1 The beginning or the end

It was nearly midnight. Among the thousands of bright lights coming from the sky scrapers, apartment complexes and houses in B city, each light only shone for specific people. In that same way, for everyone else passing by, it was just another house. But to the woman who had just come down from a taxi in front of the pale yellow and maroon villa overflowing with greenery, this was home.

She seemed to be in her twenties. The huge backpack on her shoulders and suitcases on both hands would make any onlooker wonder how she was going to move from her spot.

However, she decisively moved up the short path leading up to the villa with ease.

She had learnt to always be responsible for her own baggage, for in this world, heroes who lift bags for beauties are found mostly in books.

Facing the door, she took a deep breath, put down her suitcases and adjusted her simple dress as much as possible to hide the traces of the long journey. Then she pressed the doorbell.

Ringgg ringgg....

"Who is it?"

The door opened to reveal a woman in her late forties. Once a delicate beauty, she was now a sweet, graceful lady. A smile bloomed on her face.

"Welcome back home, dear

You're finally back for good, Chu Yan."

"Good to be home", Chu Yan replied, though her red, swollen eyes were proving otherwise. Thankfully, her mother couldn't notice those eyes that were hidden by her glasses. She had no energy left to explain to her sweet, protective mother, and was glad that she didn't notice.

She was beyond exhausted, both physically and mentally.

" I prepared a special dinner for you, darling. Though we've all finished eating since it got so late, I left yours on the table.

"Ma, thanks. I'll just go change first, "she replied, going straight to her room. She didn't even turn on the lights, just picking out a  random t-shirt and pyjama bottom from her closet. She dragged her feet to bathroom, and stood in front of the large mirror.

The mirror showed a tall, dark haired and olive skinned woman. Not your typical fair, sweet, mild mannered beauty, she was one who was rather tanned and had a toned body. Though she had long, glossy black hair that reached her waist, even the way she stood screamed 'tomboy'. Her usually bright, big doe eyes were bloodshot with swollen lids right now. Her tired face made her seem at least 5 years older than the youthful 24 she actually was.

"This is it, girl. It's all over. Maybe, just maybe, it was all a dream. "

Or maybe not.

Or maybe, the dream will start soon.