Chapter # 9

Grandma: "Where did you go? Are you alright? I was worried sick."

Me: "I'm sorry, Grandma. I won't do it again."

Grandma: "My dear, it's okay if you choose not to. But if your reason for hesitating is because you believe you 'Can't,' that's not true. You're incredibly powerful and intelligent. You need to have faith in yourself."

I smiled at her.

Me: "Thank you, Grandma. What would I do without you?" I hugged her tightly.

Grandma: "I'm always here for you, sweetheart." She embraced me back.

Breaking the hug, I made a decision.

Me: "I'll think deeply about what I want to do now."

Grandma: "That's a good start. Now, have your dinner and get some rest."

After dinner, I retreated to my room, my thoughts in disarray. I realized I'd been unaware of so much, often blaming my parents for abandoning me. I never grasped the hardships they endured and the life-altering decision they made solely for my sake. It now seemed foolish to assume they left me willingly, especially knowing that I was the last thing on their minds during their final moments. Tears streamed down my cheeks relentlessly, and lost in these contemplations, I slipped into the embrace of sleep.

{Time skip}

Where am I? This place is incredibly beautiful," I marveled aloud. I found myself strolling along a serene path, the wind's gentle whispers soothing my soul. The tranquil breeze worked its magic, calming my racing thoughts. As I neared the sea, its waves crashing melodiously against the weathered rocks below, I couldn't resist the temptation to sit on a large, sun-warmed stone. With a contented sigh, I closed my eyes, relishing the overwhelming sense of peace that enveloped me.

I stood up, gazing out at the vast ocean, contemplating my life's direction.

I stood up, gazing out at the vast ocean, contemplating my life's direction.

Me: "Do I want to accept this responsibility? Can I even do it?"

??: "You can."

I started at the unexpected voice, turning to find a man and a woman standing before me.

I blinked back tears, recognizing them instantly.

Me: "M-mom? D-dad?"

Dad: "Our marshmallow."

Tears streamed down my face as I rushed into their arms, clinging to them as if I could hold onto them forever.

Me: "Why did you leave me? Why weren't you there when I needed you the most? Do you know how miserable my life has been? I get bullied every day, and I have no friends. No one to share my struggles with. Why did you abandon me in that world? Whyyyy?"

Mom: "We're sorry, sweetheart. At that time, we had no choice. We're sorry we couldn't be there for you during your hardships. Please forgive us."

Dad: "Don't cry, marshmallow. It pains us to see you in such agony."

He cupped my face, gently wiping away my tears. Their touch felt warm and familiar, flooding me with a mix of emotions.

Me: "I'm sorry. I swear I didn't mean any of that. I just- I'm so sorry you had to leave because of me. I'm so sorry that you couldn't be happy because of me. I'm so sorryyy..."

Dad: " No love. Don't say that. Even if we are given another chance, we'll choose the same things again. We have no regrets. And watching you all grown up is more than we can ask for."

Mom: "Mom and Dad are very sorry that we can't be with you." I shook my head at that

. At this point, they themselves were on verge of crying. We all hugged.

I returned their smiles through my tears.

Dad: "Let's sit down somewhere."

Me: "Okay."

We settled on a nearby bench, a heavy silence hanging between us.

Dad: "Why aren't you saying anything?"

Me: "I-I don't know. I'm suddenly feeling shy." I scratched my neck nervously.

Dad: "Ahahah." He chuckled softly. "You're just like your mom."

I managed a small chuckle too.

Me: "I hear that a lot."

Mom: "Really?"

I nodded.

Dad: "Sooo, you know about your powers, right?"

Me: "Yes."

Dad: "And you know you have to save your world."

Me: "Yes."

Dad: "But you doubt yourself."

Me: "Yes."

Dad: "Come on, say something other than 'yes.'"

Me: "Oops, sorry." I chuckled.

Dad: "That's better." He grinned. "My marshmallow, you're much more powerful than both of us combined. Defeating that evil is child's play for you."

Me: "But I'm terrified."

Mom: "You don't have to be. You're destined for greatness. Just believe in yourself. If you can do that, you can achieve anything. The lives of millions depend on your choices."

Their words resonated within me, stirring something deep. Suddenly, I felt a surge of determination.

Me: "Mom, Dad, I've made my decision. I'm going to do it."

They beamed at me, their eyes brimming with pride.