Chapter 9
Theodore didn’t leave.
He traded his expensive watch and brooch with a family in the village for permission to stay.
Every day, when I climbed the mountain to build my courage, he followed silently behind me.
The powerful CEO from Los Angeles had turned into a quiet young man in the wilderness.
The awkward silence lasted until the day we buried Rachel.
My mentor, who had raised me, struck me 20 times at Rachel’s grave.
As I struggled to stand, Theodore finally broke through the crowd and rushed toward me.
“Hannah, are you alright?”
He held me gently with heartache, but I pushed him away.
“I owe this to Rachel and everyone else.”
After the last handful of soil covered the grave, I wiped my tears and started walking toward the cliff alone.
Theodore grabbed my wrist before I could go too far.
“Hannah, you’ve been stuck in Rachel’s shadow for seven years.
“How much longer will you let it control you?”
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It was absurd. Theodore used to talk about Rachel day and night.
Now, he was the one comforting me.
I shook his hand off roughly, wishing I could punch him.
“Do you know what Rachel said to me?
“She said you’re so good that you deserved the best woman in the world.
“Even though she’s dying, she wants me to marry you, have your children, and stay with you for only seven years. That’s the only way my deadly aura won’t harm you.
“Theodore, I’ve done everything she asked. Please, listen to Rachel and stay away from me.”
I left Theodore behind and ran toward the cliff, dark clouds gathering above.
Rain fell in heavy drops, soaking my robe, while Theodore stood behind me with red eyes.
“Would you be happy if I left?” he asked.
I wiped the rain from my face and nodded.
But then, the mountain shook violently, and the ground trembled beneath
- us.
As death loomed, I oddly felt peace.
I had spent my life paying debts–paying for my deadly aura, my fate that brought death, and the kindness of others.
No matter how unfair it seemed, I had to endure until the balance was restored.
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Would everything end if I died?
I smiled softly and stepped toward the edge,
Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around me from behind.
Rocks fell from the cliff, but Theodore held me tightly, using all his strength to protect me,
I heard groans and felt warm blood splash on my face.
At that final moment, with his bright eyes fading, Theodore whispered, “Hannah, you may owe others, but not me.
“This life belongs to you.
“From now on, no one will ask anything of you. You deserve freedom…”
Blood clouded my vision.
His back was crushed into a mangled mess of flesh.
Still, he refused to let me go and held me close.
I couldn’t hold back my tears and shouted, “Theodore, don’t die!
“I do hate you, but please don’t…”
Before I could finish, his head slumped against my neck, breathing stopped.
After the landslide, a rainstorm washed away all the dirt and took Theodore’s life with it.
It was the last time I went to Los Angeles.
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Chapter 9
I carried Theodore’s body home.
The heavy rain felt like the falling snow from seven years ago.
The cold weather was indifferent, but my body still felt warm.
His warmth had touched me then, but faded a little more with each passing night.
Now, I returned the warmth he once gave me.
I took a bullet for him; he took a falling rock for me.
Seven years of love and hate ended in death, leaving only a memorial portrait.
The memorial candle burned out as I read the messages on my phone.
Once again, I set off in my sandals.
The old favors were paid, and the past was behind me.
My future was to help those who died in other places find their way home.
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