Love after Death (S1) [Completed]

Chapter 5: A Definition for the Soul

SEVEN YEARS AGO

"Rebirth in new bodies or forms of life."

"Is that it?" the professor asked Monique irritably. The young woman simply nodded. "Good grief! How many times do I have to tell you... you... should... always answer in a complete sentence! This is basic English-elementary students know this, yet you're in college and still need to be reminded?" Monique lowered her head in shame as the teacher aggressively scribbled on her index card.

"I'm sorry, ma'am..." Monique whispered before taking her seat.

"Who can give me a proper answer regarding the definition of reincarnation?" the professor asked for the room, but no one raised a hand. "Are you really college students? You're driving me insane!" she lectured the class. Everyone was used to her sharp tongue and her habit of humiliating students.

Suddenly, Monique stood up again, took a deep breath, and began to explain. Her classmates watched in silence.

"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 referred to as rebirth or transmigration," she explained. Both the professor and her classmates looked on in awe. "Resurrection is a similar process, but it involves the belief that one returns to life using the same body," she added, her eyes fixed on the whiteboard.

"And what can you say about the origins of that notion?" the professor challenged.

"The origins of the concept of reincarnation are obscure, but discussions about it can be found in the philosophical traditions of India." Monique paused for a moment. A sudden chill ran through her, as if a cold wind had passed by. Her skin crawled with goosebumps, but she pushed through. "The Greek Pre-Socratics also discussed reincarnation, and the Celtic Druids taught a doctrine regarding it," she added.

Suddenly, a wave of weakness washed over her, and she lost consciousness.

The classroom erupted into chaos as Monique collapsed. Even the teacher was startled by her student's sudden fall. Panic filled the room as they crowded around her.

"Get her to the clinic, hurry!" the teacher ordered, her voice trembling.

Monique was rushed to the clinic. The teacher called her guardians, and before long, Liam and his mother arrived. Liam's heart was racing with anxiety. This wasn't the first time Monique had fainted. He had wanted her to see a doctor for a while now, but Monique remained stubborn, insisting she was fine. Liam was overcome with relief when Monique finally opened her eyes.

"I'm so happy you're awake, Monique," he greeted her with a smile. "Are you okay? Does anything hurt?" he asked, checking on her. Monique smiled at his obvious concern.

"I told you we should see a doctor... this has happened to you so many times," he said sadly, staring into her eyes.

"Aish! I'm worried about Monique too! Move aside, it's my turn to check on my sweetie!" Liam's mom interjected, half-joking and half-annoyed. She knelt by Monique's side, her eyes full of motherly concern.

"How are you feeling? Did they not turn on the air conditioning in your classroom?" she asked crossly.

"It was under maintenance..." Monique answered weakly.

"Is that so? My sweetie is suffering!" Mom said tenderly, pulling Monique into a hug. "Liam! What are you waiting for? Go buy Monique something to eat!" The sudden command startled Liam, but he just laughed and hurried out of the room. "That boy, honestly..." Mom whispered.

"Thank you for taking care of me," Monique said sincerely. "I just got really dizzy earlier," she added with a small laugh.

"Dizzy? Dizzy?! You fainted, sweetie! That's no joke, and it keeps happening to you," Mom scolded gently.

"That's it! It's better if you don't go back to class. Let's just go home so you can rest," she insisted, treating Monique as if she were her own daughter.

"I can still study," Monique replied politely, holding the older woman's hand. "I'm fine." The smile never left her face.

She was happy to know that there were two people who truly loved her-unlike the person who had cheated on her, abandoned her, and taken advantage of her innocence.

"No! You're going home. I already spoke to your professor," Liam's voice suddenly rang out from the clinic door. His face was set in a serious expression. He was frustrated that Monique prioritized her studies over her own health. "Can you please take a break from studying and think about yourself for once?" He couldn't hide his annoyance, born out of deep worry. Monique was everything to him, and he couldn't find peace knowing something might happen to her.

"What are you rambling about, boy! Give me what you bought!" Mom cut in, turning her attention back to Monique. "Are you seriously getting mad at our sweetie?" she asked rhetorically.

"Of course not! I'm just worried about her condition, Mom..." Liam replied sadly, watching his mother help Monique eat.

After a moment, Mom stood up and faced her son.

"I'm worried too, but I'm not pressuring her, Liam!" she said, giving him a playful pinch that caught him by surprise.

Monique let out a laugh, and her radiant smile lit up the entire room. That smile was one of the many reasons Liam had fallen for her.

It was a heartbeat that he knew would never change.

To be Continued...