Love after Death

Chapter 6

7 YEARS AGO

"Rebirth in new bodies or forms of life."

"That's it??" the professor asked grumpily to the young lady, Monique, causing her to nod in response. "Oh, well! How many times do I have to tell you all that you... should... always answer every question in a complete sentence, if necessary. This is just a basic English topic—elementary students know this, and you, in college, still need to be reminded?" The girl bowed her head, feeling embarrassed. The teacher grumbled and sighed as she wrote on Monique's index card.

"I'm sorry, Miss..." Monique sat down in her seat.

"Who can give me a wonderful answer about the definition of reincarnation?" the professor asked, but no one raised their hand. "Are you really in college?? You guys are getting on my nerves!" she scolded the students, who were all used to her harsh words and tendency to embarrass them.

Suddenly, Monique stood up, took a deep breath, and began to explain. Her classmates watched her. "Reincarnation is the philosophical or religious belief that the non-physical essence of a living being starts a new life in a different physical form or body after biological death. It is also called rebirth or transmigration." She explained, impressing both the professor and her classmates, who had been watching to see if she'd answer. "Resurrection is a similar process hypothesized by some religions that involves coming back to life in the same body," she added, her gaze fixed on the whiteboard.

"And what can you say about the origins of that notion?" the professor asked, testing Monique again.

"The origins of the notion of reincarnation are obscure. Discussion of the subject appears in the philosophical traditions of India." Monique paused for a moment, feeling a sudden chill as if the wind had blown through her. Her hair stood up, but she continued with her explanation. "The Greek Pre-Socratics discussed reincarnation, and the Celtic Druids are also reported to have taught a doctrine of reincarnation," she added. Then, she suddenly felt weak and fainted.

Panic filled the classroom as Monique collapsed. Even the teacher was shocked by the sudden fall of the student. Anxiety filled the room as everyone gathered around her.

"Bring her to the clinic, boys!" the teacher ordered, her voice trembling.

Monique was immediately rushed to the clinic. The teacher called her housemates, and soon, Liam and his mother arrived. Both were anxious, with Liam unable to explain the rapid beating of his own heart. This wasn't the first time Monique had fainted. He wanted her to see a doctor, but she insisted that it wasn't necessary and that she was fine.

Liam was filled with overwhelming joy when Monique regained consciousness.

"I'm happy you're awake, Monique," he greeted her with a smile. "Are you okay? Is anything hurting?" he asked, inspecting her body. Monique smiled at his concern. "I told you we should've gone to the doctor... this has happened to you so many times," he said sadly, staring into her eyes.

"Aish!! I'm worried about Monique too!! Move over there, I'll check on my sweetie!" Liam's mother said, half-joking and half-angry. She quickly moved to Monique's side and knelt beside her, her gaze full of concern. "How are you feeling?? Didn't they turn on the air conditioner in your classroom?" she asked in a tone tinged with frustration.

"Under maintenance..." Monique answered softly.

"Is that so?? My sweetie is suffering!" she responded tenderly and suddenly hugged Monique. "Liam! What are you waiting for? Go buy something for Monique to eat!" she said to Liam, catching him by surprise. He laughed as he stood up and quickly left the room. "This kid..." she muttered, referring to her son.

"Thank you for caring," Monique said sincerely, her smile never leaving her face. "I just felt dizzy earlier," she added with a laugh.

"Dizzy?? Dizzy?? You fainted, sweetie! That's not a joke, it's been happening to you all the time!" her mother scolded, filled with worry. "Alright! It's better if you skip your class and go home to rest," she said, trying to convince Monique, whom she loved dearly and had taken care of like her child.

"I can still study," Monique politely responded, holding the woman's hands. "I'm fine." The smile that had been on her lips earlier didn't fade, and she felt happy knowing that two people genuinely cared for her, unlike the person who deceived her, left her, and took advantage of her innocence.

"No! You're going home. I already talked to your professor," Liam's voice was heard suddenly from the glass door of the clinic. He looked serious, his jaw almost dropping. He was frustrated because Monique wanted to continue studying instead of resting. "Will you please pause your studies and think about yourself first??" he couldn't hide his annoyance, deeply worried about her. She was important to him, and he wouldn't be at peace if something happened to her.

"What are you talking about, boy!! Give me what you bought!" his mother interrupted, turning her attention back to Monique. "Are you mad at our sweetie??" she asked, her voice stern and demanding no answer.

"Of course not! I'm just worried about her condition, Mom..." Liam replied with a sad tone, though his mother was smiling, watching Monique eat.

A few moments later, his mother stood up and faced her son. "I'm worried about her condition too, but I didn't pressure her, Liam!" she said, pinching his bottom, which Liam didn't appreciate.

Monique laughed, her beautiful smile lighting up the room. That smile was one of the things that had captured Liam's heart.

The beat of a heart that could never be changed.

To be continued...