When Will My Life Begin

Chapter XVI: She Sees The Lights

It was nighttime on Rapunzel's birthday. As always, every year on Rapunzel's birthday, the King and Queen of Corona released floating lanterns into the sky in hopes that their daughter will follow the lights and return home safely. It wasn't in this case, as Gothel always kept her locked in the tower. 

Eugene found a small boat and they both sat on the seats given. It was minutes before the lanterns were released into the sky, and Rapunzel was picking out flowers from her braided hair and making them float on the water. 

In no time, the King and Queen released a lantern into the sky, and Rapunzel quickly reached out to the end of the boat, almost letting Eugene fall out.

That one lantern followed more and more lanterns behind, creating a very beautiful glow in the sky. Rapunzel can finally see the lights in person, and not just from a window where she has been all of her life. It was a very special moment for them two, and both of them watched the lights hover over the sky. 

Suddenly, Eugene saw another light. Somewhat a green glow. It was the two thieves!

Eugene and Rapunzel went to the land where he saw the glow, not knowing what to explain to Rapunzel.

"I'm sorry, everything is just fine. There is just something I have to do."

"Okay?" Rapunzel thought it was just him taking a walk or something important. She trusts him anyways, so there will be nothing to worry about, is there?

After a long while of patiently sitting there, Rapunzel finally saw a shadow figure from afar, thinking it was Eugene.

Rapunzel took a sigh of relief. "I was starting to think you ran off with the crown and left me!"

Rapunzel spoke too soon, as the shadow figure began to split into two. Was it really Eugene, or is her mind just playing with her?

"He did." One of the thieves said. Rapunzel didn't believe them at first.

"See for yourself." The thief pointed at what looked like Eugene riding the boat away from the land, leaving Rapunzel.

The thief pulled out a sack. They were about to capture Rapunzel! 

"No, no!" Rapunzel ran as fast as she can, trying not to lose balance. Unfortunately, the end of her braid got stuck between a twig on a log. Rapunzel tried to pull faster, until she heard someone hitting them two.

"Rapunzel!" Gothel called. It was her mother. Gothel had been looking for her everywhere. Gothel thought she lost her flower forever.

"Mother?"

"Oh, my precious girl! Are you alright? Are you hurt? I was so worried about you, dear! So I followed you, and I saw them attack you and...oh my, let's go - let's go before they come to!"

Rapunzel was heartbroken of Eugene leaving her. Maybe her mother was right, that she knows best. She remembered the words Gothel said to her. Trust me, my dear. That's how fast he'll leave you! If he's lying, don't come crying. Mother knows best! 

Eugene really did leave her with the crown, and she really did trust him and love him.