(96)

Even though I was weak, I had the courage to stand up. Some of my friends have already disappeared because of this endless chase.

Who the hell are you? Don't be such a jerk. It's fun to watch how we die one by one, huh?" I shouted.

I was running out of breath, but out of anger I had the courage. "Show your damn self!" You bitch!"

I felt the wind swirling in my hair. I knew he was just here, close to me. "Oh come on! Come out and face me! We're so tired of this damn chase. What did we ever do to you?"

Crying I knelt on the muddy ground.

I'm fainting.

I have no strength left. Honestly, I could hardly open my eyes.

I just let go of that hovering presence. I was already crying as I knelt on the ground. Whatever happens to me, I don't care anymore. I'm so tired.

I sobbed when I realized the loss of the heavy presence swirling around me.

I no longer bothered myself to look around. I remained prostrate on the ground.

Some time later, a light and familiar presence was what I felt near my position.

In front of me

I stopped sobbing.

"Love."

I covered my mouth.

It couldn't be. I must be hallucinating. I must be out of my mind.

"Aya... Love," he repeated.

I slowly raised my eyes. My knees are tender.

Gradually, I ran away with strength.

Again, a series of tears flowed from my eyes down to my already reddened cheek.

My weakened body moved spontaneously towards him.

"E-Erron!" exclaimed the child.

"Hey, Shh, don't cry, love. I'm here. "You're safe," he said in a comforting tone.

I just cried as I hugged him. I could feel the warmth of his arm wrapped around my body.

It feels so comfortable to be in his arms again.

It feels so euphoric to feel his embrace again.

We were in that position for a few seconds when I realized something. I suddenly let go of his embrace.

"N-no." I trembled. "No, this can't be. You're a fake. This cannot be real. "

"What is it?" he asked.

I walked away from him. "You! You're not Erron... You're not my Erron. He's already dead. Erron is dead, not you... You're not Erron! "

"Love"

"No! Don't come any closer! "

I caught his deep sigh and the pain lingering in his eyes as I slowly backed away from him.

"Don't come near me." I cried.

He tried reaching for me again. "Love, what's wrong?"

"You! You're not Erron!" i stammered.

He withdrew his hand when he tried to reach for me. "Love..."

I can see the pain in his eyes.

I can see how he longs for me.

But I know that he's not my Erron. Because Erron was long dead. Erron was gone, so it was impossible for him to be here suddenly in front of me.

He let me sob. He didn't try to touch me again for a while.

But he spoke again after a few seconds.

"Hey, look at me, please. Aya, love..."It's me," he pleaded.

I looked at him. "You are? How could that possibly be? You're dead." I yelled.

"You're long gone."

"Yes, I was." he replied.

It caught my attention. "You were? What do you mean?" I asked.