'Til I Found You (COMPLETED)

55

And we are here now! I hate to see this one go but we gotta bid our goodbye to them. Some shed tears for previous chapters and I never thought it would affect you that way nor enjoy reading this. I always have my doubts as to the plot. Some could recall me unpublishing the first chapters of TIFY because I got hesitations to go on. I wasn't sure if this would be as good as my first one or if there could still any of you who would read this. But here I am writing the last chapter because of your support. Thank you so much for being an inspiration to us authors. To those of you who are already with me since A Case of Love, I may not mention your names but I appreciate you so much. And to each of you, salamuuuuuch, pangga!

See you in my next updates ❤

○ ○ ○

Time passes, but their love only grows deeper. Like any relationship, it isn't perfect; they clash over everything from petty grievances to major disagreements, usually rooted in his lingering jealousy. He remains as possessive as ever, contrary to her hope that marriage might mellow him out. Yet, she has no complaints. Despite the flaws, nothing beats the synchronized rhythm of their hearts. They feel complete, like missing pieces finally filling the empty spots in their souls.

Eli finishes her secondary level with the highest honors. Her parents beam with pride as they watch their firstborn strut across the stage. Lea’s soft motherly side takes over, tears drifting down her cheeks as she recalls the days when Eli was just a baby crying in her arms. Back then, Lea couldn't see a clear future. She was clueless about motherhood, with no one to guide her or acquaint her with the challenges ahead. She had only herself to rely on, juggling work and parenting while financial problems mounted. Looking back, she never thought she’d get through it. But watching her daughter now, she knows it all paid off. Every sleepless night was worth this moment.

Eli takes the floor to deliver her speech: "We came from different walks of life. Some came from nearly perfect families where mom and dad are both there to support. They wake up with overflowing love from both parents. Some have their brothers and sisters as playmates; they have somebody to run to whenever classmates bullied them. Some came from a broken family and I am one of them. I am one of those kids here who came home with only their mom awaiting them from school. They said Santa gives presents to well-mannered kids all throughout the year, and I am that kid who obeyed mommy's commands. 'Eli, you should eat veggies,' and I did though I hate it. 'Eli, no gadgets,' also I did though I have a lot to chat about to my best friend Candyce."

Lea snickers through her tears, wiping them away restlessly as her husband laughs along. Emma and Jason are present as well, nodding in confirmation of Eli’s speech, while Aga’s parents sit in the same row, laughing along with the crowd.

"I grew up believing that Santa would put my dad in his sack and give him to me. I didn't even wonder if that sounded possible because all I wanted was to see him. Growing up, it used to be just mom and I in the same house. I didn't know my dad at that time."

Aga feels a twinge in his heart as the past recurs in an instant. He blames himself for that void; he failed the moment he let the woman of his life walk away. But there is always room for improvement—a rainbow after the rain. He is profoundly grateful for his family and, above all else, he cannot thank Lea enough for giving him a second chance. She gave him hope. Through her, he is born again.

She is his life.

"But despite everything, I felt the overflowing love from mommy. I may not say these things to you often, mom, but I love you so much and thank you for everything. Daddy, I may have grown up without you but nobody takes your place in our lives. Thank you for coming back, dad. I love you so much as well as to my younger siblings, Psalm and Simon. Before I end my piece, I would like to say these words that though we came from different walks of life but all of us came from our mom and dad. And them bringing us to this world is an achievement that nobody can take away from us. Congratulations to us, fellow graduates!"