In France...
Max:
– Goodbye, Dad.
John:
– Wait? Where are you going?
Max:
– Oh, sorry! I forgot. Good morning, Dad. I'm heading to the university now.
John:
– Yes, that's the son I know!
Max:
– Dad? Why are you crying? Did I remind you of Mom?
John:
– You've grown up... It was her wish to see you at this age, and she wanted to personally marry you to her best friend's daughter.
Max:
– And who was her best friend? Who's her daughter?
John tells Max about Eliana and his mother...
Max:
– Oh my God... what a beautiful and heartbreaking story of friendship. But Dad! Where is Aunt Eliana and her family now?
John:
– I don't know, son. Since your mother passed, I came here and lost all contact with them.
Max:
– But Dad, Mom made her promise!
John:
– I know, son... but Eliana always reminds me of your mom...
Max:
– That's no excuse, Dad.
John interrupts him:
– Come on now, you're going to be late for university.
Max:
– Alright, see you later, Dad.
As Max leaves, John calls Max's friend, Leo.
Leo:
– How are you, Dad? Hope you're doing well.
John:
– I'm good, son. And how are you?
(Short intro about Leo: Leo lost his father when he was young, and he loves John like a father. John doesn't mind Leo calling him Dad – it actually makes him happy. Leo lives with his mom and stepdad, who treats him very well. He's also Max's best friend.)
Leo:
– I'm doing great.
John:
– As you know, it's Max's birthday today and I'd love to throw him a surprise party. What do you think?
Leo:
– That's an awesome idea! I was thinking the same thing. Don't worry, Dad. It's going to happen.
John:
– I hope so.
Leo:
– I'll ask Matthew to take Max out while we prepare everything and to make sure he doesn't find out.
(Short intro about Matthew: Matthew is another of Max's best friends. Max calls him "the clown" because he's always making everyone laugh. He lives with both his parents.)
John:
– Alright, son.
.
.
In Mexico...
Eliana:
– Maria, Liam!
Maria:
– Yes, Mom?
Eliana:
– How about we travel to France?
Liam:
– Yes, Mom! Please! Since our vacation started!
Eliana:
– Alright then, let's book the tickets and go!
Steven:
– But why?
Eliana:
– What do you mean, why?
Steven:
– I mean... I've already booked everything. We're flying to France in a few hours.
Everyone:
– Wooooow!
Eliana:
– I knew it!
Maria:
– Mooom!
Eliana laughs at Maria.
Maria:
– Dad! You could've told us! Let's go before we're late!
Everyone:
– Let's go!
Liam:
– What about the luggage?
Steven:
– It's all ready.
.
At the airport...
Maria:
– We've arrived!
Eliana:
– Come on! That's the final boarding call!
On the plane...
Liam:
– That was already an exciting adventure!
Everyone laughs at Liam.
Flight Attendant:
– All passengers, please fasten your seatbelts.
Everyone complies.
Liam:
– Mom, I'm scared. I want to sleep in your lap.
Maria:
– And I'll go to the restroom.
Eliana:
– Alright, sweetie.
As Maria enters the restroom, the plane suddenly tilts. She assumes it's just turbulence, but soon the plane flips. Screams fill the cabin. Maria sits on the floor terrified until she passes out...
When she wakes up, she's in a hospital.
Maria:
– My head hurts so much...
Doctor:
– Sweetheart, you need to rest.
Maria:
– Where am I?
Doctor:
– In France. Wasn't that your destination?
Maria:
– Yes.
Doctor:
– You're okay, but you need to rest.
Maria:
– Wait...
Doctor:
– Yes?
Maria:
– Where's my family?
Doctor:
– Your family...?
Maria:
– Y-yes...
The doctor lowers his head in sadness.
Doctor:
– I'm so sorry to tell you this... the plane you were on... everyone on board died. Your family included. You're the only survivor... it's a miracle you're still alive.
Maria (in disbelief):
– W-what...?
Maria breaks down crying, and eventually the doctors give her a sedative to calm her down...
To be continued...
—
Enjoyed the chapter?
Don't forget to:
💛 Add the story to your Library
💬 Leave a comment
💎 Drop a Power Stone!
Your support means the world! 🤍✨