Destined Across Time | LadaEarn

Last Chapter

The day of Earn's graduation arrived with an air of excitement and anticipation, as if the world itself was holding its breath for her. The sun streamed through the windows of her bedroom, casting a warm glow on the polished wood floors and the gleaming white gown she was about to put on. Standing before the mirror, she adjusted the cap on her head, smoothing down the fabric of the gown. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she quickly hid it with a soft smile that tugged at her lips. This was supposed to be a day of celebration, of triumph, a day she had worked tirelessly for. And yet, as she studied her reflection, she couldn't help but feel a small, inexplicable ache in her heart.

Where was Fahlada?

Earn took a deep breath, trying to push aside the nagging uncertainty. Her family and friends were gathered in the crowd, their proud faces beaming with encouragement, their words of praise floating through the air as she made her way to the ceremony. But despite the festive atmosphere, a hollow space lingered in her chest, a gnawing sense that something was missing.

The ceremony was already in full swing when Earn arrived, a sea of faces all clad in black and gold, their smiles wide with pride as they cheered for the graduates. She was swept up in the excitement, exchanging congratulatory words with classmates and trying to mask the tightness in her chest. Her eyes kept scanning the crowd, looking for the one person who had made every step of this journey worth it. 

But Fahlada was nowhere to be seen.

Earn's heart sank, the familiar weight of disappointment pressing down on her chest. She tried to shake it off, forcing herself to focus on the faces around her, to smile for her family, to enjoy the moment that she had worked so hard for. But as the minutes passed, the absence of Fahlada grew more palpable, as though the world was dimmer without her there.

As Earn moved through the crowd, greeting family and friends, her mother noticed the faraway look in her daughter's eyes. She placed a gentle hand on Earn's arm, her voice soft but laced with concern. "Earn, where's Lada? I thought she'd be here."

Earn hesitated, her heart heavy, before she gave a quick, practiced smile. "She had to go out of town for work, Mom," she replied, her voice betraying none of the sadness she felt. "She promised she would come, but... I guess her schedule got too tight."

Her mother's expression softened, and she gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "She'll get to you as soon as she can, sweetheart. Don't worry. I'm sure she wanted to be here more than anything." 

Earn nodded, though the words couldn't ease the ache that was spreading through her chest. It wasn't easy to keep the sadness hidden, but she forced herself to focus, pushing the growing emptiness away. She was determined to enjoy the ceremony for the sake of her family, to be present for all the people who had supported her.

The ceremony continued, and Earn felt a swell of pride as her name was finally called. The sound of her name echoing through the hall felt surreal, like a dream she could scarcely believe was coming true. She stood tall, her feet steady beneath her, and made her way across the stage. Her gown flowed around her, the weight of her degree and everything she had accomplished settling on her shoulders like a mantle of pride. The applause of her peers and family rang in her ears, a wave of sound that was meant to be a celebration of all her hard work.

But despite the warmth of the applause, it didn't quite reach her heart. It wasn't enough to fill the empty space that had grown between her and the crowd. Her thoughts kept drifting, and her eyes kept scanning the audience, looking for the one face that could make this moment truly complete.

And then, as if the universe itself had heard her silent prayer, she saw her.

Near the back of the hall, standing just beyond the last row of seats, was Fahlada. Earn's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, everything around her seemed to blur. The noise of the ceremony, the applause, the bright stage lights—they all faded away, leaving only the sight of Fahlada's radiant face, her eyes locked on Earn with such pride, such love, that Earn felt as though her heart might burst. The distance between them was vast, yet in that moment, Fahlada's gaze reached Earn with the force of a thousand unspoken words.