Time Is Cruel

My Hand, Hold It Tight.

They say that your own personality and character is chosen before you're even born....but....that's not my case. I wasn't always the William Walker that people know now. Back then, I was a totally different person. I was a very happy and hopeful person.. yeah I know it's hard to picture it.....but it's true. Back then.....when the world was colorful in my eyes, when I had a family.

Only two days were left. I was about to ''hit double digits'' . For those who don't know this expression, it means it was my 10th birthday.

But it wasn't gonna be as great as it should've been.

Do you really have to go? It's Christmas Eve, for god's sake!! A 9 years and 363 days old me said to my parents who were going on a trip outside the state this same night.

Sweety, I know it's hard on you right now, specially because your birthday is in two days, but you have to understand that this is our job. My mom said to me with her very soothing brown eyes as she kisses my forehead.

Both of my parents were apparently extremely popular doctors. To which they get to travel to different states and countries to help research cures for incurable illnesses.....on the expense of my happiness, of course.

You're right. I'm sorry for wanting to spend Christmas and my birthday with my parents! That's extremely selfish of me! I sarcastically said.

WILLIAM! Watch your tone when you talk to your mother! My dad shouted at me all away from across the room where he was finishing packing. I'm pretty sure he didn't hear anything I said though. He probably just assumed the things I would say.

Will, Honey, I promise you we'll be back by New Years! Trust me these few days will pass by very quickly! We'll be back before you know it. Mom said to me, trying to ignore my dad's unnecessary comment a few seconds ago.

I quickly gave in to her and gave her one big emotional hug that I wish it lasted forever.

A few second later, my dad entered this emotional scene and joined in on the hug.

I REALLY wish it lasted forever.

You're gonna be fine Champ! Don't give grandma a hard time, OK? My dad said to me, with a wavering voice, obviously trying not to cry.

I won't. I promise. I said, wiping the tears off of my face.

Honey, we have to leave now. We don't want to miss our flight. My dad said to my mom who was fixing her running makeup.

Yeah, we should. She replied as she gets up.

You're gonna call when you arrive, right? I said with a very hopeful look on my face.

Better. We'll video chat. And we'll wish you a very happy birthday, pumpkin. My mom said with a forced smile.

Promise?

We promise. My dad said.

They promised.

I spent the entire evening playing cards with grandma. She was secretly letting me win though, and I hated that, but I guess she wanted me to smile; If only she knew the calamity that was about to hit us in a few hours.

At precisely 3:24 am, we woke up to the sound of the phone ringing in the hallway.
We both got up with worry. "Why would anyone call at this hour?" , we thought.