Touché (Complete)

Tragedy

It was raining heavily again. There was no storm reported but Flor's flight was canceled, which meant she had to spend the night in the airport. She thought about going back to the hotel, but thinking about returning to an empty room bothered her.

Looking at the sky through the glass windows, she thought about Carl. Did he succeed going back to the Heavens? But it was getting late, so he really must be gone already.

Flor felt her muscles ache and she leaned against the wall. Suddenly, her words came to her. The words she told Carl.

"I want you to stay longer."

She laughed, shaking her head. It was a stupid thing to say. Carl couldn't possibly grant her that wish. And even if he could, he would not do it. What was she to him, anyway? He was so eager to get back. Besides, he was just annoying. There was no reason for him to stay any longer.

She wondered why she said it. Maybe it was the alcohol. Although, a part of her knew that he became more than a stranger to him. He was a friend. As someone who barely had friends, she was always unsure about it. She was certain, however, that she grew to like his presence. He was actually very fun to be with, like a breath of fresh air.

When she was with him, she'd forget all about her worries. She'd miss him, she realized, no matter how troublesome he was.

Flor's train of thoughts was cut off when she received a text message. It was her mom. The latter was mad again, calling her daughter irresponsible for leaving the city without saying anything.

Flor sighed. She put her phone on mute, not wanting to worry about it now. She'd deal with it when she gets back to the city.

Feeling a little impatient, she went out of the airport to buy cheaper food.

As she was walking to a nearby store, she felt a strange presence. She wasn't sure if it was the wind. But a strange yet familiar scent blew along with the wind, capturing her attention.

Turning around, she jumped in surprise.

"Carl?"

"Flor!"

"What are you doing here? I thought you left?"

"No, I..."

"What?"

"I just need to do something."

"What do you mean?" asked Flor, puzzled.

Instead of answering her, pulled her body into his, wrapping his arms around her small body. She felt warm. This felt the right thing to do at the moment. He held her to make sure she was real, scared that she might disappear again.

"You said you wanted me to stay longer," he whispered. "Was that real? You wanted me?"

Flor's eyes widened. She thought he didn't hear it. Or he probably forgot. Her cheeks turned red at the thought.

Carl kept holding her, not letting her go. She didn't want him to. They stayed like this as the rain poured.

"Sorry I left without a goodbye. But you have to go now," Flor finally said, after a few minutes. People were starting to stare at them and it was also getting late. Flor remembered that Carl had to finish the ritual before midnight.

However, Carl refused to go. He shook his head and held her tighter.

"Ugh, you're stubborn."

He chuckled.

They finally let go but their eyes remained stuck to each other, saying things that their mouths couldn't.

Carl tried to collect his thoughts. He opened his mouth to speak, but suddenly, a heavy feeling struck. He looked up and the sky wasn't clearing even though the rain had already stopped.

"No!"

He and Flor looked at each other. She gave him a puzzled look but before Carl could warn her, he pushed her away.

Everything around her spun as she fell to the ground.

Then suddenly, there was a flash of light, coupled with loud bangs that woke all the cars around them.

Flor tried to get up and when she turned, she saw the lamp post behind her burning. She heard screams around, then there was a cry, a familiar voice calling out her name.

"Flor..."

"Carl? Carl!"

Carl's body fell beside the post. He had burns everywhere. Flor realized what just happened. It was a lightning that struck that post she was leaning on just a moment ago.

She reached out to Carl as the others were calling an ambulance. She came with him as they took his body.

They were so near. So near to the hospital.

"Come on..." Flor whispered. She wanted to hold him at least, but they said his skin was still too vulnerable.

Flor started to pray. She had never prayed this much before but with tears threatening to spill in her eyes, praying was all she could do. Carl was a good angel, right? She asked the Heavens.

However, it seemed that they didn't listen to her.

The moment they reached the hospital gates, Carl was no longer breathing.