Timeless Decisions

memories

Red's hands trembled as she held Morgian, her fingers tracing over his icy skin. The coldness that had started in his fingertips was now creeping up his arms, turning his once warm flesh a pale, lifeless blue. She could feel the chill seeping through her own skin, but she refused to let go. The room around them seemed to blur and darken, her entire focus on the boy in her arms—the boy she loved.

"Morgian, please," she whispered, her voice breaking as she watched the color drain from his cheeks. "Please don't leave me."

As she pleaded, memories began to surge through her mind, as if her heart and mind were trying to remind her of everything they had shared. She saw them as children, running through the forest, their laughter echoing through the trees. She remembered how Morgian would always wait for her, his hand outstretched, ready to catch her if she stumbled. There was a moment, years ago, when they had climbed to the top of a hill overlooking the enchanted lake. They had watched the sunset together, the sky ablaze with colors, and Morgian had told her that he would always be there for her, no matter what. The sincerity in his voice had touched her deeply, but she hadn't realized then just how much it meant.

The scene shifted, and she was standing by the lake again, only this time they were older. Morgian had just told her a terrible joke, the kind that was so bad it was funny, and she had laughed so hard that she had nearly fallen into the water. He had caught her just in time, pulling her close as they both laughed. She remembered the way his eyes had sparkled with amusement, how close they had been in that moment, and how her heart had skipped a beat when she realized how much he meant to her.

But she had pushed those feelings down, convincing herself that it was just a close friendship. Now, as she held his cold, limp body, she cursed herself for not realizing the truth sooner.

"Morgian," she whispered again, her voice thick with tears. "Please, come back to me."

The coldness was spreading faster now, reaching his chest. She could feel his heartbeat slowing, each beat weaker than the last. Panic clawed at her, and she tightened her grip, as if holding him closer would somehow keep him with her. But she knew it was futile. The curse was taking him, turning him into a lifeless shell.

Suddenly, a memory pierced through her panic—a day long ago when they had been hiding from a summer storm in the old treehouse. The rain had pounded on the roof, and the wind had howled outside, but inside, they had been safe. Morgian had lit a small lantern, its warm glow casting shadows around them. She remembered the way he had looked at her, his expression serious, as if he had something important to say. And then he had taken her hand, squeezing it gently as he whispered, "Red, I promise, I'll always protect you. No matter what happens, I'll be there for you." The intensity of his gaze had made her heart race, and for a moment, she had believed that nothing in the world could ever tear them apart.

But now, as she watched the light fade from his eyes, she felt that she was failing him.

Morgian's eyes fluttered, and for a brief moment, he seemed to recognize her. His lips moved, but no sound came out. Red leaned in closer, desperate to hear him.

"R-Red," he breathed, his voice barely a whisper. "C-cold...so...cold."

Red's heart shattered at the sound of his voice, so weak and filled with despair. Tears streamed down her face as she cupped his cheeks, forcing him to look at her. "I'm here, Morgian. I'm right here. You're not alone."

But even as she spoke, she could feel his body growing heavier, the coldness spreading to his heart. His breathing became shallow, his eyes losing their focus, and she could see the life draining out of him, bit by bit. The memories that had been so vivid just moments ago began to slip away, replaced by the horrifying reality of what was happening.

In one final, desperate attempt, Red pressed her forehead against his, closing her eyes as she whispered, "I love you, Morgian. Please, don't leave me. I love you."

But there was no response. Morgian's eyes were now completely lifeless, his body cold and still. The blue tint of the curse had reached his heart, freezing it over completely. He was gone.

Red's vision blurred with tears as she pulled back, her hands trembling as she cradled his face. She had failed him. The boy she loved was gone, taken by the very curse they had fought so hard to stop. A sob tore through her as she clutched him to her chest, her heart breaking with the weight of her loss.

But even in her grief, a part of her refused to give up. She had to believe that somewhere, deep inside, Morgian was still there, trapped beneath the icy curse. And she would do whatever it took to bring him back.

As she held him, another memory surfaced—one of Morgian standing beside her in the treehouse, his expression serious as he promised her that no matter what happened, they would always have each other's backs. "I'll never leave you, Red," he had said, his voice filled with determination.

And she knew, in that moment, that she couldn't leave him either. Not like this.

Wiping away her tears, Red looked down at Morgian, her resolve hardening. She wouldn't let the curse win. She wouldn't let him be taken from her. Somehow, she would find a way to save him, to break the curse, and to bring him back to her. Because she loved him, and she couldn't imagine a world without him in it.

Red was twelve years old, huddled in a bathroom stall, her small body shaking with sobs. The echoes of Chloe's cruel words still stung, like fresh cuts on her heart. "You're dumb," Chloe had spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "You always depend on Morgian. Can you even do anything alone?" Chloe's laughter was a harsh, mocking sound that made Red's tears flow even harder. The worst part was hearing Chloe's venomous gossip: "When your best friend is the son of a villain, what do you expect? Nothing good will come out of that." Those words pierced her deeply, leaving her feeling isolated and worthless.

Red had buried her face in her knees, her heart aching from the sting of Chloe's taunts and the sting of betrayal from her peers. She felt like an outcast, and the bathroom, once a place of refuge, now felt like a prison of her own despair. The world outside seemed cold and indifferent, mirroring the ice that had begun to form in her chest.

Then, the door to the bathroom opened, and the sound of footsteps drew closer. Red didn't lift her head; she was too lost in her misery. But then the stall door swung open, and Morgian stood there, his face flushed with anger and concern. "What did that little monster say to you?" he demanded, his voice a fierce protective growl.

Red tried to turn away, embarrassed and too hurt to speak, but Morgian wasn't having it. He dropped down beside her, his presence a comforting shield against the emotional storm raging inside her. His eyes were soft now, filled with genuine care as he took her hand in his, grounding her in the present moment.

"You shouldn't listen to her, Red. You're way better than Miss Little Goody Two-Shoes," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. The warmth of his hand wrapped around hers was like a lifeline pulling her back from the brink of despair. Morgian's eyes locked onto hers, filled with an intensity that spoke volumes. "You're going to be the strongest girl in the whole kingdom, and until then, I'll be here to protect you from anything."

His words were a promise, a vow of unwavering support. They pierced through her pain, leaving a warm glow of hope in their place. Even though she was young, she could sense the depth of his sincerity. Morgian's declaration wasn't just a comforting promise; it was a bond forged in the crucible of their shared struggles. It was a beacon of light in her darkest hour, a testament to a friendship that went beyond mere words.

In that moment, Red felt a flicker of resolve. Morgian was her protector, her confidant, and his unwavering support gave her the strength to face the world. She clung to his words as if they were a lifeline, a promise of better days to come. His presence was her sanctuary, and she vowed to herself that she would never let his light be extinguished, no matter the cost.

No matter what it took, she would fight for him.