THE PATHS CONNECTED

EPILOGUE

Before we visit his mom we stopped at a flower shop to buy some flowers

"are you excited to see mommy again?" I asked Zane.

"of course dad, It's been a long time since we last visited mom. " He said directly, holding the flowers we bought

"why are you laughing dad?" He asked innocently.

"Were here." I said  and put him down

I laid down with Irvine, I can feel the breeze touching me,I bought some of  her favorite foods.

"Good morning, my love…" I said with trembling voice, seated at her grave.

"It’s five years already, yet... it’s still you. It will always be you."
 
Beside me stands our son, silent. I put a hand on his shoulder, heart aching.

"Look... he's already  ten years old. He looks just like you."
 
Tears prickled in my eyes as I take a deep breath.

"How’s it up there? Are you happy watching over us? It's been years, god, why does it still hurt this much? I thought we would raise our son together…but I was wrong. It's just me now."

 
I please my fists. Why...? No amount of time makes me finally overcome it. A part of me still refuses to believe she's really gone. 
 
It has been five years since she died, yet she remains forever tendered in my heart. Every day she rests on my mind, and I drive and visit her grave in yearning. I hate that she died because of me. I swear to get you the justice you deserve. 
 
I gently lifted Clyde and held him close to me. 
 
"Say hi to Mommy, Zane" I murmured. 
 
"Hi, Mommy,  sorry we took a while before coming," Zane responded quietly. 
 
He wanted to stay there for hours. After a while, it was time for us to leave. Zane waved goodbye and smiled. 
 
"Bye, Mom!"
 
With a heavy heart, I released a sigh.

"Goodbye for now, my love. We will come again soon."
 
No matter how many years may pass, my heart will always be yours. I have so many regrets…and losing you is the greatest agony of my life. But I know you are up there watching over us. If there is any chance our paths cross in another life, I swear I shall love you right, my love.
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I return with roses-her favorite. When I reach the grave, I suddenly stopped

A woman is there. 

She has a cap on, shades and a mask all on her face. 

"Eh? Who the hell are you?" I ask, flabbergasted. 

And she is silent, she meanwhile glances at me.

Before I knew it, she was gone in the blink of an eye.

"That was weird!"I mutter to myself.

Shaking my head, I put it out of my mind and resume placing the flowers on Irvine's grave. 

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SOMEONE'S POV

I am watching them from behind a tree. My hands tremble as I walk toward them, my heart pumping. 

I lay down flowers, and his face opens wider in astonishment. 

"Hey, who are you?" asks Khalil. 

I breathe deeply and look him in the eye before saying,

"You will know one day who I am."

Without another word, I turn on my heels and head away, walking toward my car.

Inside, I take a picture of my husband and son into my hands. 

"I already miss you two..." I whisper. 

Looking at the sky, I make a silent promise. 

"I will finish everything firts... And then we will be able to rest in peace."

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The next day

Someone was watching them.

Khalil turned his head, and at a distance, stood the same mysterious woman he'd seen before.

She wore a cap and sunglasses and also had on a mask, just like last time. But this time, she didn't run. She just stood there, almost waiting for something.

Zane tugged at his sleeve.

"Dad, who's that?"

Khalil's breath caught. He had no idea.

The woman took a step forward, hesitant. For one brief moment, it appeared she would say something, but she turned on her heel abruptly and strolled away.

"Wait!" Khalil yelled as he stood up, but by then she had vanished into the evening mist.

His heart raced. There was something… familiar about her.

He glanced down at Zane, who was still staring at the retreating figure.

"Dad, she looked like Mommy."

That bled Khalil dry. He wanted to say something to make Zane think it was just his imagination playing tricks with him. But there was something weirdly accusative being dumped inside him, as if all were making dubious but strong claims.

"Could it really be…?"

With the last rays of light gone, Khalil tightened his fists. If there was the slightest chance that Irvine truly was still alive, then he must go and seek the truth.

" No matter how we are separated, destiny will find itself and our path will always be connected."

And this time he would not let her go.

~The End~