A Second Chance

''Am I back in time? But how is that even possible?'' Charlie stared at the photo of his parents in a frame. ''Mom, Dad, what's going on?''

He sat at the dining room table, searching the Internet for any news about the Miller family. There was no mention of their murder, only updates about their businesses.

''Does this mean the murder hasn't happened yet? Am I really back in time? Then this is my chance to protect them from the killer,'' Charlie thought, feeling a mix of hope and determination. He glanced at a photo of Silver he had taken without her knowing.

Silver had been reading in the library when Charlie snapped the picture. The librarian noticed but didn't say anything—she'd seen many people take photos of Silver. She had even taken one herself.

That day, Silver looked like something out of a dream. She sat on a windowsill, reading a book, while the sunlight caught her golden hair, making it shimmer. She was breathtaking, and while many wanted to talk to her, no one dared approach because of her cold, distant look.

What people didn't know was that Silver struggled to communicate with anyone outside her family. To protect herself, she appeared aloof.

''I promise you, Silver, nothing will happen to you or your family,'' Charlie vowed.

After a tearful but playful breakfast, Silver went to the grocery store to pick up some items for her mother. The tears were from Silver, though no one knew why. Her family comforted her with warmth and affection. The playful part came from the teasing that was typical during breakfast.

Silver sighed as she stepped outside. It was Sunday—her day to run errands. Everyone in the family had a designated day, except Ruby, who was too young to go alone. Mrs. Miller always sent Ruby with an adult if the little one wanted to go.

Though the Millers were wealthy, they lived in a modest house with a swimming pool, a garden, and bedrooms for each family member. The front gate was electric, opening automatically. Their home was in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood, where every house had a similar cozy charm. The streets were peaceful, with children playing in their yards, and the smell of fresh-cut grass filled the air.

As Silver walked to the supermarket, neighbors greeted her. She returned their greetings, though her responses were brief. She no longer trusted anyone outside her family—except maybe Charlie, since the killer could be someone close to them.

Silver had forgotten the killer's identity when she woke up in the cemetery. Only fragments remained, like the men in black and the word ''revenge'' spoken by their leader. Maybe she would remember more soon, and if her family didn't recall anything, maybe that was a good sign, she thought.

The supermarket was a small, family-owned store at the corner of their neighborhood. It had a warm, inviting atmosphere with the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. The aisles were narrow, stocked with all the essentials, and the cashier knew most of the customers by name. Silver picked up a few bags of groceries, carrying them in both hands as she headed out.

Outside, she spotted Charlie, who had come by to check on the Miller family and confirm if he was really back in time. Seeing everything was good, he decided to go to the small store, and that's when he saw Silver coming out with bags in her hands. He was astonished to see her alive and standing before him. He wanted to rush over and embrace her, but they had never been that close.

Silver noticed him, and when she looked into his eyes, she realized he was back in time too, just like her. She smiled and walked toward him. ''Hi, Charlie.''

Charlie was puzzled. They had never spoken before, and he knew she hadn't known him previously, so he was surprised to hear her say his name. ''Aren't you glad to see me alive?'' Silver asked, freezing him in place. Before he could respond, Silver hugged him, still holding her bags. Charlie was momentarily lost in thought but hugged her back.

They held the embrace for a while before Silver pulled away, her hands still on his shoulders and his on her waist. Their heights matched perfectly, with Silver looking up at him, as he was five inches taller. ''Thank you for loving me for so long, and thank you for searching for our killer.'' Charlie realized she was also back in time and was amazed at how she knew he had returned as well and about his feelings for her. He didn't answer, just hugged her tightly, not wanting to let go.

As Silver hugged Charlie, she felt a strange sense of relief. Being close to him grounded her in this new, confusing reality. She had been through so much, and the weight of remembering their deaths was almost too much to bear. But Charlie's warmth, his embrace, made her feel safe, as if everything might turn out okay after all. She never knew how much she needed someone to lean on until this moment.

Charlie felt a rush of emotions. He had admired Silver from afar for so long, thinking she was out of his reach. Now, holding her in his arms, he could hardly believe it. The thought of losing her again terrified him. He was determined to protect her, no matter what it took.

Later, they sat in a cozy coffee shop near the supermarket, sipping their drinks. Charlie stared at Silver, who returned his gaze. ''Do you remember everything?'' he asked.

''No, not everything. Just that my family and I died because someone wanted revenge. He hired two men in black, but I can't remember exactly what happened or who he was,'' Silver said.

''It's alright. We'll catch the killer before he can hurt you or your family again.'' Charlie placed his hands over hers, and she responded with a gentle smile and a quiet ''thank you.''

After a moment, they let go shyly as Silver spoke, ''I saw you come every day.'' Charlie looked at her in shock. Silver smiled before continuing, ''I lived like a spirit. The day you confessed your feelings to me is the day we came back in time. Do you remember?''

''Yes, that's what I recall. I'll say it again—I love you and always will. I don't know if you feel the same, but let me protect you this time.'' Charlie looked at her deeply, his eyes full of sincerity.

''Charlie, thank you for loving me.'' Hearing his name from her lips felt like heaven, but he understood where this was leading. Silver smiled knowingly. ''I accept your feelings and promise to love you as much as you do.''

''What?'' Charlie was stunned.

Silver stood up and dropped to her knees in front of him, holding a red rose she had taken from their table vase. ''Can I be your girlfriend until you get tired of me?'' The people in the coffee shop watched in awe, quickly grabbing their phones to capture the moment.

Charlie stood up and helped Silver to her feet, taking the rose from her hands. ''I'd be the happiest man if you were my girlfriend, but I want more. I love you too much to just settle for that. I want you in my life forever, as my partner in everything. I promise to always love and protect you. I love you, Silver.''

Silver's heart filled with emotion, and she nodded, tears in her eyes. ''I love you too, Charlie. And I promise to always stand by you.''