"Am I... back in time? But how is that even possible?" Charlie's voice trembled as he stared at the framed photo of his parents on the wall. His hands shook as he traced the cool glass with uncertain fingers. His faint reflection blended with the smiling faces of his parents, and for a moment, the line between memory and reality seemed to blur. Confusion and disbelief crashed over him, leaving him breathless. "Mom... Dad... what's going on?" he whispered, barely audible, his thoughts spinning as fear and disbelief closed in on him.
He staggered back and sank into the nearest dining chair, the open laptop on the table casting a pale glow across his face. That morning, when he first woke up, he was frozen in shock after seeing his younger self in the bathroom mirror, a sight that had nearly made him scream. Panic quickly followed, pushing him to search for any news about the Miller family. He had expected to find the tragic headlines that had haunted him for years, stories of their murder and the mystery behind it. But there was nothing. No death, no sorrow. Instead, the articles spoke of their success, their thriving businesses, and the respect they held in the community.
Charlie's eyes fell on a worn photograph lying next to his laptop, a picture he had secretly taken of Silver years ago in their university library. She had been perched quietly on a windowsill, completely absorbed in a thick hardcover book. The morning sun had poured through the glass, catching in her golden hair until it glowed like threads of silk. He remembered how still she had been, lost in her own world, unaware that someone was watching her with quiet admiration. That single moment had stayed with him for years. He could not even count how many times he had looked at the photo, especially on the nights when memories of her felt too distant to bear. Somehow, it had always comforted him, as if holding on to that image kept a part of her close.
Silver always seemed like someone from another world, untouchable but impossible to ignore. Despite her cold attitude, there was a quiet charm that drew people in. Most didn't dare to get too close. It wasn't just her striking beauty that set her apart, but also the sharp intensity in her eyes, showing she could handle whatever life threw at her. Her personality matched her gaze, direct and unreservedly honest.
She never hesitated to put people in their place when needed. There was a confidence about her that made others step back, a presence that demanded respect and caution. People admired her from afar, knowing she would never be easy to approach or truly understand.
Charlie had always admired Silver from afar. He never approached her because he felt they lived in different worlds. While Silver came from a wealthy family, he was from an ordinary one, and that difference made him believe he could never get close to her or confess his feelings. What no one realized was that Silver's coldness was actually a shield. Beneath that tough exterior, she struggled to connect with people outside her family. She was afraid that letting others in would make her vulnerable, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for that kind of risk.
"I promise you, Silver," he whispered softly, his voice thick with emotion, "this time, nothing will happen to you or your family."
After a tearful yet playful breakfast, Silver went to the grocery store to pick up a few items for her mother. The tears had been hers alone, though she never revealed their cause. Her family's warmth and affection had comforted her deeply. The lighthearted teasing around the breakfast table had lifted her spirits, reminding her of the love that still bound them together. These simple moments strengthened her resolve to protect the ones she loved.
Stepping outside with a sigh, Silver glanced at the list in her hand. It was Sunday, her day to run errands. In their household, each person had a designated day for chores, except Ruby, who was still too young to go out alone. If Ruby wanted to go, their mother always made sure she was accompanied.
Though the Millers were wealthy, they chose to live in a modest home with a swimming pool, a well-tended garden, and spacious rooms for each family member. The electric front gate opened with a soft hum, leading into a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood filled with manicured lawns and the laughter of children playing in yards. Despite their riches, the neighborhood felt peaceful and simple.
Neighbors greeted Silver as she passed by, their smiles warm and familiar. She returned their greetings politely but kept her responses brief. Trust did not come easily after everything she had been through. Still, there was comfort in the routine familiarity of these small interactions, a reminder that not everything in her life had to be complicated.
As Silver approached the small family-owned supermarket at the corner, the scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the air, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The cheerful jingle of the doorbell rang as she stepped inside, greeted by the cozy atmosphere and the friendly faces of the shopkeepers who had known her family for years. Unlike the cold, sterile aisles of the larger chain stores, this place felt warm and personal, filled with shelves that carried both necessities and little treats that reminded her of childhood. Silver moved through the store with quiet efficiency, placing items from the list into her basket one by one. When she passed the candy section, she paused with a small smile, remembering Ruby's request, and carefully chose the sweets she knew her little sister loved most.
At the counter, Mrs. Thompson stood with her usual cheerful energy. The elderly cashier had kind eyes and a voice that felt as warm and comforting as a blanket on a cold day. She greeted each customer with genuine care, asking about their families and remembering the small details of their lives that made each person feel valued.
"Good morning, Mrs. Harris, how is your son doing? And Thomas, back for your usual?" she said with a friendly chuckle, her tone full of familiarity.
Silver smiled softly as she watched the friendly exchanges, feeling a quiet sense of comfort in the simple kindness of the moment. Mrs. Thompson had always been like this, treating every customer as though they were an old friend rather than just another face in line. When it was finally Silver's turn, Mrs. Thompson's expression brightened even more, her eyes crinkling with warmth as if seeing her had made the morning a little better.
"Well, if it isn't Silver! Lovely to see you, dear," Mrs. Thompson said warmly as she began ringing up Silver's items. "How are your parents and sisters? And is Ruby all better now? I haven't seen her in a while."
Silver remembered that Ruby had been sick around this time. "They're all doing well, thank you. Ruby is better now and just as lively as ever."
Mrs. Thompson smiled warmly. "That's such a relief to hear. She's always such a sweet girl, so polite whenever she comes with your mother. We all missed her around here, even Dolly."
Silver smiled softly. "I'll be sure to tell her." Dolly was Mrs. Thompson's dog.
Mrs. Thompson gave Silver a playful look. "And you, Silver, you're glowing and becoming more beautiful every time I see you. Still single?"
Unconsciously, her mind drifted to Charlie, and she nodded with a shy smile.
Mrs. Thompson laughed gently. "Still waiting for the right one, I suppose? Well, don't worry. When the time's right, it'll happen."
Silver offered a small smile as she paid. After taking her bags, she thanked Mrs. Thompson and bid her farewell. "Have a good day."
"You too, Silver. Take care," Mrs. Thompson replied warmly.
Stepping outside, Silver came to an abrupt halt, her heart skipping a beat as she spotted Charlie standing just outside in the sunlight, clearly surprised to see her and momentarily frozen in place.
His presence hit her like a wave. Time slowed. He looked younger, more vibrant, yet deeply familiar. Their eyes met. For a moment, the noise of the world vanished.
Charlie had not expected this. He had come to check on the Millers, driven by a desperate need to confirm they were truly alive. He paced the street three times, hoping to catch a glimpse of them, but saw no one. Still, the house looked undisturbed from the outside, quiet and calm. He let out a deep breath, allowing himself a moment of relief. Maybe they were safe after all.
He started to head back to his car parked at the side of the road but paused. Something, whether it was intuition or unease, compelled him to stop at the store before leaving.
And then he saw her.
She stepped out of the store with bags in her hands.
Silver.
She was radiant as ever, her golden hair glowing like a halo, those bright green eyes just as vivid as he remembered. His breath caught. For a moment, the world tilted. Relief surged through him, hot and blinding, chased by disbelief and a deep, unspoken longing that settled heavy in his chest.
Every part of him wanted to close the distance, to reach out and make sure she was real, that she was alive and not some cruel trick of fate. But fear held him back. They weren't close, and he worried that rushing forward might only push her away. So he stayed rooted where he was, heart pounding, struggling to process the shock.
Silver noticed his hesitation, the tension in his posture, and the storm of strong emotions in his eyes. Suddenly, it became clear to her: he had come back in time too. A smile bloomed on her lips, warmth filling her chest as she realized she was not alone. Slowly and deliberately, she walked toward him, each step matching the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.
When she reached him, her voice was soft but steady. "Hi, Charlie."
He stared at her, stunned. They had never spoken before, and she couldn't have known his name. How did she know? His mind whirled, caught between confusion and a rush of overwhelming emotion.
"Aren't you glad to see me alive?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with both mischief and warmth. The question caught him off guard, but it wrapped the moment in something strangely intimate, as if they had already shared a lifetime together.
Before he could say a word, Silver dropped her bags and threw herself into his arms, clinging to him with a desperation that took his breath away. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her body pressing close as if trying to merge with him. Charlie froze, stunned by the sudden contact, then steadied himself and embraced her fully. His arms circled her with instinctive urgency, holding her like a lifeline. She was warm, trembling, and undeniably real. He closed his eyes and tightened his grip, afraid that if he let go, she would vanish all over again.
Being taller than Silver, Charlie lowered his head, his face resting lightly against the curve of her neck. She smelled of citrus with the sweet scent of rose, a fragrance that stirred something deep inside him. They stayed like that, wrapped in each other, as the world around them faded into silence. Eventually, Silver slowly pulled back, her hands resting gently on his shoulders. Her eyes met his, soft and serious, as if trying to read all the unspoken words on his face.
"Thank you for loving me for so long," she said quietly. "And thank you for searching for our killer." These were the words she had wanted to say first, no matter what.
Charlie stared, overwhelmed by the weight of her words. How did she know about his feelings? About the investigation? His mind raced, but the words got stuck in his throat. His chest tightened as waves of emotion washed over him.
Unable to find the right words, he pulled her back into an even tighter embrace, silently conveying everything he felt. His heart pounded fiercely as he vowed to protect her and her family, no matter the cost.
Later, in a cozy coffee shop near the supermarket, they sat across from each other, drinks untouched.
"Do you remember everything?" Charlie asked cautiously.
"No, not everything," Silver admitted quietly, her voice trembling slightly. For a moment, her eyes looked away, clouded with pain and confusion, before settling back on him. "I remember we were killed because someone wanted revenge. They hired men, and they all wore black, but the details are blurry. I can't recall who they were or why. It's like there's a wall I can't break through."
Charlie reached across, covering her hands with his. "It's alright. We'll find the killer before they can hurt you or your family again."
Silver smiled gently. "Thank you."
They sat silently for a moment, the weight of their shared mission heavy between them. Then Silver's voice softened. "I saw you come every day."
Charlie blinked, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"I lived like a spirit," she said quietly. "The day you confessed your feelings is the day we came back. Do you remember?"
Charlie nodded slowly, his heart full. "Yes, I remember. And I'll say it again. I love you, always. Even if you don't feel the same way yet, at least let me protect you and your family this time."
"Thank you for loving me, Charlie," Silver said softly.
Hearing his name from her lips felt like heaven to him, like something sacred he had longed for. But deep down, he sensed where this was heading. A quiet fear crept into his chest. He had hoped, truly hoped, that with time he might have a chance to make her fall for him. But was he about to be rejected already?
His heart sank, bracing for a gentle goodbye. He looked into her eyes, trying to prepare himself for the pain that might follow. But then, something shifted in her expression. It wasn't distance or hesitation. It was something warm. Something bold.
Silver suddenly stood, her movements graceful and sure. She picked up the red rose resting in the small vase on their table. To Charlie's shock, she walked around the table and knelt before his chair.
"Can I be your girlfriend?" she asked, her voice sincere, her eyes filled with affection that made his breath catch.
Charlie blinked, stunned, his heart thundering. Slowly, he stood, helped her to her feet, and took the rose from her hands as if it were the most precious thing in the world.
"I'd be the happiest man if you were my girlfriend," he said softly. "But I want more. I love you too much to settle for that. I want you in my life forever, not just for now. I want you as my partner in everything. I promise to love and protect you always."
Tears welled in Silver's eyes as she gazed at him, her heart swelling with emotion. "And I promise to love you, Charlie, for as long as you'll have me. To stand by you through everything."
Charlie pulled Silver into a tight embrace, resting his face against her shoulder. In that moment, the weight of their past pain began to lift, replaced by the hope of a future they would build together. Whatever challenges awaited them, they would face them side by side.
Meanwhile, the patrons in the shop fell completely silent, moved by the raw honesty between them. For a moment, no one spoke. Then an older woman began to clap, her hands coming together with firm, steady applause. One by one, others joined in. Soon, the small shop was filled with gentle clapping and warm smiles, as people quietly congratulated the couple.
Charlie and Silver slowly pulled apart, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared understanding. They turned to those around them, offering soft smiles and quiet words of thanks. The support from strangers felt like sunlight breaking through clouds, wrapping them both in a sense of hope.
Together, they believed they could change fate.