a reality for her.
"You don't need to be sad," she replied, forcing a smile back onto her face.
Even in her late 50s, her beauty remained undeniable. Mom, Dad, I hope you're watching—I'm building a happy life, so there's no reason for you to worry. It's been about 20 years since you left me to navigate this world on my own. At first, I feared I wouldn't make it, but thanks to Linda, I've found happiness. I still remember you both occasionally.
"Oh, it's getting late, we have to sleep. Let's go, honey," She said
"Coming," I replied
X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X--X
"Huh, where am I?" I murmured to myself, scanning the endless white expanse surrounding me.
It looked just like the place where I first encountered God—he was playing the flute then.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of the flute again.
Did I-? Oh, man...
TO BE CONTINUED <<<