Air Kingdom

Chapter 69-The End

1 week later...

The sunlight shone through the cotton curtains, signaling the start of a new day. I woke up and yawned, lifting the exhaustion from my body. I quickly changed into my clothes and grabbed my bag packed with the meager items I've acquired this past month.

I took out a letter addressed to Merriam and Daniel and left it on my desk, making it noticeable enough for them to see. I also took out a book I had for the past couple days after Dylan restored my memories. The cover was plain and dull but I knew the words inside was the total opposite of that.

Rodas had given to me a few days ago. I completely forgot about it. It was my birthday. We had a small celebration in my room after school with just the two of us. Daniel and Merriam were too busy downstairs working to find out about my secret guest.

He took out a box with a ribbon neatly tied on top. It had a small tag with my name on it.

"Here," he said shyly, looking away.

I smiled with amusement. "A gift? You shouldn't have."

He scratched his head nervously. "It's your eighteenth birthday, you should at least get a gift."

"Thank you," I untied the bow and took the cover off. Inside was a simple notebook. I flipped through the pages and found empty pages. "A notebook? Where do you get this from?"

"My mother," he replied quietly. Suddenly, the gift held a lot more meaning. "She gave it to me a week before she died. I never used it because I didn't think I would ever need to write in it. After she died, I couldn't bear to touch it or even look at it. Instead of keeping in my closet to let it collect dust, I wanted to give it to you."

I ran my palm over the smooth surface. I felt myself falling in love with it. "Are you sure I can have it?"

He nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. If she was here, she would want you to have it as well."

I threw my arms around his neck and pecked his cheek. "Thanks, Ro."

He wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his head in my hair. His hot breath fanned my neck and I could feel my heart explode with happiness. "You're welcome, Emma."

I stood in the doorway and stared at everything one last time. I took my time walking downstairs, trying to remember every single detail. The soft, fluffy carpet, the rough wooden banister, and how the seventh step would always creak whenever you stepped on it.

"Whatcha doing, Em? Breakfast is getting cold." a voice startled me. Daniel had his arms crossed and looked rather amused. He was still in pajamas as Merriam had first shift on Saturdays.

"Nothing, just sleepy," I lied. "What's for breakfast?"

He grinned. "Your favorite. Maple waffles, eggs, and bacon,"

I smiled as best as I could. "Thanks,"

"Ah, no problem kiddo."

I quickly sat down and took my time eating, not wasting a single second. David sat down across from me, sipping his coffee. I never knew why adults like that bitter drink.

"What are you doing today?" Daniel asked, picking up the newspaper.

I tried to keep a cool face and tone. "Nothing much," I casually said. "I'm going fishing with Tomoyo. I won't be back until later."

Or ever

He nodded without giving me a look. "Alright, have fun. Bring a fish back for dinner. Merriam can make her special trout dish."