Time Travel

[ California, USA]

[ May 14, 2000]

As long as I thought, I couldn't get a glimpse of anything. Sitting on a big stone beside my home, I racked my brain thinking about something that I must have forgotten.

All I can remember is that I was in the past but how I got here, I can't tell. Now, my motive was to change the error that I've done.

I can't tell if I can be seen or heard but I wanted to give it a try. All I hope was that I could change something to ease my regret.

It was night already, I was waiting for my mother to return home to see the baby me, but she hasn't returned yet.

As instructed, Donald remains indoors. Stamping my feet continuously on the ground, I heard someone's footsteps.

Raising my head, I saw my mother walking lazily back home. Without thinking twice, I ran to her.

"Mom?" I called feeling anxious and nervous at the same time. My head kept drifting to the thought that she might resent me for being a coward, for not being able to save her when she needed my help.

"Donald?" To my surprise, she called my name looking overly happy and anxious.

I turned left and right looking confused. Obviously, she recognized me and...She was talking to me. I seem real to his word...to her!

"Do you recognize me?" I asked still doubting what my ear heard.

"What are you doing here?" She answered me with another question.

"I don't know, Mom. I can't think of a thing. Mom?" I became emotional. A smile formed on my lip as I looked at my mom like I was reading my favorite book, without thinking, I gave her a tight hug.

I wish I could stay like this in her arms forever and protect her from those evil men.

"I never thought that I would get the chance to meet the 'Big Donald'. But here you are standing before me. How have you been?" My mom asked and I smiled at her.

"I'm fine, Mom. Hopefully, I was able to survive the hardship that life gave me." I gestured a sad smile as I remembered her death.

"That's good to hear." She said shortly as she looked at me in tears.

Studying her, she didn't seem to know what happened to her. Even if I know that this was my past, she can't tell me what happened in the future. It's like, I time-traveled back to past life.

"I've always thought that you would resent me for your death, Mom. I'm glad I'm able to apologize to you before that incident repeats itself" She raised a brow at me and I nodded my head.

"You died and I couldn't protect you. I've been such a coward towards my feelings and I am until now. I'm sorry" I hugged once more.

Withdrawing from the hug, she sighed deeply.

"Um, so I left you alone to suffer? That's so unfair to you. I suppose to be by you till you grow old but so sad, death took me away so early. I know that you are a fighter...You look strong son" She embraced me.

"I don't know when I'll be going, but I want you to know that I'm sorry and I love you so much," I said and she hummed.

I felt glad and satisfied. All the words I wanted to say to her after her death, I was able to say it to her now. Nothing is more joyous than my moment with her right now.

Life without a mom is the cruelest experience in life but, something turned me into a new egg.

****

[Friday]

Donald hopped home early from school as it was Friday. He looked happy, unlike other days.

Although the bruises on his skin were still visible his face was filled with confidence and happiness.

Running into his house, he threw his bag on the sofa and ran towards the filled. There, he started his training.

Donald being a short kid at the age of 10, was bullied because of his stature. Now, he was determined to become taller and stronger by doing exercises and training hard.

Donald continuously threw punches to the air, kicked the air, rolled on the rough grasses, and lifted heavy wood.

He seemed reluctant and determined as he trained.

"Hello, Mister, Who are you?" Donald walked up to the man who has been staring at him for a while.

The man stood up from the rock and walked up to him with his hands in his pocket.

"Am I disturbing you? I can leave if you want" The man said and was about to leave when Donald grasped his shirt.

"I didn't ask you to leave. I was asking who you are." Donald said humbly as he waited for his reply.

The man smiled a bit and then, played with his hair.

"I'm a stranger in this neighborhood and I'm bored but watching your awesome skills, I feel better and entertained" The man gestured a smile as he played with his hair.

"Do you find my skills awesome? Don't lie to me" The kid pouted his mouth which made the man laugh.

"You are trying very hard. It doesn't matter about the skills but about how you believe in yourself. If you are confident and you believe in yourself, then your skills are beyond perfection" The man said and Donald smiled.

"Thank you so much, Mister." Donald looked very happy as his smile didn't fade. This made the man have an interest in him and decided to keep him company.

"Do you fight as well?" Donald asked as he sat beside him on a rock.

"Um, yes. I'm a coach in a training center" He said and Donald gasped.

"Really? Where?" He asked and then the man smiled.

"It's not here. As I said, I am a stranger here. I'm here because of some business" The man gave his excuse and Donald nodded.

"Can you be my couch? I want to be very strong. I want to teach those bullying my family a very big lesson" He said with a frown and then, he gave a light smile.

The man nodded still not sure about what to say to him.

"Um, you are still young but I'll guard you," He said and Donald hopped in excitement.