Running from the pathway, Tyler scoops you in his arms! In front of your house, the two of you giggle—embracing each other in overwhelmed longing. Your lips meet, devouring each other before he finally leans away. Still closing his eyes in contentment, his forehead touches yours as he whispers, "I missed you, Winny,"

"Me too, Tyty," you respond, smiling back. His opens his eyes, a big grin spread across his face—

"FUCK!"

His expression shifts dramatically as he looks past you. Startled, you spin around as you whisper, "Huh—hey, language—" only to see his parents standing in shock on the pathway. Betraying you—as if agreeing with them, Tumba jogs over from inside to sit beside them, cocking his head in disappointment.

"FUCK!"

Both of you stand there in shock as Violet, with a disgusted expression, says, "Uh... you guys just met yesterday, right?"

Greg, looking annoyed and puzzled, adds, "You were home alone—" he glances at Tyler, scratching his head and grinning awkwardly. Greg's look of disgust deepens as he says, "Brat—get away from Emily—!" but Violet pulls him back as Tumba barks in agreement.

Tyler, hiding behind you with a mischievous grin, says, "Protect me, babe."

Greg, still looking grossed out—turns to Violet, "Did you hear what he just said?" Violet just giggles and smacks her husband's arm, "I don't think we could leave them alone together."

As if understanding the conversation, Tumba runs over to you both—to force himself between you and sitting right in the middle, effectively separating the two of you. Tyler darts his eyes to Tumba, and lightly slaps his head—which only makes Tumba glance back and stick out his tongue, almost like mocking him. Laughing, you pet Tumba's head and defend yourself, "Tumba's here, Uncle. He's here to protect me, right?" you look at Tyler, who's still grinning mischievously.

Greg just shakes his head, "That dog is the only thing keeping you two in check. John help me," while looking at Tumba straight in his eyes.

Violet laughs, "Good boy, Tumba. Keep an eye on them, ok?!" and everybody laughs except for Greg. For a moment, Violet's gaze shifts to a car dropping off across the street. Violet glances at it, initially intending to ignore it—but something catches her eye.

Someone.

She squints, expression shifting from curiosity to shock—and she gasps. Greg, noticing her reaction—automatically wraps his arm around her, confused. And when he follows her gaze, he too gasps as Violet already covers her mouth, eyes welling up with tears.

You're still chattering away, oblivious—while Tyler notices his parents' stunned silence. He follows their gaze—and notices the person behind them, his face immediately lights up with a surprised smile. Seeing his reaction, your eyebrows furrowed—but then you hear the sound of a suitcase rolling on the pavement. By that time, in recognition, Tumba barks and runs away from you.

Realization dawns on you as you stare at a little reflection beside your door, noticing Tumba as he arrives to—and you immediately shift your gaze to the door. Tyler, sensing your turmoil—turns to you, cupping your right cheek with a comforting smile. You try to keep your expectations in check, but your eyebrows knit together—tears begin to form in your eyes. You shift your eyes to Tyler for support—when he nods at you encouragingly. And so you gather your courage..

and turn around.

The others said their hellos and left, even Tumba was taken to their house—to avoid any distractions they said. You sit in the living room, uncomfortably adjusting yourself in your dad's lazyboy. Across from you—on the sofa that used to be empty—sits a figure. Her hair now short, her frame bonier than you remember.

Your mom.

You both sit in silence. Her eyes not moving from you, but not a word comes out of her mouth. She waits. Waiting for you to curse at her—to cry—to kick her out! But you just stare at the far end of the room. Avoiding her. You stare blankly with a look.. it's not disappointment—not anger either. It's just pure hurt.

After it feels like forever, you garner your courage—finally breaking the silence. "I always craved a love like you guys had. But I never thought—" you choke, tears already well up in your eyes as you tremble, "I just never thought it could break you that much—to the point that—that anything else doesn't matter." Finally meeting her gaze, you shift your glare to her.. and whisper,

"Like I don't matter."

Your mom's face contorts with grief, her own tears starting to flow. "You said life is a war, but I never thought you'd go and throw it on me yourself—" and you break down, sobbing uncontrollably, wailing, "you said to never take your emotions out on anyone—but you did it to me yourself—"

"I'm sorry, baby, I'm so sorry—" your mom chokes out through her tears after she runs to hug you, dragging you to the floor with her. As if she finally letting you get in touch with her feelings for the first time.

"You'll never—leave me again—like that—?"

"I won't, baby—I won't. I'm here for good now." she assures while patting you in the back. Relief mixes with your sobs, and your mom continues, "You matter to me, Emily. You always do. Not a single day went by without me thinking of you, baby."

As your sobs subside, you pull away slightly. Her gaze unwavering as she strokes your face, lips quivering when she wails, "I hate that you had to grow up too fast," her voice breaking. "I'm so happy Violet.. Greg, and Tyler were there for you. Tumba doing good?"

Nodding in a pout, you try to draw a smile on your face, squeezing her hand—and she reciprocates with a sincere smile, petting your head tenderly. For a moment, the two of you share a chuckle of relief, until.. with a shy grin, you exclaim, "You know mom.. there's something you should know.."

"What is it, honey?"

"I finally said it out loud. He did too."

Your mom looks surprised at first—but soon as it goes, understanding dawns on her face, followed by a smile. Blushing, you continue, declaring, "Tyler's my boyfriend now."

You expected your mom to be surprised but how stupid of you—she laughs softly, revealing, "I know, I peeked through your TikTok."

"What?! You know how to operate Tiktok?!"

"Hey! Don't underestimate your mom!" she says with a mischievous smile, "I'm so happy to see you two together! Finally!" She pulls you into a hug, the atmosphere lightening—before a sense of melancholy dawns on her. She sighs, "I'm sorry I missed a lot of things.."

In her embrace, a sad smile creeps on your face as you mutter, "Apology accepted."

The two of you sit in comfortable silence, she squeezes in desperate longing as you smile contentedly. "I really thought you were wrong when you said what's easy is right because being with him was never easy.." you talk—chin on her shoulder. A look of contemplation flickers on your eyes.. until a smile paints your face as you say,

"But then he told me being with me feels so effortless.."

You pull away slightly.. to find Janet looking at you attentively. "I realized that.. I was just looking through a different perspective," you remark, looking down—recalling the moments. And a smile forms on your lips.

"I remembered the way we talked.. the way.. we care about each other—the way I kept choosing him despite him being such a pain in the ass almost at all times," you joke as she chuckles. Until you nod.. and you meet her gaze with a twinkle in your own, declaring,

"I realized that choosing him.. has always been easy."

Your mom smiles, stroking your arms gently but firmly. "Hence~ you're right. The easiest choice that lies in plain sight is the hardest," you admit as her hand moves to gently stroke your head. You stare at her, noticing the lines of her face.. even the tiny wrinkle you never actually noticed before.. a sudden look of melancholy flashes through you when you add, "And.. dad's right. Everything will make sense in time."

Janet's eyes widen.. before quickly softens. But she can't hide the clenching in her chest as she looks like she's about to cry again, admitting,

"I miss him.."

No.. we're not moving on.

We're moving forward.. and you'll be with us every step of the way, right?

Eyes glistening with tears, you draw a smile on your lips, reluctantly bracing yourself to look around. Noticing how everything's still just the way it was.

The way the dangling crystals hang on the ceiling.. the way the clock ticks near the back door.. the way the cracked paint on the wall is still there in the corner of the room.. and you shift your gaze back to your mom..

Whose soft creases on her forehead showed impeccably.. how the smile lines curve her beautiful smile.. and you wonder how everything.. is where it should be. How everything is exactly how it should be.

I know now. The memory of you doesn't begin and end in these four walls. Your memory doesn't live on in a room, or a house or—a person. You aren't a hospital bed—or a tombstone or—your Netflix profile that is only filled with Die Hard movies—

You're the sunrise in the mornings.. the smell of leaves after it rains.. the warmth we feel in our chest when we're finally in bed after a long day.. the stinging cold we felt when the crystal snow touched our skin..

You live on in us, and like that..

You're never really gone.

Crying together, the two of you embrace again. You close your eyes as a smile creeps in your face. Accepting. Reliving. Relieved. And as you hold your mother tighter, you whisper,

"I feel so lucky.. and honored that my mom is you."

In this case.. sometimes.. it's okay to never let go, because in other cases—it's not about learning to let go.

Her eyes round as her tears flow harder—and she squeezes you tighter, her sobs mixing with yours. Until you pull away and laugh together through your tears. For a moment, you exchange a loving gaze.. until Janet wipes the tears on your cheek and whispers,

"I'm so proud of you, Emily."

It's about grappling with the feeling of loneliness. It's about finally being comfortable with the emptiness. It's about maintaining what's already there. It's about always remembering—about learning.. to continue the legacy without hurting too much. It's about learning to continue living with the thought–that you're above.. smiling.

Your eyebrows knitted as your lips quiver—but you immediately shake your head, squeezing each other's hand instead. Trying to be cheerful, "Now—" you yell with a smile, "wanna watch Die Hard?"

And in the end, it's only a battle within yourself, right? Because.. you're already peaceful up there. I just want you to know that.. Mom and I.. will never let go. We will never forget about you.. the same time we will always love you, dad.

Letting out an amused chuckle, your mom nods, smiling back. She swiftly grabs the remote in familiarity and turns on Netflix—but picks your dad's profile instead of her own. You wonder why, but before you can ask, she shrugs and nonchalantly reveals,

"Don't want to mess up my recommendations."

With bulging round eyes—you burst out laughing, almost falling out of your dad's lazyboy. The room is filled with your laughter, a sound that feels both familiar and new—the warmth you've been craving finally comes true. Your mom joins in, her laughter mixing with yours, and with just one.. special moment..

Everything feels just right.

You and Tyler dash through the hallway, the echo of your footsteps reverberating off the walls as you both hurry along, clad in graduation gowns. Finally, you reach your destination: a pink-decorated locker with a dangling red lock on the handle.

"How could you still forget something?!" Tyler scolds beside you, still jogging slightly until he finally skids to a stop, panting in exhaustion.

Panting and leaning on your knees to catch your breath, you pant, "Yeah, sorry geez—" taking a deep breath. You start to reach for the red lock—but a hand gently stops you. You look up in confusion, meeting his eyes as he stares at you through his lifted chin. Then, peering his gaze to the lock, he offers, "I'll do it."

Perplexed, you hesitantly back away. With a melancholic expression, Tyler reaches out to the lock. He hesitates for a moment before he starts turning the dial—[2 1 1 2]—and the lock opens with a satisfying click. Then, he leans against the locker next to him, looking weighed down.. before reluctantly stepping back and extending his hands, gesturing for you to open it.

"Are you—did you just—" you point to the locker, shifting your gaze between him and the locker before blurting out, "did you just get emotional over a lock?"

Busted, Tyler blinks rapidly and looks away—nudging his nose, stammering, "N—no I'm not."

Amused, a lopsided grin breaks out on your face as you finally take out the lone item inside. Once you're done, you slam the locker shut. Holding the box in front of your chest, you say, "Don't lie to me." You squint at him, while he returns your look reluctantly. Eventually, he squints back, causing you to have a staring contest. Until finally, he breaks off, yelling,

"Well you said you wouldn't bring the lock—!"

Without waiting for him to finish, you unhook the lock, shove it in his face and shake it—before locking it in front of him with a click—and tucks it into your gown pocket. And with a smug face, you walk away, leaving him behind.

He quickly catches up and wraps an arm around you. And when you turn to look at him, you find him already grinning broadly. Rolling your eyes in amusement, you tease, "You're such a baby." He's about to ruffle your hair, but as his hand touches the edge of your graduation cap—you slap his hand, "Hey! We're wearing these big ass hats—" you protest, inclining him to pat the top of your cap instead.

Peering at the box in your hand with curiosity, he asks, "What's in the box?"

Brightly, in a childish-like grin, you reveal,

"You know, for our new bracelets!"

A lopsided grin spreads across his face as he shakes his head, followed by a breathy chuckle. He squeezes your shoulder while muttering, "Winny Winny~ I knew you'd never let it go."

Irritated, you snap your head to him, emphasizing, "Well, Rule #25 for Tyler, remember? A totem to let everybody know you're mine—?"

"I was glad I shouldn't wear the ugly—"

Both of you freeze. Busted for the second time, Tyler slowly turns to you.. the same time you turn to him with a 'wtf' look in your face. For a moment.. you stare at each other.. before all hell breaks loose! Tyler takes off running the same time you chase after him with annoyance brewing in your soul!

"You brat!"

During the group photo with your classmates, as if by God's plan, you find yourself standing next to Tyler. After the flash, with a cheeky expression on his face, he leans in, whispering, "You know—you seem ten times prettier than before."

Blushing, you reply flirtatiously, "Maybe that's because you like me."

"Bestfriends are supposed to like each other, right?" he teases, a lopsided grin on his face. As the photographer signals to take another photo—the camera clicks. After giving your poses, you nonchalantly declare,

"Nah, they're supposed to love each other,"

Tyler suddenly pulls you by the waist, spinning you around, leaning in flirtatiously. With his breath warm against your face, with a low voice, he whispers, "Well, I loved you first."

"No, I loved you first."

"Huh—don't copy me! I loved you first!"

"No. Me. I loved you first—!"

As usual, ending up with both bickering, you lost in your own world. From a distance, Liam and Eve stand side by side in their gowns, shaking their heads. Until finally, with a disgusted look, Eve scoffs, "They're so. disgusting, aren't they?"

We learn, we change, we develop.

The essence of this life.

However, in contrast to her disgust, Wyatt mischievously replies, "Reminds you of us, huh?"

We cannot go back to where it was whole, but we can always make something beautiful from a broken thing. We climb, and climb, and climb.. Sure—the road's unsteady, it's easy to fall back down to the bottom, restart—and once you fall too many times.. you might give up.

But in the end, we'll reach it.

Eve nudges him, laughing amusingly. Wyatt joins in—but as their eyes meet, the warmth shifts into helplessness. Wyatt gazes at her in melancholy just as her brows knitting. Lowering her gaze, she shakes her head lightly—before with a look of dismay, she sighs, "I'll see you.. at the engagement party?"

In this world.. we actually don't own anything at all. Everything is temporary. Mortal. When you have something.. you'll lose them. When you love someone.. you'll lose them. Sometimes—somehow? Yes—quite possibly.

Eve's lips almost quivered as she notices Liam's face falls, his hand hovers as if to caress her cheek—but he holds back. Finally, she darts her eyes away, not caring despite not witnessing Wyatt's nod—and walks away.

But we love anyway.

From behind, Wyatt watches her go, sadness heavy in his eyes.. until a hand rests on his shoulders. As he turns.. he finds Dom—before he pulls him into a hug and leads him to join the other guys, eliciting a small smile on Wyatt's lips.

Because the love we feel for ourselves and others.. truly belongs to us.

Taking photos with Greg and Violet, Tyler gives silly poses. Rolling your eyes as you take their photo, a chuckle escapes your lips—before you hand your phone to him. Taking their spot, you and Janet get ready for your pose. Somehow, your glance darts to Greg's side—and your gaze transforms into dismay. Imagining your dad standing there.. smiling proudly.. as if mouthing a,

'I'm proud of you.'

Tears well up in your eyes, your brows knitting—but still, a big smile spreads on your face. Tyler notices your gaze isn't on the camera—so he checks if his sight's ruined—peeking from outside the camera frame. Concerned, he calls your name. You shake your head, and turn back to the camera—to finally give a sincere big grin.

For him.

And dad, you're right! Having someplace you can call home gives you this.. beautiful feeling.

Both closing your eyes, you embrace your mom tightly. She sobs—must've from remembering your dad, and you can't help but join her in tears. Watching the two of you with longing gazes, Greg, Violet, and Tyler rush in to join the hug. Greg and Violet cry—but Greg's sobs are the loudest—inclining Tyler to slap his back, embarrassed by the surrounding onlookers.

Yes, people crumble—they get lost when they're faced with much grief.

Within the hug, you see Tyler—glancing at his dad, an embarrassed look on his face. But once he senses your gaze, Tyler reluctantly looks at you—and smiles before gently stroking your head.

But eventually.. they'll find their way back home.

As everyone eventually pulls away—you and your mom squeeze each other's arms tightly, finding strength in one another. Violet watches with tears streaming down her face, and Greg—still sobbing as he clutches Tyler's arms. You pull The Cavills into a hug.

And.. dad, wanna know a secret?

Tyler wraps an arm around Janet while watching you—but then, she turns him so they're face to face. Gripping his arms, Janet searches Tyler's face—searching for any resemblance, even if it's only in the stubbornness the two of them share—anything to give her his presence—and she hugs him tightly. Startled, Tyler's eyes widen.. before he closes his eyes, brows knitting as he squeezes her tighter.

You're right, dad! Again.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, they finally pull away and turn around.. to see you, smiling brightly. You turn to your mom and gently wipe her tears away, stroking her arms as Violet and Greg hug her from behind—causing her to let out a slight laugh. Looking back at you, she nods.. and you turn to your final haven.

Cavill, gazing at you with the most loving eyes, a soft smile plastered on his face. He cups your left cheek as your hand overlaps his, your other hand squeezing his that's been dangling beside you.

"He's so proud of you, Winny."

Your round eyes quickly shut—and you cry spasmodically, burying your face behind your hands. He holds you tight, rocking you right and left as you bury your face in his chest. Just as he gently shushing you in a gentle whisper, you pull away—realizing—

"Oh no I ruined my makeup—no—your gown—"

"It's ok baby," he assures softly, eyes gazing at you with a softness that makes you just want to curl up in the corner with him and continue to cry.

However.. he gently caresses your cheeks lovingly.. and you stroke the back of his hand—tenderness radiates from your eyes as you gaze at him. The two of you nudge your noses together, closing your eyes. And as you pull away, he gives you his charming.. lopsided grin. Your favorite favorite kind of grin. His grin.

Just like that..

Suddenly a pinkie appears on the side of your cheek—before he teasingly pokes it to your cheek, making you chuckle through your tears. Also letting out a breathy chuckle, he finally brings his pinkie in front of you.. and a smile breaks across your face as you wrap your pinkie around his.. and you kiss them.

Everything makes sense.

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Cecylia Costania @rcpcswrites

You can elevate your experience by also listening to songs I added to this story's playlist! Full Playlist on bio💖

The song that matches this Chapter's vibe:

and turn around.

https://youtu.be/vx4kLgnFexo

You and Tyler dash through the hallway,

https://youtu.be/tKml80alH3Y

We learn, we change, we develop.

https://youtu.be/_2-NWrYpXEw