To Your End

Epilogue

"Mom, what's that?" Liam asked, his small finger pointing at the paper in my hand, his curious eyes wide.

"A postcard from Aunt Maria," I replied with a soft smile, opening the envelope.

Liam's curiosity didn't waver. He climbed onto the couch beside me, peering over my arm as I unfolded the card. The familiar sight of Maria's handwriting brought a wave of bittersweet memories.

It had been nine years. Nine years since I'd left my old life behind and started anew in Colombia. It was hard to believe how much time had passed, how much had changed.

I had built a new life for myself here. After years of turmoil and running, I found peace. I opened a small business, something I never thought I'd be capable of doing, and through it, I met my husband, Ethan. He was a lot like me—kind, determined, and hardworking. We fell in love amidst the chaos of deadlines and deliveries. Now, we had a family. Our son, Liam, was five years old and the light of my life.

Maria had written to me every year on my birthday, just like I had written to her. It was our way of staying connected, of keeping the promise we made years ago when everything fell apart.

"Read it, Mom," Liam said, his eyes sparkling with eagerness.

I cleared my throat and began reading aloud:

"Dear Una,
Happy birthday, my dear friend. I hope this year brings you more happiness and success. Things are quiet here in Sweden, as usual. Ellie is doing well—she just turned seven last month. She's a handful but the best decision I ever made. Life's funny, isn't it? Who would've thought I'd end up being a mom? I'm still working at that small company I told you about. Nothing glamorous, but it keeps us going.

I hope you and Liam are doing well. I miss the days when we were together, even if they were chaotic. Sometimes, I wish we could meet again, but I know it's for the best that we keep our distance. I found some new updates about the others. Thought you'd want to know..."

I paused, my voice catching slightly.

"What did Aunt Maria say, Mom?" Liam asked, tugging at my sleeve.

I smiled and continued reading:

"Naveen is still in Russia. He's married now, with two kids. He started a business and seems to be doing well. I know you were angry at him for a long time, Una, but I'm glad you forgave him. He tried to contact you, didn't he? I understand why you chose to stop, but I thought you should know he seems happy now.

As for Norah and Hugo, they're back in Tesla. Can you believe it? They got their jobs back and even married each other. I tried reaching out to them, but they didn't respond. Maybe it's better that way. At least they're happy.

And Ava... she's in South Korea. She married someone there and has two kids now. She's a full-time housewife. We knew she wouldn't reply if we reached out, and honestly, I don't think it's safe. Some bridges are better left burned, don't you think?

But you and I, Una, we're different. We kept our promise. Through it all, we stayed true to our words: to be there for each other, even from afar. To our end."

The last line hit me harder than I expected.

"Are you okay, Mom?" Liam asked his small hand on mine.

"Yes, sweetheart," I said, folding the card carefully. "I'm okay."

Later that evening, as I sat by the window watching the Colombian sun dip below the horizon, I found myself lost in thought. Maria, Naveen, Norah, Hugo, Ava... they were all part of a life that felt like a distant dream now. Each of us had chosen a path, one that led far away from the chaos we once shared.

Maria was right—we had kept our promise. Despite the distance, despite the silence, we had never truly let go of each other. It was a bond forged in fire, one that even time and space couldn't sever.

"To our end," I whispered into the night, clutching the postcard close to my heart.

Sometimes, family isn't defined by blood. It's the people who stand by you when the world turns against you. The ones who promise to stay—and mean it.