Running From Your Shadows

Chapter 25

Sam wasn't sure what this place was, but he's all too familiar with it. Whenever he slips into a state of unconsciousness, he remembers the darkness and the empty feeling. He looked around, unable to see where he was. Upon taking in his own appearance, Sam noticed he was still in his armor, minus his helmet.

"Hello? I know what this place is, but is anyone there?" Sam remembers he's slipped into this realm once or twice when with Felix, but somehow he felt even more at peace rather than on edge. It's probably because he knew Felix was gone, but why?

"I'm so proud of you, Samuel." Sam knew that voice, but never thought he'd ever hear it again.

"Mom...?" Sam turned around, and there was a woman standing there. She looked old and frail, but his heart called to her.

"Mi pequeño, all grown up." She walked up to Sam, and dusted off his shoulder. What amused Sam was how she had to really crane her neck to be able to look to his face. "You've grown up so much, and you look so handsome." His mother gushed as she cupped his cheeks, smiling.

"Mama... Dios mío, Is it really you? Where are we?"

"We are at a bridge, my son. You're unconscious. I'm not here to bring you with me, it would break her heart if I did. I only wanted to see my son, and say I am sorry." Samuel tilted his head, and his mother gave him a knowing expression.

"Why? Why am I not his child?" She sighed.

"I made a mistake, my son. The man who is truly your father, is my best friend, Lucas, your father's older brother. He was already married by the time they arranged my marriage with his younger brother. I did everything I could for Charles, but he was a wicked man. When I found out I was pregnant with you, I did everything I could to make it seem like Charles' third child, but Lucas and I knew the truth. When you were born, you were the child I truly dreamed of. When your father found out, it destroyed Lucas' family, and we ran away and killed ourselves. I am sorry for being selfish, Samuel. I brought you into this world out of selfish reasons, but I loved you selflessly." She noticed that tears were falling from her son's eyes, his lips were quivering, and his fists were trembling.

"I don't understand... Why me?" She smiled.

"No pierdas la esperanza, my son. You've had quite the journey in your life, and it's led you here, at Challenger, with her. Marina is such a sweet woman, and also led an interesting life." Samuel sighed, he allowed himself to smile at the thought of her.

"I love Marina, more than anything, mama."

"I know you do, I can see it in your eyes, your smile, hear it in your heart. Make me a promise, my son." Samuel grasped his mother's hands.

"Anything, mama."

"Prométeme que la amarás hasta el final de tus días. Prométeme que serás fiel a ella si te comprometes. Prométeme que aprenderás de tus errores y que ya no huirás de ellos." Samuel felt a ball form in his throat, but he swallowed it as he smiled.

"I promise." He watched his mother nod, then begin to step away.

"I must go now. I'm sorry you'll never get the chance to meet your true father, but remember he is always there in your heart, and he is so proud of everything you've done." Sam watched as she faded away into the darkness.