Remember me

Prologue

Saturday dawned with a gray and dry atmosphere, the air sharp and prickly as Jace navigated the tranquil pebble-coated road. Heavy clouds obscured any hint of sunlight, looming ominously in the sky. Tall, barren trees intertwined above him, their withered leaves rustling over the earthy ground as he passed through a lonely tunnel.

The soft strains of "Against All Odds" filled the car, Phil Collins' voice crooning through the speakers, evoking bittersweet memories that lingered in the corners of Jace's mind. He subconsciously reached for the volume knob, adjusting it slightly as if trying to find solace in the familiar melody.

"Hahaha! Stop it!" laughed Irvana, covering her face with her hands.

"No, stay still. Let's take a few selfies together," Jace persisted.

"I hate these things!" she complained, burying her face in his neck.

"Relax. I've told you before, you're really photogenic."

She leaned in for a kiss and playfully snatched the camera.

"You little!"

She shrugged, a satisfying smile on her face. "Come on, show me your best pose! 'I've told you before, you're really photogenic.'" She mimicked his voice.

"You—"

"Only for you, babe. Come on, sm—"

His reverie was abruptly interrupted by a voice from the backseat.

"DAD!" shouted a little girl.

Jace winced, brought back to the present. He quickly adjusted the volume, glancing apologetically at the four-year-old in the rearview mirror, who sat with crossed arms and a pursed lip, giving him an accusing look.

"Yes, sweetheart?" Jace probed gently.

"You ignored me again!" Amber exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, babe." Jace apologized with an awkward smile. "I got a bit distracted."

"It's okay, daddy." She uncrossed her arms and hugged her teddy bear, Fuzzy, close.

"So, what were you trying to say earlier?"

"When are we going to see Mommy?" Amber waved Fuzzy impatiently in the air. "Fuzzy misses her very much."

Jace raised an eyebrow, suppressing a chuckle.

"Is that so? Only Fuzzy, huh?"

"Yeah, we've been driving for hours now," Amber replied, her impatience evident, "though her perception of time doesn't quite warrant her impatience yet."

"Your mom will be quite disappointed if she hears this," Jace teased gently.

"Why?" Amber looked puzzled.

"You said only Fuzzy missed her."

"Of course, I miss her too." She pouted briefly before changing the subject. "But, are we going to get there soon?"

"We'll get there soon," Jace laughed, reassuring her.