Zyona posted a Facebook status about Hunter's death with a photo of the engagement ring which they thought she returned it few years back.

"Indeed life is so short. Time isn't fair sometimes. All I wanted was the closure we both deserved. Because of anger, disappointments, and frustrations; we tend to disregard what we had. I tried to move forward but I realized I haven't even moved on. I just wanted you to know that I'm grateful that you offered me marriage long time ago. It may seem painful that I didn't accept, but you definitely made me feel like a wife material that some couldn't... Our love and friendship will never be replaced. Thank you and Sorry for everything. May your soul rest in peace."

After she posted, all her friends read and was touched with the message. They never knew he was so special to her. Auery and Chincy tried to video call her but Zyona refused instead she simply said " Besties! I'm going to be okay. Just let me be for awhile..." While Ahron and Daryl messaged her continuously.

Ahron:

Okay ka lang ba?

Gusto mo ba ng kausap?

Do you want me to call you?

Let me know I'll be waiting.

Daryl:

I know it's hard for you but you can surpass this. I believe that he's already in good hands so you should move on now.

Zyona saw all the messages. She replied "ty" to everyone who personally messaged her for comfort.

But Ahron got a full word "Thank you, Don't worry!" while Daryl only got an "ikr". Ahron started to video call her but she instantly rejected it. He then decides to record himself singing Count On Me by Bruno Mars so she could feel a little better.

He sang and brought out his own microphone during the recording of the video...

If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea,I'll sail the world to find youIf you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see,I'll be the light to guide youFind out what we're made ofWhen we are called to help our friends in needYou can count on me like one two threeI'll be thereAnd I know when I need it I can count on you like four three twoYou'll be there'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah

Few minutes later, Zyona heard the recording. At the end, she was teary-eyed. She smiled at the effort that Ahron did.

He reacted "Z is it good? Please make sure you're going to be fine..."

Zyona responded "I appreciate it a lot. I will be. Just like what I said with Chincy and Auery let me be... please? Gtg Ahron thanks again!" she quickly turned off her wi-fi.

Daryl noticed that she went offline, he felt frustrated. "iksi na nga ng sagot nagout pa agad... hay anong gagawin ko sayo Z! kung hindi lang talaga kita mahal"

Dana chuckled and shouted "KUYA!!!!!!!!!!!! PUNTAHAN MO! hindi ba asawa ng isa sa bestfriend mo nagwowork sa Australian embassy baka pwede magrant ng mabilis?"

Daryl was amazed with Dana's suggestion "Bunso I LOVE YOU!!! minsan talaga gumagana utak mo"

Dana quickly joked " at madalas sayo hindi! Hahaha peace kuya"

Daryl looked at her badly " ahh ganoon ha... wala kang gift sa graduation mo!"

Dana boastfully said "sus! gift lang yun... nagsasabi lang ako... naman kasi kuya minsan isip isip din" she grin.

Daryl firmly reacted "okay ... gift nga lang naman. Bigay ko nalang kay Kurt yun MAC Book Pro for sure magagamit niya sa college" then he walks away and secretly smiling.

Dana was extremely shocked " KUYA!!! Alam mo naman I LOVE YOU TOO d ba? pinagipunan mo para sa akin yan! ... kuyaaaaaa!!!" Daryl locked his door and acted like he does not heard anything.

Back to Zyona, she received a call from Greyson "Zyona, my parents decided to cremate Hunter next day after tomorrow. they do not want to prolong this agony. Will you join?"

Zyona answered "Ofcourse... isn't too soon? Well whom I to questioned it. Just text me the details where and what time. Thanks!"

Greyson sadly said " I understand, I even argue with mom about it cause I still want to see Hunter at least few more days but I know Hunter he'll let my mom decide. Alright I'll text it to you after... by the way how are you?"

Zyona took a deep breath " saktong okay lang, ikaw ba? It must be very hard and devastating for you, if you need me to be with you right now , don't hesitate...I'll be there!"

Greyson smiled "Thanks Zyona after all, you're such a good person. Honestly, I need to be alone for now and our parents we'll arrived in the dawn anyways".

Zyona comforted him "I totally get it, I know how it feels. Feel the pain and time heals all wound. Don't hurry just grieve. See you tomorrow at the funeral chapel. And take a rest..."

Greyson nicely said " I'll keep that in mind. You too have a rest. Bye!"

Zyona jump into her bed and tried to sleep but she can't so she stood up and knocked on the next door more than five times "Hershey are you still awake?" No one responded then she remembered she went home to her sister to attend their church wedding. She went back to her place feeling anxious and as soon as she closes the door a black and blue butterfly flew in.

She talked to herself...

" Hunter? Favorite colors mo yan..." tears feel down on her cheeks. the butterfly landed on her hand and whenever she walked it stayed. and she pictured out the smile of Hunter...

So she took a photo while the wings are wide open she posted it on fb and instagram with a caption "I'm not sure if it's you Hunter but I felt your presence. t'was wonderful staring at this beautiful creature and it reminds me that you are now free from harm and pain while I felt it all along because I'm still alive." #SoonEverythingsGoingToBeOkay

She went back to her bed and felt tired. Zyona fell asleep easily and the butterfly flew into the pillow beside her.

Sunday afternoon, she woke up and noticed the butterfly stuck into the window, she opened it and quickly it flew up high. She whispered "Be Free!"

She ate lunch but she couldn't finish instead she prepared to go to the chapel to help Greyson. While on her way she check her social media accounts and flooded with notifications from her last post. Most of them showing some love and care.

Auery commented "Girl si hunter yan, if I'm not mistaken he likes to kiss you on your hand..."

Zyona read it and quite reminisce it. liked her comment. Few moments she arrived in the funeral chapel. Greyson approached her "Zyona thank you for coming today there will be a mass and eulogy later, would you care to say your thoughts about him. if its okay?"

Zyona wondered "ha bakit kasama ako? I think it's inappropriate"

Greyson insisted "no it's not! Ikaw nakasama niya on his last few weeks"

Zyona told him "alam ba ito ng parents mo? Nakakahiya kayo nalang ng family niyo Greyson"

Greyson explained further " they knew it. Kaya kung gusto mo it's all good. Hindi ka naman na iba sa amin... and I want you to have this actually pinabibigay ni Hunter yan"

Zyona was astonished "anong meron sa box na toh? Baka kung ano yan ah..."

Greyson chuckled "puso ni Hunter...Joke! I don't know maniwala ka man o hindi. Ni hindi ko sinilip yan ikaw lang daw dapat magbukas, binigay niya yan bago ka pa dumating dito sa Sydney."

Zyona held it and sat down "san parents mo?"

Greyson asked "nagpapahinga sa hotel, babalik ng mga 6pm... hindi mo ba bubuksan yan?"

Zyona stared at him "ikaw na kaya magbukas! mukhang mas excited ka pa sa akin!"

Greyson backed off " easy baka bumangon si Hunter... curious lang po Ms. Zyona!"

Zyona kindly said "mamaya ko na bubuksan. Can I go near Hunter first?"

Greyson agreed "my bad, sure go on..."

Suddenly she wiped her tears and went back to the bench as Greyson entertained the other visitors. She started unwrapping the box.

Zyona recognized the pictures and letters. She thought "shoot ipapaalala mo pa talaga ito sa akin hunter? MEMORIES!" as she continues she saw an usb with a note "Z please watch it".

After 3 hours Greyson's parents arrived.

Zyona stood up and greeted them "Hello po, si Zyona po ito"

Mr. and Mrs. Saavedra hugged her "oh yes Zyona, sinabi sa akin lahat ni Greyson. Will you be sharing something later?"

Zyona wanted to say no but she couldn't "opo it will be short and simple"

Mrs. Saavedra cut her off "No No just let it all out with all means"

Zyona felt weird she simply smiled and told to herself " yun totoo sa akin ba ang kaabang abang na statement later ... kaloka! Hay lord .. hmm hunter ano sasabihin ko " they walked in front.

Zyona came closer and asked Greyson "excuse me, may laptop ka bang dala?"

Greyson confusedly answered "meron. Huwag mong sabihin may presentation ka mamaya?!"

Zyona rolled her eyes "can I just borrow it? Without answering your odd question?!"

Greyson sarcastically said " sure without hesitation, wait I'll get it"

Zyona went to the back and found a couch. Inserted the usb and watched the whole video for 12 minutes. The mass was about to start so she immediately went outside to join.

After 30 minutes the mass ended and the program for Hunter started, Greyson opened the eulogy followed by his father and mother and then they introduced Zyona to everyone. "and lastly may we call on Ms. Zyona Dela Cruz for everybody's information she's one of the most special person in my son's life and I'm so grateful that she selfishly invested her time with Hunter's last few weeks in this world."

Zyona stood in front and a little bit nervous. She closed her eyes for a few seconds...

" Honestly, I don't know how to start nevertheless good evening to all of us. When Greyson asked me if I could say something to his twin brother last night, I was skeptical because I believed that I'm not part of his life anymore but when Hunter made a video and I was able to watched it earlier. I felt very honored that I'll be speaking in front of all of you tonight. Hunter is a hardworking person, for him nothing is impossible as long as your committed to do it. He may be stubborn at times but definitely all he ever wanted is to be happy in his own ways. He does mentioned that he was very sorry for all the wrong doings he has done whether as a son, brother, relative, friend or as a lover but he justified that he has good intentions and he knew way back he's sick which he never mentioned to anyone of us (Zyona got teary but trying to held back her tears). That's why he sees to it that his timeline will be well spent as he emphasized in the video he proudly said it was mission accomplished and he even joked that he made all of us to reunite despite of our busy schedules today. He kept on mentioning his mom and dad that he wish the divorced never happened but he realized people change, goals change, beliefs change and time changes for him it is not constant. Based on him We are slaves for our own time setting on what to do, practicising what we used to every minute and expecting what should have happen at this time. He made me realized that time it's not for daily routine but rather time is for spending it to someone you love and explore our inner passion that tells us that every second is worthwhile. I was touched when Hunter teary said he was so happy for having a twin brother, like Greyson... He revealed to me that you never let him down and he was lost of words for having you, Who stayed with him all throughout. He did say that even if he's gone it doesn't mean he gave up, even if he's just watching us it doesn't mean he doesn't care it merely says he's still around. He'll cry with us, laugh with us and be happy for all of us. Hunter I want you to know whatever we talked about last time it does came from my heart, you have nothing to worry about like what I saw yesterday a black and blue butterfly on my hand when it flew away I said your free! Enjoy the heaven and you'll be missed. As I end this, Hunter wants me to shout out the quote he thought of from Marcus Cicero... "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living."

She sat down and Greyson gave him coffee. "Thank you for sharing what Hunter told you in the video and I know for sure there are a lot more to say but you opted to make it short as much as possible...Zyona I don't know what to do after the funeral and what to feel..."

Zyona looked at him sincerely " Don't rush things to be okay or act okay. If you feel like crying or scream at the top of your lungs DO IT!... Greyson it's better to have a vacation from work it's not to forget about your brother but to make things lighter, have a breather."

Greyson shared sadly "I've never been to a vacation for 4 years, baka lalo akong malungkot kasi magisa na ako wala na kambal. I think mas ayos if I go back to work right away so I won't feel the pain that much."

Zyona was surprised "what? ano ginawa mo all this time? sa lahat ng may means walang chance mag bakasyon? mag unwind? .... trust me it'll help kahit a week lang better yet kung a month but its your choice" she still wondered.

Greyson answered seriously "busy sa work at kakahanap sayo!"

Zyona grin "wow ako talaga reason? sorry naman nahiya ako sayo sige samahan kita sa bakasyon mo para kay hunter.. binilin ka sa akin FYI!"

Greyson reacted differently "ako binilin sayo ni utol? it's all good thanks but no thanks!"

Zyona added "hey hindi ka binilin para alagaan noh binilin ka niya para aalalayan on your grievance period... at kahit naman hindi ka niya binilin whole heartedly I'm willing to offer my help to ease the pain your going through right now... masama ba yun BOSS?!"

Greyson was pleased "alright. I'm avoiding certain issues here... kasi magkaroon ng malisya. MISS!"

Zyona grossed out "what the heck! palagay mo sa akin patol dito patol dun hindi kita type at hello Boss malice? I'm a friend nothing more. may delikadesa naman ako... hay mga lalaki talaga ang bilis magisip ng kung ano, FYI po ah hindi ako nagpapakita ng motibo sayo! for Hunter's sake. can I just be nice to you? hirap bang iabsorb un... tsk tsk"

Greyson clarified further "I apologize baka kasi may mga tao iba isipin and I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of you concerns. to tell you the truth hindi na ako sa naya may babae na malapit sa akin na alam buhay ko"

Zyona remembered "si Hershey close mo yun ah... sus wala kang girlfriend? napaka busy mo naman at napagiwanan ka na! lol"

Greyson truthfully answered "she's only my assistant and she may know my life but what I mean like you, you're here with me and were getting personal? got it?"

He quickly added "napagiwanan ako? eh ano pang tawag mo sarili mo? napaglipasan? hahaha" he laughed.

Zyona reacted sarcastically " grabe siya oh... bakit napunta sa akin, ayaw mo nun nakakarelate ka sa akin kaya ano magvacation ka BOSS para ma enlighten ka kahit paano... mas magiging productive ka after. sure ako diyan".

Greyson shooked his head "stop calling me Boss here! Zyona pagiisipan ko after the funeral you'll get my answer. bakit ba pinipilit mo ba pinipilit ang vacation para wala kang bantay sa office? hmmmm".

Zyona defended herself "hindi noh, I take my job seriously whether my boss is around or not. I'll accompany you kaya wala ka ng reason para hindi mag vacation kesyo walang kasama but just for a week lang kung balak mong mag 1 month matanda kana Greyson kaya mo naman na yun!".

Greyson said nicely " alright... alright... I'll think about it. but do you have any plans?"

Zyona acted irritably "I don't have any plans, ikaw ang may kabisado sa buong Australia kaya dapat ikaw mag come up ng possible adventures".

Greyson offered "I got an idea, I'll tell you after the cremation and Don't worry about your leave days but we need to go back to work after a week".

Zyona smiled "yes BOSS! your call".

They end their conversation since a lot of relatives and friends approaching Greyson and his parents. Zyona already leftbut he texted Greyson to inform him.

She arrived on her apartment and checked her messenger, she missed a call from Daryl. she sent a chat message...

Zyona :

napa call ka Daryl?

what's up?

Daryl :

Hi Zyona... nagout ka kasi agad kahapon.

kumusta?

ililibing na ba ex mo?

Zyona felt annoyed. "I think I'm okay. at parang gusto mo nang ilibing agad si Hunter?????!!!!!"

Daryl panicked "Z hindi ah I was just asking. sensya na sa tanong ko. huwag ka na magsungit".

Zyona reacted badly " hindi ako nagsusungit, nabubuwisit ako iba kasi dating ng tanong mo. I dunno if I'm just so sensitive right now pero please lang Daryl wag basta tanong ng tanong huh ewan ko ba why am I still chatting you... hays"

Daryl video call her and she accepted it and shown a poker face.

"Zyona, sorry na po. and thank you hindi mo decline video call ko. you looked different..."

"Fine forget it...What do you mean different? saglit lang toh call na ito. I should have lessen this"

"you look like you need someone to be there. ang dami siguro tumatakbo sa isip mo ngayon kasama ba ako dun? kasi kanina napagod ako eh... hahahaha peace!"d

"hindi ka kasama sa iniisip ko Daryl. kaya kung napagod ka kanina so what?!... sige na I need to rest na ang dami ko pang aayusin. "

"ang sakit! hindi mo man lang ako pumapasok sa isip mo. nagsungit nanaman. sorry na po. pinapatawa lang kita. okay Zyona take a good rest, relax your mind para mas makapagphinga ka"

"hindi ko magawang tumawa. okay salamat, out na ako. and bukas na cremation ni hunter just to answer your question awhile ago".

"I understand. welcome. ang bilis naman pala. sige sleep tight Z! I prayed you'll feel better".

She simply waived her hand as goodbye and ended the video call.

The day has come the cremation of Hunter Saavedra.

Zyona noticed Greyson starred the coffin and he doesn't move. Suddenly the staff at the funeral chapel informed everyone in 30 minutes cremation will start, they have to bring the body inside the room.

Zyona came closer to Greyson "are you ready?".

Greyson hide his tears "I'm not but I have to"

Zyona rub her hands on his back "dito lang ako Greyson, kahit ako but we have to do this. okay?". He nodded.

25 minutes later, the cremation process started. Everybody was quiet and praying for Hunter's soul. then moments after the urn was brought out Mr. & Mrs. Saavedra took it. She cried like a river and hand it over to Greyson. They placed it in a crematorium compartment while slowly the other people walked away, and only the parents, Greyson and Zyona left.

Hunter's parents announced they are leaving tonight in separate flights, surprisingly Greyson spoke and said "I knew it. I can't bring you to the airport. anyway I'm having a week a break starting tonight right Zyona?" she questionably agreed.

Greyson stood up and went to his brother's urn "tol bakasyon muna ako kasama ko si Zyona alis kami in 2 hours. please help me get over."

Zyona heard it "ano? yun totoo lahat kayo nagmamadali nakakaloka. I haven't prepared yet".

Greyson cranky response " you want me to go on vacation and join, so you should be ready! I'll wait for you outside your apartment because my things are already in the car. got it?"

Zyona quickly answered " wow ah... got it ... whew! patience Z!"

Its already 5 in the afternoon when they arrived the camping site and Zyona was amused with the look of the lake which remind her reflection routine. they talk all night on how does Greyson and Hunter as twin brother as they fell asleep on different tents.

Its already 8 in the morning when Greyson forced Zyona to wake up and they need to a place wherein they have 9:30 am appointment.

Zyona was terrified on what Greyson prepared for their first adventure to unwind. It's skydiving they had their lesson and quick training before they headed up high. after few minutes in 15,000 feet Greyson jumped out and Zyona is next. she said to herself " Lord ayaw ko pa sumunod kay Hunter, woooooohhhhh this it!" she jumped out with a trainer.

She shouted " Freedom is Life, Be Free, chase your happiness!".

Greyson waited for her and approached her " ano? is it good? sarap dba?"

Zyona smiled endlessly " natakot ako! pero sulit and sarap! hindi mo na ito first time noh?"

Greyson admitted " first time ko din, pag lapag ko a lot of weight lifted on my shoulders! and I feel like Hunter jumped with me ".

one of the staff asked Zyona " excuse me Ms. Zyona your phone, someone's calling you".

Zyona wondered "unknown number?... hello? who's this?"

"Hello! where are...." the call suddenly interrupted.

Greyson asked " sino kausap mo?"

Zyona was confused "I can't returned the call it doesn't show. pero the voice familiar eh naging chappy lang kasi tapos naputol na".

Greyson insisted " if its important tatawag ulit yun. don't bother, onto the next adventure Zyona!"

Zyona happily said " Game!" but at the back on her mind "kaboses ni Ahron... bakit kaya..."

Greyson drove through the forest.

Zyona got a text message and read it "hindi ka pa ba uuwi? sarado kasi ...."

unluckily Greyson suddenly stopped due to the kangaroo crossed the street, she dropped the phone on the floor and she wasn't able to finish reading the text.

Zyona reacted " Oh my God Greyson ano ka ba muntik na tayo dun ah. katakot ka! grabi heartbeat ko..."

Greyson was worried " Zyona may dugo ka sa forehead, may cut ka we need to cure it kaso wala akong first aid . I think we need to go back and looked for a gas station..."

"I'm So Sorry Zyona... masakit ba? "

Zyona forgot to pick up her phone "Greyson kalma lang... yup medyo masakit".

A new message comes in " Zyona, I'll wait outside".

****** Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.

Is Zyona okay after the minor accident?

Who's texting Zyona? Is it really Ahron?

How does Greyson recover from his loss?

Will Zyona continue to work in Australia?

How does Zyona get back to track after their quick vacation?

P.S. Thank you guys for reading my story and adding it on you reading list next chapter in 2018!

I know it's been month since my last update, I need to attend some important matters first.

H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S !!!!!!!

Keep smiling Everyone!!!

Hearythor06