Lethal Passion (Jeff The Killer)

Chapter 56. Complication

Everything was a blur.

It like I keep waking up only to lose consciousness again. My head feels all fuzzy and I couldn't think straight any longer.

There's a light up ahead . . .

Oh wait, it was just me, half dreaming. Dazed, I tried to look around me but I couldn't quite make anything out of what I saw, it took a lot of energy to glance up. It was Jeff, he looked really worried about something and I was being carried while . . . he's running? Why are we in the woods again?

"Marika, don't die on me!" He shouted, tears rimmed the corners of his eyes.

Die? Why?

I tried to ask what he was talking about, but instead of words, blood came out of my mouth. Blood . . . Oh right, I'm on the verge of death. I couldn't remember why exactly, I don't want to think about anything, I just want to close my eyes and let the sleep take over me. That seems so tempting right now but somehow, a part of me says that I shouldn't. Weird.

Maybe if it's just for a bit . . . Maybe I could . . .

Suddenly, light enveloped me and I felt incredibly light as a feather. I feel so . . . happy, just happy. I studied myself and for some reason, I'm a kid again, like when I was young . . . really young and I was wearing all-white clothing.

Where did Jeff go?

I searched around me, everywhere I look is just pure white light, how strange yet, in a way, blissful. I saw a couple of silhouettes in front of me and I felt drawn to them. It's like something is telling me that they're . . . important.

"Hello?" I called out, confused as I walked closer to the figures. The closer I got, the more familiar they looked. I froze when I realized who they were, "Mom, dad!" I shouted as my stroll broke into a run, half believing and half doubting my eyes. I ran towards them at full speed and threw my arms around the both of them. I didn't understand what was happening, all I know is that it's been so long since I felt this content, "I miss you so much . . ." I murmured as I started crying tears of joy when they hugged me back.

"What's up, kiddo?" Father smiled down at me like normal as if we weren't apart for a really long time.

"Dad . . ." I mumbled as I stared at him, "Where have you been?" I asked as I looked at each of them.

"We've been away." He answered, "We just . . . couldn't stay."

"Where's Liu?" I looked around.

He chuckled, "He isn't here." He patted my head.

"What, why?" I asked, "And why couldn't you stay?" I asked as I pulled away with a pout. I'm confused but at the same time, happy.

"We're sorry, dear." Mom smiled warmly at me. The moment I heard her voice, a memory occurred to me. I remembered how we fought, how I hurt her feelings and how much I regret it, I never even apologized to her . . .

"Mom . . ." I walked closer to her, guilt flooding my heart, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for everything I ever said." I choked, "I didn't mean it, I－"

She wrapped her arms around like a mother should and kissed my forehead, stopping me from saying anything else, "Shh . . . I understand, honey." She cooed, "And I love you very much." She mumbled, her voice showing affection.

"Me too, mom." I sobbed as I squeezed her back, "I love you too."

"I know, sweetie." She patted my back, "But you can't stay here." Her voice turned serious.