Flash Fiction #2 Reminiscent Regrets

The Memory Cabin

Written by FaZee___2706

 The distant horizon was painted in a mix of gold and corals, farther transitioning into a soft blue, where the peeking sun's rays hadn't reached yet. Tall birches, oaks and maples that surrounded him adorned the warm colours of autumn, and dew; the falling leaves resembling the colours of the sunrise.

He trudged forward, avoiding the occasional rocks on the damp path, leaving footprints in the mud with each step. Pulling on his beige trench coat– an attempt to warm himself up a little more– he continued walking through the dead leaves in search of a certain place.

Or rather, a certain cabin in the middle of the woods; where everything had changed.

It'd been a while since he'd visited the place, but if his memory served right, he should find it soon if he just followed this messy mud path.

The more he walked, the closer he got. The closer he got, the more his heart trembled, a strange mix of anxiety and nostalgia pooling in him.

Memories of terror, guilt, regrets, hopelessness, relief, and love formed in his mind as pictures of bloody limp limbs, red-blue flashes, sirens, and a certain boy. The only boy who had given him something called 'hope', something foreign to him only four years ago.

Could he have stopped the bloodshed his father had inflicted upon himself, four years ago, if he stayed that day? Couldn't he have tried talking with him more, help him cope with struggles, instead of screaming at him and turning his back on him? Hadn't that been what really caused the tragedy? Wasn't it his fault?

But then again, would he be breathing today if he had stayed?

He didn't want to know.

Before he could spiral down to another endless void of unanswered questions and reminiscent regrets, it came into view.

It stood there amongst firs and wild, unkempt weeds and bushes. There was a notable contrast between the cabin and the greenery surrounding it; the wood it was made of was quite dark. Dark because of age or the kind of wood? He didn't remember anymore.

As he now stood directly in front of it, he noticed the green mosses and ferns that had started to grow on certain spots on the wood; noticed a little bird nest in the top corner of the roof also. The three steps which lead to the main entrance were a little jagged, but it seemed firm enough to hold a little weight. There were little ivy vines that grew towards the windows; and by the looks of it, the plant would be able to spread inside the cabin as well, as the window panes seemed to have been broken.

A chill ran down his spine as he stood in front of the cabin; upon seeing the familiar sight or due to the morning mist, he didn't know. He also didn't know what, or how to feel right now. This place held good and bad memories alike, the most memorable ones being the time he and his father had stayed here for holidays, inviting his friends for a little barbecue party, the time he had walked in after a fight to see his father limp on the floor, the putrid odour of blood and vodka pungent in the air; and the time he'd met the boy.

He started trembling at the more disturbing images in his head, but before he could run into a state of panic, he felt two arms wrap around him protectively from behind.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm here. I told you I'd be right behind you, right? And you're stronger now, remember?"

The same warm arms that had wrapped around him four years ago.

"Yeah. I'm stronger because of you." He turned around to face his lover, smiling gratefully at him before kissing him.

"So will you step inside with me..? I have something for you. Didn't have time to clean everything up, so it might be quite dirty." Jungkook said nervously, with a sheepish smile plastered on his face.

Taehyung only let out a laugh through his nose and nodded, "As long as you're with me."

Donning small smiles, they stepped inside; the floors creaking beneath their steps. A candle and hearth lit, fairly neat living room came into view; plants and fragrant flowers carefully placed around as dainty adornments.

"This... w-what?" Taehyung turned around to be met with Jungkook holding a few special flowers.

"I don't know if now's the time, but..." he handed over a blue iris to his lover, "You know more about flowers than I do, so tell me their meaning, Tae."

Taehyung looked at the flower he held, "Faith and hope.."

"This is where it all began, isn't it? Under unideal circumstances, yes. But because of that, you came into my life as hope, as someone who I can have faith in, just like I came into yours." He then handed over a camellia to him.

"Eternal love, long-lasting devotion, admiration..."

"I've been yours and you've been mine for three years. And I know the years of us together will go on until we both pass. And I'll forever admire you, Taehyung."

He handed over a deep red rose to his teary-eyed lover.

"Love.. Passion.. It's deep red, so commitment...?"

"I love you. I'm always passionate about you. We both have baggage, but now I'm ready for commitment..."

He handed over the final flowers. Red and pink peonies.

"Love, honour, respect... good luck, prosperity..?"

"When do you give someone peonies?"

"When someone's getting marri-" he paused. With wide eyes, "Koo..." he trailed off.

"You're my good luck charm, I'm prosperous as long as I have you, I respect you and it'll be an honour to have you as mine forever. So... will you... marry me, Taehyung?" He asked, pulling out the ruby ring.

Maybe both their hearts skipped a beat when the latter beamed and kissed him, muttering many 'yes's.

Maybe the cabin would hold more good memories, from now.