❀•°❀°•❀

I fell through the darkness, my mind was in turmoil, and my heart raced with fear and confusion. The world around me seemed to blur into streaks of light as I descended, and then suddenly, a burst of light came in, blinding me momentarily. I felt myself continuing to fall, but this time, it was faster, as if I was being pulled into some unknown abyss.

In the next moment, my body slammed on something soft, and I bounced back and forth slowly. My senses slowly returned to me, and I flicked my eyes repeatedly, I saw a familiar ceiling above me. I sat up and looked around hearing the sound of a gushing rain, my mind reeling with disbelief. I found myself in a room—not just a room; it was my old room.

The sight was eerily familiar as if I had never left. The walls adorned with posters and photographs, the bookshelves lined with old novels, the arrangement on the desk, and the bed with its well-worn sheets—all of it remained just as I remembered.

But confusion washed over me like I had been hit by a surging wind. How did I end up here? I was confident that I had attended the reunion and spent time on that rooftop, but now I am in this room, my old room and I am wearing my old school uniform. It didn't make any sense.

I tried to piece together what might have happened. Could it be that I had come back to my hometown while I was drunk, seeking the comfort of my past? It seemed plausible, but then a stark realization hit me like a thunderbolt—but my family had sold this house years ago.

My mind raced with disbelief and uncertainty. How could this be happening? Am I going crazy? Had reality folded in on itself, merging my mind into some twisted and surreal version of reality?

I got up from the bed and walked over to the window. The morning rain streamed fogs the glass windows, casting a clouded atmosphere across the room and I can hear the skies rumbling as they pour their sorrows.

Outside, I could see the familiar sights of my old neighborhood—the tall oak tree in the center that can you see from the distance, the old wooden picket fence, and the familiar houses that had been home once by our neighbors. Everything was still the same as if I am looking to an old photograph.

My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to understand everything. Is this a dream? No, it felt too real—the details were too vivid, and the emotions I am feeling is too raw. But how else could I explain this impossible situation?

I pinched myself, hoping that I would wake up from this surreal nightmare. But the sensation was all too real, confirming that I was, in fact, awake and conscious.

My mind raced with questions and uncertainty. I needed answers, but I needed to figure out where to start. It was as if the ground had shifted beneath me, and I was left floating in a sea of confusion and doubt.

All of sudden, I heard someone calling my name from outside the room, "Xian get down here now!", the soft voice was so familiar as if I had heard it countless times in the past. I couldn't resist the pull, and I went downstairs to investigate.

To my astonishment, the structure of the house was exactly as I remembered it before I left. The furniture, the decorations, everything seemed frozen in time. It was as if the passage of years had been erased, and I was back in the home I grew up.

I passed through the living room and the old television is playing on the news. As I stepped into the kitchen I smell the fragrance of dough sticks fried in oil, I looked closely and saw the back of a woman cooking and stirring the heated soup, and she seems so familiar.

"Xian get down here now!", she called my name again in the most gentle way while she keeps cooking, The sound of her voice sent shivers down my spine.

"Ma?" I whispered, hardly daring to believe my eyes. The woman turned her head slowly, and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was my mother, just as she was back then. Her smile was warm and loving as if no time had passed at all.

"Hurry, sit down and eat," she said, her voice filled with genuine concern. "You don't want to be late on your first day at your new school."

I stood there, unable to move or speak, my mind in turmoil. This couldn't be real, it just couldn't. But everything around me felt so vivid and familiar. It was as if I had stepped back in time, and my heart couldn't handle the flood of emotions.

I finally managed to find my voice, though it came out weak and trembling. "Ma, how... how is this possible?"

She looked at me with a puzzled expression, as if my question didn't make sense. "What do you mean, my dumpling? Are you feeling alright?"

But then a thought struck me. Maybe I had hit my head during the fall, and all of this was just a hallucination or a dream. It was the only explanation that seemed remotely plausible.

My mother's face filled with concern, and she rushed over to me, placing a hand on my forehead. "Oh dear, let me check if you have a fever," she said gently.

As my mother's concerned face filled my vision, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was her, standing before me, alive and well.

She touch my forehead as she hold my right hand, "Your temperature is alright, are you feeling sick?", she asked with love and her voice.

My heart was pounding in my chest, and I was struggling to process the rush of emotions that flooded through me.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out and hugged her tightly. I couldn't hold back my emotions any longer. "Ma, is it really you?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

She smiled warmly, her eyes filled with love and compassion. "Of course, silly. Who else would I be?"

I continued to cry, overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. "I've missed you so much," I choked out between sobs. She embraced me warmly, soothing me with her presence.

As tears continued to flow, I begged, "Don't leave me alone from now on."

My mother hugged me even tighter, her presence soothing my soul. "I'll never leave you, Xian. I'll always be with you."

Suddenly, a vivid flashback appeared before my eyes. I saw my mother lying on a hospital bed, her face pale and weak. The doctors had given us the devastating news that she had a terminal illness, and her time in this world was running out.

I held her hand gently, my heart breaking as I watched her frail form. Despite her pain, she smiled at me, her eyes filled with love and wisdom.

"Treasure every memory you make, my dumpling," she said softly. "Cherish every moment, and never take anything for granted. Every memory you make is important. The memories are the ones who are shaping us for what we are now. Always remember, our past is the one who holds our present"

Her words were etched into my heart, and at that moment, I made a solemn pledge. I would fulfill her wish and become the doctor she had always hoped for. I would make a difference in people's lives, just as she had made a difference in mine.

The scene shifted once more, and I found myself standing on single a grave, mourning the funeral of my beloved mother. The weight of grief was heavy, and I couldn't help but feel the pain of her loss all over again. But amidst the sorrow, I held on to the memory of her warm embrace, her loving words, and her unwavering belief in me.

And now, as I found myself with her once again, my heart overflowed with both joy and sorrow. Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks as my mother hugged me softly, rubbing my back gently.

She was here, alive, and healthy. At that moment, nothing else mattered. I didn't care if this was a dream or some inexplicable reality. All I knew was that I had my mother back, and that was enough to fill my heart with happiness.

"I love you, Ma," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for coming back to me."

Her smile was radiant as she caressed my cheek. "I love you too, my son. Don't cry now."

The overwhelming feeling of being reunited with my mother made it difficult to focus on anything else, but then she gently reminded me, "You should eat your breakfast, or you'll be late for school."

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "School? What school?" I asked still sobbing as I slowly removed my arms around her. I was unable to grasp the reality of the situation.

Her expression softened, and she chuckled. "Did you forget? It's your first day at your new school", she then wipe my tears and smiled warmly then went back to the kitchen.

As if to add to my disorientation, a sudden loud telecast blared from the TV in the corner of the room. The caster greeted its viewers, "Today is February 10, ****, it's back to school day for the students! Did you all enjoy your spring holidays? Well, I know you did! I just want to say Good morning and have a great new semester at school kids! "

The voice of the newscaster seemed both familiar and surreal as if echoing from a distant memory. I strained to process the information—February 10, ****? That was ten years ago. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. I turned to my mother, my voice trembling as I asked, "Is this... Is this a live newscast?"

My mother nodded, her gaze softening with concern. "Yes, dear. You've been sleeping in so late, I was worried. Now come on, eat your breakfast before it gets cold. You'll feel better."

The newscaster then proceeded to show the weather forecast, "We predicted a short episode of moderate rain in the morning but it won't be for long throughout the day"

My mind was on the verge of unraveling, each new revelation pulling me further into a state of bewilderment. I took a step back, needing a moment to collect myself. My thoughts were racing, and my heart was pounding. What is happening? I turned to the side, my eyes frantically scanning the room.

A mirror on the wall caught my attention, I saw someone in the reflection I recognize long ago and I hurried over to it, my hands trembling as I touched my face. My red eyes widened in shock as I took in my reflection. "Why am I looking like this?" I muttered to myself, almost in disbelief. "I look so young!"

My mother chuckled at my bewildered expression. "Well, you are young, son. And you'd better eat your breakfast quickly if you want to make it to your new school. You only have about twenty minutes left before the school gates close."

Time seemed to stand still as her words sunk in. I felt a rush of emotions—confusion, astonishment, and a touch of excitement. I stared at her, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts, and finally managed to utter, "I'm... I'm young again?"

Her laughter was warm and comforting. "Of course, you are, silly. Now, no more standing around. Come and eat, don't make me repeat it."

I moved mechanically, taking a seat at the table as my thoughts continued to race. It was as if reality had been rewritten, and I was caught in a dreamlike state. I looked at my mother, my heart pounding in my chest. "Am I not dreaming?" I asked hesitantly.

She smiled, placing a plate of breakfast in front of me. "Still sleepy? Well, you did stay up late. But no, you're not dreaming."

I glanced around the room, everything so vivid and yet so surreal. "Right? It's not a dream, right?" I mumbled to myself, almost in disbelief. Could this truly be happening? Did I go back in time?

I took a bite of the food, and flavors burst on my tongue, grounding me in the present moment. The taste was so familiar, so comforting. I closed my eyes briefly, savoring the sensation. When I opened them again, I looked at my mother, searching for answers in her eyes.

She watched me with a knowing smile, her gaze filled with a mixture of love and understanding. I know my mother is here and I can see, hear, feel, taste, and talk clearly. "Hurry up, you have a whole day ahead of you"

I nodded slowly, the weight of the situation settling on my shoulders. If this wasn't a dream, then what was it? How had I ended up back in time, in my past?

A sudden realization struck me like a lightning bolt, and I looked at my mother with hopeful anticipation. "If you're here, Ma, then... could it be possible that..."

Before I could even finish my sentence, my heart raced with excitement and I knew what I had to do. Without another word, I rushed outside, not even bothering with an umbrella as the pouring rain soaked me to the bone.

"Xian! Get back here!", I heard my mother call out my name from the distance but my only thought was to get to a certain house, a certain place that held the answers I so desperately needed.

I sprinted through the rain-soaked streets, my mind raced with the possibilities. If I had truly come back in time, if I was seventeen again, then maybe... just maybe, Riee must be still alive too.

Finally, I arrived at the Ming Residence, my heart pounding in my chest as I knocked urgently on the door. The anticipation was almost unbearable as I waited for someone to answer.

The door swung open, revealing Riee's mother, Auntie Ran Ming. My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't help but blurt out, "Auntie, is Riee here?"

She looked at me curiously, "Who are you?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

"It's me, Xian Yu," I replied quickly, my voice full of urgency. "Is Riee home?"

Auntie's expression shifted as she seemed to recall something. "Ah, you must be from the new family that moved into the neighborhood," she said, her tone changing.

I felt a pang of confusion, but I pushed it aside. "Yes, yes, that's right. Is Riee here? Is she here?"

"You must have met my daughter already", Auntie shook her head. "I'm sorry, I think you might have missed her. She's already at school."

Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Auntie," I said quickly before turning and rushing away, not minding the rain that continued to pour down.

I had a destination in mind—school. I had to find Riee, to see her, to make sure she was here and alive. The rain was like a cleansing force, washing away my doubts and fears.

❀•°❀°•❀

As I ran through the streets, rain-soaked and breathless, a surge of exhilaration coursed through me. The idea of seeing Riee again, of being able to rewrite the past, was like a dream come true. I couldn't contain my excitement, and a smile stretched across my face, my heart beating faster with every step.

I whispered my thanks to the universe, to the unseen forces that had granted me this miraculous opportunity. Each drop of rain that soaked my clothes felt like a blessing, a symbol of renewal and second chances.

I pushed my tired legs to carry me faster, my determination unwavering. Every corner I turned, every street I crossed, brought me closer to the school where Riee was waiting. The world around me seemed to blur as my focus zeroed in on that singular goal.

Finally, I was almost at the school gates, my chest heaving as I caught my breath. But as I approached, I saw that the gates were already closed, a barrier between me and the answers I sought. Panic briefly gripped me—I couldn't afford to be stopped by the school guard and be sent to the guidance office. I needed to find Riee, to confirm that she was here.

My mind raced, searching for a solution. Then, I remembered the way Kai used to enter the school whenever he was late—over the fence. It was a risky move, but I had no other choice. I turned my gaze to the tall fence, my heart pounding as the rain started to pour even harder.

With a deep breath, I made my decision. I approached the fence, it's surface wet and slippery from the rain. The cold cement pressed against my palms as I began to climb. Every movement required careful precision, my muscles straining as I fought to maintain my balance.

At one point, my foot slipped, and my heart skipped a beat. I glanced around, praying that the school guard hadn't heard the noise. The rain provided a certain level of cover, and I continued to climb, my determination pushing me forward.

Finally, I managed to make it over the fence, my uniform damp and clinging to my skin. I landed on the other side with a soft thud, my heart racing from the adrenaline. I wasted no time, sprinting towards the building where our classroom was located.

The hallway was dimly lit, rainwater creating a trail of wet footprints behind me. I knew I must have looked like a mess, but I couldn't bring myself to care. My focus was solely on reaching that classroom, on seeing Riee again.

As I approached the classroom door, I slowed down, my breath coming in ragged gasps. With a mixture of exhaustion and elation, I entered the classroom, my senses overwhelmed by the familiar sounds of chatter and voices.

My heart raced as I scanned the room, searching for her among the sea of faces. Each heartbeat felt like drumming in my chest, my anticipation growing with each passing second. As if the world is in my favor, the rain stopped and the sunlight slowly piece into the windows. Following the ray of sunlight as if it's guiding me where to look.

And there she was, just a few steps away, chatting and laughing with her friends. Her smile radiants along with the sunlight as it brushes her face revealing her sparkling beautiful eyes. The world seems to slow down at this moment as I gazed at her.

My eyes welled up with tears as I saw her standing there, alive and well. It was like a dream, a beautiful dream that I never thought I'd experience again. The weight of the past, the pain of loss, and the confusion of this strange reality all melted away at that moment.

Everyone in the room turns quiet as they saw me soaking wet. Ignoring the curious glances and whispers that filled the room, I slowly made my way toward Riee. The world around us seemed to fade into the background, leaving only her in my vision. The distance between us closed, step by step, until finally, I stood before her.

With a heart full of emotions, I reached out and pulled her into a tight hug. The scent of her hair, the warmth of her body—it was all so real. I couldn't hold back my tears as I whispered, "Riee, I missed you." The world stopped for a moment as I embraced her gently.

But my world shattered in an instant as someone forcefully yanked my arm away from her. Startled, I turned to face the intruder, a face I don't recall seeing before, a rush of confusion clouding my mind. "What the hell are you doing!?" the guy demanded, his voice sharp and hostile.

My eyes darted between Riee and the guy, and my mind struggled to make sense of the situation. I was met with an unsettling sight as Riee looked at me with a mixture of confusion and alarm. It was as if I were a stranger to her.

The guy's attention shifted to Riee, and he asked her, "Do you know him?" My heart sank as I watched her shake her head, her expression clear—she didn't recognize me.

Panic coursed through my veins as I took a step closer to her. "Riee, it's me, Xian," I pleaded, my voice tinged with desperation. But her lack of recognition cut like a knife, and she turned her gaze to the guy, her unspoken words confirming what I dreaded to hear.

"Who the hell are you?" the guy spat, his anger palpable. "And what are you trying to do to her?"

My heart raced, and my mind raced even faster. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. None of this made sense. I looked around the classroom and heard the hushed whispers of my classmates like a chorus of doubts. "Who is he?" "What's going on?" "Is he crazy?"

My grip tightened into a fist, frustration, and confusion warring within me. I turned my attention back to the guy, his hostility mirroring my own. "I'm not trying to hurt her," I managed to say, my voice straining. "I... I don't understand any of this. Riee, please, you have to remember me."

The guy's patience wore thin, and he yelled again, "Don't ignore me and answer me, bastard!"

"What is going on here!" a commanding voice suddenly boomed, capturing everyone's attention. I turned around and saw our old teacher, Teacher Po Zhong, standing in the doorway.

Someone else stood up, and my heart twisted when I realized it was Kai. "Teach, some crazy guy here tries to harass Riee Ming," Kai said, his voice laced with concern and confusion. Even Kai, my closest friend, didn't recognize me.

Teacher Po Zhong's stern gaze bore into me as he addressed the guy, "Lian, let go of him." The guy, Lian, hesitated for a moment, his grip on my arm relenting slightly.

"But teach this guy..." he started, only to be cut off by our teacher's firm command. "Just let go of him."

Lian released his tight grip on my arm, leaving behind a painful mark. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, and a hint of deep sadness. I looked back at Riee, slowly backing away, my heart aching at the sight of her still looking bewildered and uncertain.

"What is the meaning of this?" Teacher Po Zhong's voice was commanding, demanding an explanation. He turned his attention to me, his gaze scrutinizing. "Who are you?" he inquired, his eyes narrowing as he observed me from head to toe. I glanced down at my wet and dirt-smeared clothes, suddenly aware of my disheveled appearance.

As my heart raced, I looked back at Riee, noticing that my impromptu intrusion had also dirtied her uniform. Guilt weighed heavily on me, adding to the turmoil of emotions swirling within.

"You're wearing the school uniform, so you must be a student here," Teacher Po Zhong continued, his voice calculated yet tinged with suspicion. He took a step closer, his eyes boring into mine.

"But I don't recognize you", The teacher's voice carried a note of confusion, his brow furrowing as he grappled with the enigma before him. Then, as if a puzzle piece clicked into place, his expression shifted.

"You must be the new student this semester, right?" His eyes seemed to search mine for confirmation, his certainty growing. "You must be Xian Yu, aren't you?"

The words sent shockwaves through me—a jolt of disbelief and disorientation. I struggled to process the reality of his statement. A new student? But that couldn't be right. I had attended this school since junior high. I'm not a new student here.

Then a sudden realization entered my mind, "Did you forget? It's your first day at your new school", I remembered what my mother said earlier.

"Ah, you must be from the new family that moved into the neighborhood", I realize what Auntie Ran Ming meant earlier.

The world around me seemed to warp and twist, with the whispers of my classmates echoing in my ears like distant voices. What is going on? Is this not real at all? I didn't go back? Am I dreaming or not? I am really confused.

My vision blurred, and my head spun with a disorienting mix of emotions. The weight of it all became too much to bear, and suddenly, my world started to fade. The classroom, the faces around me, the very ground beneath my feet—all of it began to slip away.

My sore body gave in; a wave of weakness threatened to drop me to my knees as if my energy began to empties. My vision of Riee is slowly fading. Without knowing, I was already warped into the darkness.

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End of Chapter