Traces of Time
Amidst the drizzle of raindrops, there was a slender fingered hand that welcomed the droplets. Gathering them deliberately to feel the chill that accompanied the wetness against the skin.
Chill. It made the body shiver slightly. But in truth, there was no intention of moving from there.
To stand still. Allow the rain and the wind that accompanied it to bring even more coldness.
For she needed to see with her own eyes. The shape of the promise that the universe would fulfill. That there would always be a time for every moment.
There is a beginning. And there is an end. And for the chill that pervades now, it will end. Replaced by the returning warmth.
Then she realized that the last raindrop had just fallen into her hand. No more drops to follow.
The rain had stopped. So did the wind that accompanied it. So, it was the perfect time to raise her head.
To look far into the distance. At the clouds that had appeared dark before and were now gradually fading. The gray color that had covered the sky before was slowly being pushed away by the blinding light. Slowly but surely, the sun reappeared.
Then the smile appeared. For now, there was no longer any doubt. The promise had been fulfilled once again.
Just have to be patient. Just have to stand tall. Strengthen the heart. And in the end, all will pass.
Laughter.
Tears.
Happiness.
And sorrow.
All will come, entering life only to leave again.
Alternating, coloring each journey with its own impressions and memories.
That’s what Elice understands now. That it will not always rain. In the end there will always be calm and the sun will return. Is it greedy of Elice to hope that there will never be rain? That there will only be the sun forever?
Because Elice is an ordinary person. Who hopes that happiness will never be followed by sadness. Without sorrow. Without tears. Or sorrow.
Because years have passed. Leaving seconds in each minute that continue to turn to perfect the twenty-four hours of a day. Allowing the full moon to complete its cycle and move on to the next month. Allowing it to embrace the next phase. But now, here she is.
Elice stands still with memories deep in her mind. As if all these events happened only yesterday. How could it be?
All this is no different than a dagger in Elice’s heart. The wound has indeed dried. But the scars and the pain are still very real. For the air she breathes now, there are many tears and shed blood. For every happiness she feels now, there is much anguish and sacrifice.
It was rain. It was the sun.
It was the feeling of cold. It was the feeling of warmth.
The warmth that enveloped her in a tender, heartfelt embrace. The warmth that offered protection and peace without words. The warmth that Elice realized was the most precious. Because that warmth reminded her of the love that would always be there, even when sadness and tears often greeted her.
“Garrett.”
Just like the warm embrace, so was the gentle breath that greeted her earlobe. To ruffle Elice’s hair in the soft breeze.
Just like the first time Garrett held her, Elice found that the peace she felt never changed. It stayed the same. Felt without difference.
Then a question came to her mind. If there was no coldness, would this warmth feel significant?
In the end, perhaps this was a realization that Elice could accept. That every moment would always be accompanied by feelings. Not only about wounds and suffering, but also about meaningful happiness. Something that could never be replaced.
Maybe it’s because of tears that laughter feels meaningful. Maybe it’s because of loss that happiness feels precious. Maybe that’s what makes people appreciate every moment that exists.
Loss, sadness, and sacrifice. For every wound that is left and leaves a mark, it will always be a reminder that life is always like this. There is a destiny that cannot be avoided. There is a destiny that will continue to roll. And for that, Elice could only express one gratitude in her mind. That for the long journey she was about to take, there was a sturdy figure to support her.
Elice turned around. Turned her body to see the hand that had been her reason for years. More than a support when she was weak. More than a comfort when she was hurt.
But in those black eyes, Elice found the same look she felt. That she found something similar for everything that was in her heart. For it was clear that Elice held the same position in Garrett’s life.
Elice is his strength. A place where he can share his complaints, sorrows and happiness. Someone who complements every step he takes. Someone he is very grateful for being a part of his destiny journey.
Because maybe only with all these bad fates could Garrett and Elice realize how important it is to stay together. To take care of each other. To protect each other when the storm comes.
And then they would come to one conclusion. That they are very lucky.
“Someone’s been looking for you for a while.”
Garrett’s voice made Elice blink once. Waking her from the light reverie that had captured her focus.
“Looking for me?”
Garrett nodded with a serene smile that always made Elice’s heart feel at ease. Just as reassuring as when she could guess Garrett’s words.
Then Elice’s eyes widened. Her gaze, which had been fixed on Garrett the whole time, shifted. Searching with feelings she could never put into words. And that look slipped effortlessly from Elice’s lips.
“Ariel.”
The footsteps were heard. Loud and seemingly hurried. Toward Elice and Garrett, who turned when the clear voice was heard calling.
“Mama!”Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
Elice broke free of Garrett’s embrace. A smile spread across her face as the four-year-old boy ran and immediately threw himself into her arms.
Elice’s eyes closed. She returned the hug of Ariel, who held her tightly. And as the hug dissolved, Elice caressed Ariel’s head. A little boy who was living proof that years had passed.
Five long years. When all the tragedies had peaked and ended.
Five terrible years. A time that could have separated them forever.
But fate was kind to Elice and Garrett. Because in the end they were here. Both looking happy with their son.
He was Ariel Alexander Morales, the first son of the Morales family whose sex was known only after the bloody incident. The first son who remained strong despite the turmoil that once worsened his condition. The first son who looked brave. Just like his father.
A figure who didn’t take long to become a source of strength for his parents. And so it was with all members of the family. He quickly brought comfort to the lingering grief. Turning tears into laughter.
Just like that evening. When the rain had stopped and the late afternoon sun shone softly. A family was happily gathered. There was a husband and wife, there were parents, and there was a child.
And as laughter returned to replace every tear that had fallen, in the end they all understood the same thing. That every story will always have colors. Gray for melancholy times. Black for painful times. And then white for times of new hope.
So, for every color that accompanies this journey through time, Elice will try to accept it with a strong heart and soul. For she knows that she is not alone. She is in a family that will always be there for her. And this is a destiny that Elice truly appreciates.
To be in a place that always offers warmth and comfort. To be surrounded by those who always give love and affection. To be in the embrace of someone who will always love her.
Because just like before, there will always be someone at her side. Someone who has taught Elice the important things. That she is invaluable in everything that happens. And in his eyes, Elice will always be precious.
Then and now. That’s how Garrett always looks at her. With love.
*The End*