(17 years later)
The years had passed like whispers carried away by the wind. On Earth, far from the magical lands of Veridia, David and Emily had built a quiet life. Their once turbulent days of fleeing through the Wondrous Stone had softened into the calm rhythm of ordinary human living.
David now worked as a librarian in a small town. Every morning, he walked through the aisles of books, the scent of old pages filling his heart with a bittersweet comfort. Surrounded by stories, he often found himself remembering the royal library of Veridia—its talking tomes, its secrets, its whispers of the past. "These books here are silent," he sometimes thought, his hands brushing over worn spines. "But still, they remind me of home."
Emily, on the other hand, became the heart of their home. She was content as a housewife, caring for Ethan and keeping their family close. Yet, no matter how many warm meals she cooked or how many evenings she spent in laughter, her eyes always carried a quiet ache. In the silence of night, when no one was watching, she would sometimes whisper Ava's name and wonder how the little girl they left behind.
For every sunrise, they missed Veridia.
For every sunset, they missed Ava.
Seventeen years later, Ethan had grown into a tall and handsome young man, his green eyes shining with the same glow as Ava's. Intelligent, kind-hearted, and gentle, he carried both his mother's wisdom and his father's quiet strength. Though David and Emily lived peacefully on Earth, every time they looked at Ethan, they were reminded of Ava—and the Veridia they had left behind.
Ethan reached the park where two familiar figures were waiting for him. Milo Miller, with his mischievous grin and restless energy, waved his hand high. "Finally! We thought you'd forgotten us," he teased, though everyone knew Milo would never stay mad at his friends.
Beside him stood Benjamin Taylor, calm and steady as always. His brown eyes carried honesty, his posture quiet but strong. He gave Ethan a small nod, the kind of greeting that said more than words.
Ethan smiled warmly. "I could never forget you two. You're the best part of my day."
Together, the three boys laughed, their bond unshakable—one built on loyalty, trust, and friendship that could weather any storm.
Ethan, Milo, and Benjamin had been inseparable since childhood. Their bond was pure and unshaken—there was nothing they hid from one another. Milo's playful mischief, Benjamin's quiet bravery, and Ethan's kind heart balanced each other perfectly. Together, they weren't just friends; they were like brothers, tied by trust and a love that had grown stronger with every passing year.
The last bell of the school year had rung, and the farewell party filled the hall with laughter and tears. Everyone had dressed their best, hiding their emotions behind smiles, yet the air was heavy with the knowledge that things would never be the same again.
Among the crowd stood Erin Stone, radiant in a flowing purple dress. Her blue eyes sparkled under the lights, but they weren't searching the room—they were fixed on Ethan. She clutched her hands nervously, her heart racing faster with every glance she stole at him.
Hazel Brown, her dearest friend since childhood, noticed instantly. With her adventurous spirit and sharp gaze, Hazel leaned closer, her brown hair brushing against her cheek as she whispered, "Erin, this is your moment. You've kept these feelings locked inside for too long."
Erin bit her lip, her voice barely a whisper. "What if he doesn't feel the same?"
Hazel smiled knowingly, her teakwood-colored eyes gleaming with confidence. "You'll never know unless you speak. Go, Erin. Let your heart find its voice. Go and confess to Ethan."
Erin drew a deep breath, her hands trembling as courage and fear wrestled within her. Tonight could change everything.
Erin's gaze lingered on Ethan, and as she watched him laugh with Milo and Benjamin, a flood of memories washed over her. She remembered the countless small fights they used to have—over books, games, and even silly jokes. She remembered how Ethan, the brilliant topper of their class, had always saved her from teachers when her incomplete homework or careless mistakes had landed her in trouble.
Somewhere in those little moments, her heart had learned to beat differently for him. What began as gratitude had quietly turned into love.
Ethan, on the other hand, always treated Erin with a special kind of care. He was protective of her, more than he realized himself. He couldn't stand to see her sad, and her laughter often eased his own worries. Yet, deep inside, he didn't see it as love. For Ethan, it was a bond too pure—friendship laced with warmth and responsibility.
But for Erin, that same bond had grown into something far more beautiful, something she now struggled to hide.
Ethan walked into the hall with Benjamin and Milo. The party was full of lights, music, and laughter. When they saw Hazel and Erin standing near the stage, they went straight to them.
"Finally!" Hazel said with a playful smile. "We thought you boys had forgotten us."
Milo grinned. "Forget you? Never! I was just making sure Ethan didn't trip on his way."
Benjamin sighed and shook his head. "More like you were slowing him down."
Everyone laughed, and the mood became light. Erin looked at Ethan shyly, her hands brushing the edge of her purple dress. When their eyes met, her heart beat faster, though Ethan just gave her a small smile.
The five of them started talking together. Hazel led the conversation, full of energy as always. Milo joked around and made them laugh, while Benjamin spoke honestly and calmly. Ethan joined in quietly, his words few but thoughtful. Erin mostly listened, smiling, but her mind was full of memories with Ethan—how he had always protected her, how he made her feel safe.
It was a happy moment for all of them. But for Erin, tonight felt special, as if something important was about to begin.
After the party was over, the music faded and the lights grew dim. Hazel walked beside Erin, holding her arm gently.
"It's the right time, Erin," Hazel whispered. "Go and tell Ethan what you feel. You've loved him for so long."
Erin's heart raced. She hesitated, biting her lip. "What if… what if he doesn't feel the same?"
"You'll never know unless you try," Hazel encouraged with a smile.
Gathering all her courage, Erin took a deep breath and walked toward Ethan, who was standing near the garden outside the hall. Her hands trembled, but she forced herself to speak.
"Ethan," she said softly.
He turned with a kind smile. "Yes, Erin?"
Her voice shook, but she managed to continue. "I… I wanted to tell you something. You've always been so special to me. I care about you more than just a friend. Ethan… I love you."
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Ethan looked at her with gentle eyes, but his words came like a heavy stone.
"Erin," he said quietly, "you are a very good friend to me. But I see you only as a friend… not more than that."
Her heart broke instantly. She tried to hold back the tears, but they came rushing out. Ethan gave her an apologetic look, then slowly walked away, leaving her behind.
Erin stood frozen, her chest aching. She couldn't control her sobs. Just then, Hazel ran to her side and wrapped her arms around her.
"Shh… it's okay, Erin," Hazel whispered softly. "I'm here. Don't cry alone."
But Erin cried in Hazel's arms, her dreams shattered, her heart full of pain.