Labyrinth Under A Willow Tree (Book 1)

Prologue: That Quote, Once Upon A Time

"True love is hard to explain. Passion is defined as intense feeling. But I will cite one main difference between both, which is: passion is just a feeling of concern or attraction towards a person. It can also be hatred or a crush, while true love is so much more. It is the beautiful joy or pain that keeps you going day by day. It is the thought and feeling of having your day complete just by hearing the precious name of that special person. True love is not about just having someone to like. It is about someone to plan and spend your future and the rest of your life with. Someone who you can show and tell everything, someone who knows how you feel just from a glance, because that is how deep the familiarity and connection between the two of you really is. And lastly, with someone who is willing to live and die for you. That, for me, is the main difference between true love and passion."

                                                                 -Lucas Johnson, Amidst the Rain

Daylee peaked through her window blinds and saw droplets of water racing to the ground.

"It's raining again. I hope it never ends," she mumbles to herself, sighing deeply.

She opens her transparent glass window and leans on the cold windowpane. Thousands of water arrows are painting the atmosphere. The grass, leaves and soil completely damp and humid, the earthy fragrance and morning breeze tickling Daylee's nose. She sips her cozy brown coffee, internalizing the taste while enjoying the view. Memories of nostalgic jubilee and sorrow once again dominated her.

Tim, Daylee's younger brother entered the room and sat beside her. He's typing on his phone, with a bright smile on his face. He looked a bit like a tomato. His cheeks were flushed and his expression was that of a teenager receiving his favorite gift. He continued typing, grinning at some points, his fingers tapping the screen at lightning speed.

"Kids. Oh, to be young," Daylee said while flashing her brother a teasing smirk. She wiggles her eyebrows up and down, and the boy beside her turns into a shy rose.

"What? I'm just asking my classmate about our homework," he responded, not looking Daylee in the eye and distracted himself by turning his attention back to his phone.

"Tim, do you think I'll be able to be comfortable outside today?" She looks at her brother and sighs. The young lad stopped typing and turned to his sister.

Gone was the happy smile on his face, replaced by a serious expression. "You will. I may not be mature enough to understand how you feel, but I know that they'll make sure you'll be okay again. He'll be with you soon. I hope. I miss him. And I know you miss him more than I do." He engulfs her in a big hug, hiding the sadness in his eyes. He grabs his bag from the chair and heads to the door. "Daylee, I'm going to school. See ya later!"

She waves him goodbye. "Have fun, baby bro."

Daylee glances over to the view outside her window, remembering her favorite book, "Amidst the Rain." She takes out her phone, looking at her pictures with her bestest friends Sky, Maureen, James, Yurina, Zach and Dave. Tears start rolling down her cheeks. "I miss you. I don't know If I'll be able to trust people again, " she whispers to herself.

"Hey, are you okay?" Sky offers his hand to Daylee.
"No. I feel suffocated. I can't- she gasps for air- breathe."
"I'm here, Daylee. I'm here. Try to calm down." He pats her back gently.
She grips his hand tightly. "Sky, I can't. I can't go through that again. Please don't let them do that to me," she breathes in deeply, her eyes welling with tears.
He could only nod. No promises, because he was 100 percent sure that it would happen again.

"Rina! I need you here! Where are her calming pills?!" Sky turns to Yurina, who is now searching Daylee's medicine pouch.

Daylee loses consciousness and faints in Sky's arms. "Daylee! Daylee! Please wake up!" he taps her face carefully, while supporting her body.

"I'll bring her bag. Just take her to the nurse's office," Maureen exclaims, following Sky from behind.

He carries Daylee in a bridal style and heads there. 'I'm sorry, Daylee. I'm sorry.' He bites his lips as he rushes through the classrooms.

Little did I know, I would be regretting this event way more than I expected.
-Sky Reid Lacsamana