Evelyn's POV
One look around and I could tell that I was at the beach. I have never been to a beach, never seen the sea, but it's hard to not recognize when I've always dreamt of the beach and sea.
Picture postcards didn't give enough admiration to the beauty in front of me. The coastline and sea stretched beyond imagination. The sea was darker towards the horizon and the sky was at the tail end of what must've been a riotously coloured sunrise. I was digging my bare toes into white sand, feeling the softness of it.
I realized I have company and rested my head on his shoulder. "Why does it feel so lonely here?" he was asking.
Real-life couldn't grant me moments like this.
The real world couldn't create a place like this.
It feels like heaven.
No, it is heaven.
"How are you lonely, Dad? I'm right beside you, am I not?" I countered with tear-filled eyes.
He laughed in the musical way he always used to laugh. "Point taken."
And we sat in silence. The silence wasn't awkward or excruciating when it came to the two of us. It was comforting. Also, the beach wasn't lonely. It was peaceful.
Death isn't so bad. I got to come to the beach. I got to enjoy the cool salty breeze. I got to see the breathtaking sunrise. And most importantly, I got Dad.
Which makes me wonder...
"Where's Abbe?"
He merely shook his head. "The little monkey sure won't get up this early."
It was my turn to laugh. "I know right? I'm worried about her."
"You worry too much, Evelyn." Dad stood up slowly and dusted his pants. "It doesn't suit you. I taught my daughters to live freely."
I didn't reply. I was not being serious!
"Don't let your surroundings get you, love. Play fast and loose if that's what your heart desires but don't let them take your guard down."
"I won't," I promised. I don't know how but I'll do it. Why? Because that's what my father asked me to do. His advice has never let me down.
He offered me his hand. "Then, get up now."
***
"Are you all right?"
Alec was on top of me but he wasn't crushing my bones. Surprisingly his weight felt like nothing compared to my heavy heart. It was beating frantically, partly from shock but partly from... something else.
"What the hell was that?" I breathed.
"They are here," Alec said. As if that explained everything.
All around us we heard other trainees shouting and screaming. Some were already moving and helping others to get on their feet among the destruction. Some were not moving at all.
A moment of stillness, and almost eerie silence, then an overwhelming blast of sound made the tunnels shake. It was too much. All too much.
I screamed, all my senses overloading for a moment. Alec wasn't screaming. He was still on top, shielding me from the falling rocks. He closed his eyes while heavy rocks continuously hit him on the back. Yet, he didn't scream.
He didn't move either. He endured it all by himself.
I stopped screaming and focused on not passing out this time. I owed him that much.
YOU ARE READING
His Identity
Fiksi Ilmiah"I'm not crying because of you, you're not worth it. I'm crying because my delusion of who you were was shattered by the truth of who you are." I knew where to punch him where it hurts. Or I thought I did. **** It wasn't until she lost someone dearl...
