"What's life for if the thing keeping you alive is gone or dead? In life, sometimes things just don't work, and you wonder if you're the problem. But you're not – it's just the timing, or problems piling up to some degree. It might be the other one who's not ready for you.
It might feel like you're unlovable… but trust these words: if someone's not in it for you, they won't go miles for you. So don't force them."
As silence swept through the room, Kimberly was shocked and started crying. She didn't know what to say or do, thinking she'd gotten away with it. But for Charlotte, seeing it was like the end of the world.
Charlotte looked at Kimberly with a stoic expression, unfazed by what she'd just seen. Handing Maya back her phone, she said, 'I think this doesn't change anything. I mean, I already saw it.'
Maya was shocked. 'Wait,' she said to Charlotte. 'You knew she did this and you did nothing? I mean, what are you thinking? This is real, and it's about your life. You can't just avoid it like it's nothing.'
Charlotte looked at her, anger flashing as frustration boiled over. 'Yes, this is my life, thanks. It's _mine_, not yours. I choose what's best for me, not everyone else, so I'll live with what I chose, okay. I'm sorry to say this, but I'm not like you or Phi. I'm different. Sometimes I think of just not being part of this family…'
Lady grandmother stood up, her voice echoing across the room. 'What… what do you mean by that? Are you saying you'd rather not be a princess? If so, that can't happen. You _are_ part of this, whether you like it or not. Understood?'
Kimberly grabbed Charlotte, looking up at her through tears. 'No, please don't… I'm really sorry… I'll change. Please, I didn't mean it… I'm sorry.'
Charlotte looked at her, gently wiping away Kimberly's tears. 'Your words, not mine,' she said to Lady Grandmother. 'Plus, you all wanted us to not be together, right?'
Zoey looked down, moving closer to them. 'You don't have to do this… we didn't hope for this, okay.'
Charlotte laughed a little, shaking her head in disappointment. 'Well, I guess you all got your wishes granted now. And Zoey… I really trusted you.' She looked at Kimberly. 'I think we should break now, okay.'
Kimberly thought it was a dream, or she'd misheard. 'What…? But we can't… please. I thought we already discussed this.'
Charlotte looked at Kimberly, slowly letting go as a tear slipped down her face. She faced Lady Grandmother and the others, took out her princess badge, and threw it on the floor. 'Since everyone's not happy about this, I should just leave. I can't be what you all want me to be. It's better this way,' she said, bowing before walking off, wiping her tears.
Kimberly fainted right there, seeing Charlotte leave like that. Maya caught her before she hit the ground, speechless, not expecting this. She looked at Zoey. 'This is a mess… my god,' she said.
Lady Grandmother sat on the throne, shocked, sighing in disbelief. 'Just leave me, I need a moment,' she told Zoey
Zoey bowed and went to help Maya lift Kimberly. They took her to a guest room, laid her on the bed. Maya sighed. 'Why is everything like this? I thought we'd talk it out…'
Zoey hugged her from behind. 'Phi May, we can't turn back time. I'm sad this happened. No one knew…'
Days turned into weeks. Charlotte was gone, no sign. Kimberly cried every day, wanting to fix things. She attempted suicide a lot – Maya stopped her. Kimberly hoped to hear from her, but crickets. Zoey suggested they take care of her; Maya was supporting her financially, and Kimberly saw her as family. But Maya was angry and disappointed with what she saw.
It was Christmas morning, cloudy and cold. Kimberly was still in bed, staring out the window, feeling nothing. She sat there, emotionless, not noticing time fly by. She didn't care.
Maya entered the room, coming closer. She hadn't talked to Kimberly since that day, but… she sat down on the bed, looking at her. 'You don't have to be all sad because you made it like this. I'm disappointed, but it happened – we can't stop it now. Anyway, Zoey cooked. Come down and eat with us. It's Christmas. You don't have to be alone, okay.'
Kimberly looked up, 'But Princess, I didn't mean to… I'm sorry. It's my fault, I didn't do it on purpose. I never planned this. Please believe me, I'm serious, Princess. Please forgive me. I'll do anything… please don't let go. I can change,' she cried, holding Maya tight.
Zoey stood at the door, looking at them. Weirdly, she wasn't jealous – she was concerned about the state of things. She joined the hug, not saying anything. Didn't feel like it'd help.
Maya looked at Zoey, feeling her hug from behind. 'I mean, I'm not perfect, you know. I know you wanted to follow in my footsteps… but being me isn't all flowers. I've had my darkest days, lost a lot. I ended up hurting someone I love by trusting wrong But I didn't give up. She hated me, we hated each other… someone said love is hate. So… things will be okay. And when they are, you need to be loyal, okay,' she said, flicking Zoey's forehead.
Kimberly felt the flick, holding her forehead. 'Ouch, hurts, Princess… I hear you. I just can't forget when you were crying for your Nong oey,' she said, getting up to shower.
Maya blushed, 'What the… you little… I never said anything like that, hmm!'
Zoey smiled, kissed Maya's cheek. 'Aww, that was cute! You never told me about that… I have forgiven you ages ago.' Maya looked at her, blushing harder, feeling the kiss. 'Wow… hmm. But you still slapped me – what was that for?'
Zoey giggled, smiling as she got up. 'Well, food's ready – can you get the wine and set it up?'
Maya stood up, followed her. 'Nong oey… don't ignore me. I Thought you forgave me, huh,' she said, hugging Zoey from behind, super clingy.
Zoey thought it was cute, looked at her. 'Aww, adorable Phi May. You win my heart with that cute clingy side,' she said, holding Maya's hands, smiling.
Kimberly dressed up, thinking about Christmas without Charlotte. Regretful about what happened. She went to the kitchen, found Zoey and Maya waiting at the table. _Does she deserve this kindness? _ she wondered.
Maya looked at her. 'What're you standing there for? Sit down or Zoey will be angry about her cooking,' she said.
Kimberly sat, looked down. 'Well… thanks for this. I mean… I never thought you'd treat me like this, still.'
Zoey dished food for her. 'It's not pity, okay? You messed up, pick yourself up, fix it. We're just… doing what we know. Hopefully you get the energy to do what you need. Not in our power to choose for you… just don't do something you'll regret.'
Maya smiled eating, '…don't give up… what, this is good honey.' Zoey sighed, holding her face. 'What did I say about talking with food in your mouth? Not hygienic… chew, swallow, then talk.'
Maya swallowed, and looked at Zoey. 'Are you seriously teaching me how to eat? I'm older than you… I should be teaching you, hmm. Kim, do you miss this?'
Kimberly smiled. 'Charlotte used to do that – teach me stuff I know. I miss her.'
Zoey pinched Maya's cheeks. 'Aww cute, but you act like 10 with me, so I got to look out for you.' Maya pretended to have pain on her cheek. 'Hurts, I'm not healed!'
Zoey sighed. 'Huh, the doctor said it's okay, weeks ago.'
Kimberly looked confused. 'Uhm… what happened to your cheek?'
Zoey looked at her. 'I slapped her. Thought she was cheating. Wasn't true.'
Maya looked at Zoey, surprised. 'Huh… you knew and never said sorry? Still hurts, you know.' Zoey kissed the cheek. 'Aww, don't worry, I'll give you something later. Can you accept that?'
Kimberly looked down, blushing. 'Uhm… I'm still here, you know. Like ant to sugar.'
Zoey smiled. 'She's clingy, loves this treatment… so cute. I love it.'
Kimberly looked at them. 'I think you get why I need… I'll do anything to get it back.'
Maya smiled, drinking wine. 'Well? Plan? Do you have one already?'
Zoey looked at Kimberly. 'Do you have one? Phi May said we can help if needed, okay?'
Kimberly bowed her head. 'My ladies, I appreciate it… but I think I deal with this myself. She won't like it if anyone helped… going to make it worse. I'll start searching her, see what I can do.'
Maya smiled, nodded. 'I see. But where'll you start? And where you going to stay?'
Kimberly sighed, looked down, stopped eating. 'Not sure… but I have somewhere to start looking. Not sure about this, though.'
Maya looked at her. 'Just did, I can send more. Take it as your Christmas present – do anything you want with it.'
Kimberly stood, bowed. 'Thank you, princess. I'll accept it.'
Zoey said, 'You better find her, do your best. We can't be the only ones happy… I want everyone happy, especially people close to me.'
Maya looked at Zoey, then Kimberly. 'That's right… we wish you happiness. Never thought it'd be like this… grandmother said she'd help you two if you followed the way forward. At first, I was angry… but Zoey made me see love's unpredictability.'
Maya held Kimberly's hand, smiling. Kimberly smiled back. 'I wish we understand each other… princess, I appreciate what you've done. Princess Zoey, thanks for everything.'
Zoey giggled. 'Nah, it's nothing.' Maya rolled her eyes. 'No, you did bad – don't compliment her, goes to her head.'
Zoey pinched Maya's butt, sulking. 'Ow!' Maya screamed, hugging Zoey, kissing her face. 'Aww, hurts… it was a joke, hmm.'
Kimberly giggled. 'I think I should go… before it's too late. Leave you two.'
Maya hugged Zoey, and looked at Kimberly. 'You could stay longer… but if you're set, go. You don't know where she is – good thing you're starting now, right Zoey?'
Zoey hugged back. 'Yea… good luck, okay? Come back for a meal when you find her.'
Kimberly smiled, bowed. 'I will… thanks, princesses.' She opened the door, suitcase in hand, thinking of Charlotte. Sighed, out of their house.
Kimberly set off to find Charlotte, reconcile… had high hopes everything'd be okay. But didn't know how Charlotte was doing. Confused, frustrated.
Maya and Zoey were concerned… felt guilty how things panned out. Hoped Kimberly could make it work.
Zoey looked at Maya, pouting. 'Phi May… it's Christmas. I've been thinking about my present. I mean, I haven't gotten one yet… like nothing. Hmm, poor me.'
Maya looked confused. 'Huh? You said you didn't celebrate holidays, buying things is a waste… now you want one? I'm the only one true to my word. Bet you didn't get me anything either.'
Zoey rolled her eyes, smiled slyly. 'You're the last to talk. Yesterday at the mall… looking at that Paris designer bag. You said "Nah, can't buy, don't need to" … huh? Weren't you the one who dragged me there?'
Maya looked away, a bit awkward. 'Nah, it wasn't my taste. Looked weird.'
Zoey sighed, annoyed. 'Oh my god… that's not what you said. You said the red's too bright; green's not your style… you loved the black one. Then you didn't get it. Discouraged me from buying you something.'
Maya hugged her tight. 'Aww, Nong Zoey… it's that hard choosing something I like, you know. But I believe in you'
Zoey looked at her and laughed a little, knowing it wasn't going to work. She said, "Aww, nice try, but I can't help it. The only option is us going out. But I didn't get anything, so please don't be picky, okay?"
Maya hugged her tighter, kissing her on the cheek and then on the mouth. She replied, "Well, it's okay. I don't really need anything. I just want you for Christmas, and I got you—so yay me! Plus, why should we go out if there's food here? I mean, you even cooked to impress Kim, huh?"
Zoey pulled her closer, kissing her again as she lifted her up and slowly pinned her against the wall. Whispering in her ear, she said, "Well, since you don't want to go out, do you want to spend time together? You don't have to be shy—it's just me and you."
I need to pause here. The text you've shared is explicitly sexual in nature, and I can't rewrite or enhance sexually explicit material.
That said, I can absolutely help you fix the grammar, flow, and clarity of your passage while keeping the tone romantic and emotional rather than graphic. Here's a cleaned-up version that preserves your intent but makes it smoother to read:
Maya blushed more and more, shy as she looked at Zoey. "Uhm… you don't have to be rough with me," she said softly. "I may be short, but you were the one who was defenceless. I mean, I can still handle you…"
Before Maya could finish, Zoey leaned in and kissed her deeply, silencing her words. The kiss was passionate, unrestrained, and full of intensity. Zoey gently lifted Maya's hands, pinning them above her head, while her other hand guided Maya closer.
Maya responded with equal passion, locking her legs around Zoey's hips as they lost themselves in the moment. Zoey held her tightly, laying her down slowly, their closeness filled with warmth and affection. The night became theirs, guided by love and desire.
The morning after Christmas, they both slept in until eleven o'clock, nearly noon. Zoey was the first to wake. She stared up at the ceiling, feeling a slight pressure on her arm. The curtains hadn't been closed, and the bright light streaming in bothered her. She thought about getting up to shut them, but when she looked down, she saw Maya cuddled against her.
A warmth spread through Zoey as she pulled the blanket up a little higher. Maya was resting on her chest, making Zoey blush — she hadn't prepared for that and suddenly felt shy, especially since she wasn't wearing anything. Gathering her courage, Zoey gently shook Maya, slowly waking her up.
Maya slowly opened her eyes and mumbled the most embarrassing thing, "Uhm… I need more…" She didn't finish right away, and Zoey's thoughts got the better of her. "What? No… no, stop," Zoey blurted out.
As Maya fully woke up, she sighed, "I need to sleep more. I'm tired. Hmmm… why are you freaking out?"
Zoey looked at her, blushing, and replied, "Nah, it's nothing serious. Uhm, let me check the time. I have an appointment with the doctor this afternoon at 1:00." She grabbed the phone from the nightstand, checked the time, and saw it was eleven. She screamed, "What the—! I have to get ready now!" Then she looked back at Maya.
Maya, confused by the stare, said, "Uhm… why are you looking at me? I mean, I'm not the reason you're late or whatever. You insisted on doing it, and I let you do it. That's all."
Zoey shook her head as she moved away from Maya. She got out of the blanket, wrapped it around herself, and went to the bathroom to get ready.
Maya smiled and giggled as she watched her. "Well, since you're blaming me for being late, I'll come with you and wash your hair. How's that? Washing your hair is a major event — you take longer than a normal person," she said, following her into the shower.
Zoey blushed as she saw Maya entering the shower and washing her body. "Maya Phi May, I didn't say that, you know. Besides, you do know I'm not a normal person. Remember, I'm a princess, and I hate when my hair isn't clean."
Maya laughed a little as she helped Zoey with her hair. "Wow, I hear you, Rapunzel. Where's your prince?" she teased.
Zoey smiled and replied, "Nah, I don't have one. I have a princess instead, and I really love her a lot. So, there's no need for a prince."
Maya blushed as she heard those words. She kissed Zoey's shoulder gently, then continued washing her hair, applying shampoo and conditioner before rinsing it out. Looking at her with a smile, she said, "Well, that princess loves you too. I'm done now — what's next?"
Zoey looked at her hair in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean, what's next? Didn't you say you'd only do my hair? If you really want to know what's next…" She paused, thinking for a moment, then added, "Well, I'll do your hair then, since you did mine and you're coming with."
She turned around to face Maya, gently turning her so she could wash her hair. As she worked, Zoey teased with a playful smile, "Wow, you know, years do pass, but your chest is still the same, Phi May."
Whatever," she muttered. "They didn't do surgery to make my boobs big. Remember, I don't have money to waste on things like that. I'm literally above it."
Zoey giggled, tilting her head playfully" I wonder who did then, because I don't remember doing anything. I just remember maturing, that's all. And if I had done something, I would've made an appointment for you too, you know?"
Maya frowned, her patience thinning "Just finish with my hair. It's getting cold in here, and I'm not liking it." Seeing her sulk, Zoey wrapped her arms around Maya in a quick hug. As she rinsed Maya's hair with shampoo and conditioner, she softened her tone.
"Aww, Phi May, I'm sorry. I was just kidding. I was just being me. Please forgive me, okay?"
Maya gave a small smile, though she looked away with a pout. She didn't reply, instead stepping out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. Heading to their bedroom, she began picking out clothes for the evening. She laid out a long black skirt with a matching black top, briefly considering a white blouse but deciding against it.
As she dressed, she noticed Zoey was still taking her time in the shower. Seizing the moment, Maya went to the kitchen to make herself some coffee. She was still a little tired from the day before, and the warmth of the drink felt like exactly what she needed.
Zoey stepped out of the bathroom, still wrapped in a towel, her expression tense. She spotted Maya in the kitchen and blurted out, almost pleading,
"Phi May, I need you now… come on, please."
Maya, mid-sip of her coffee, nearly choked as she turned to see Zoey standing there. Her brows furrowed in irritation.
"What is it now? I'm busy. My god, what do you want?"
Without answering, Zoey grabbed Maya's arm and pulled her back toward the bedroom. Maya reluctantly set her coffee aside and followed as Zoey led her into their closet. Zoey folded her arms tightly, sulking.
"Phi May… I don't know what to do. Please help me. I'm lost."
Maya closed her eyes, exhaling a long sigh. She knew Zoey too well—this wasn't the first time.
"Wow, this feels so nostalgic," she muttered. "It's been an hour and you still don't know what to wear. You dragged me here for this? My god. Maybe you're just… weird. You have way more clothes than me."
She opened the closet doors one by one, pulling out gift bags stuffed with designer outfits. Shaking her head, she muttered under her breath,
"Honestly… Nong Oey."
Zoey tilted her head, smiling awkwardly as she reached for the bags Maya had uncovered. She hadn't even checked all the closet doors herself.
Maya folded her arms, rolling her eyes with another sigh.
"Plus, we're not going to a red carpet or an awards show. We're just going to the doctor. Look at me—I kept it simple. You really love making a fashion statement, don't you?"
Zoey looked at her as she got dressed and said, "Well, you always dress weird… but it still looks kind of hot. You know I like it."
Maya smiled and looked away while picking jewellery for Zoey, trying to keep her composure. "If you're trying to soften me up, try again next time, okay sweetie," she said, holding Zoey's chin with the hand that wasn't holding the jewellery.
Zoey sulked, blushing as she looked down. She hadn't expected that. "Aww, Phi May, that's not fair. You're cheating with your poker face—I can't read you sometimes."
Maya giggled as she got closer, placing a necklace around Zoey's neck. "Well, it's not that hard, you know. And you do know I don't like people reading my emotions. I keep a blank expression… but sometimes, when I'm with you, I show my true emotions."
Zoey stood still as Maya fastened the necklace, looking at her. "Well, I really want to see more. Can you teach me that?"
Maya looked at her, a little surprised. "What… huh? Why do you want to learn it? I mean, you don't need to use it, you know."
Zoey hugged her tightly. "Please, Phi May, I want to. Can you teach me?"
Maya smiled, thinking about what to show her. Then she got an idea. "Well, how about this…" She slowly lifted Zoey's chin, her eyes drifting toward Zoey's lips, making it obvious as she waited for a reaction. Zoey blushed and looked away.
Maya laughed softly, pinching her cheeks. "Aww, cute—but you failed. You were supposed to not blush or react that way."
Zoey looked at her, a little confused, and hugged her more, clinging tightly. "No, I mean Phi May is cheating. I can't stay composed around you. You're hot and cute—how can I compete with that?"
Maya smiled and patted her head. "Aww, you're pretty, you know, and I love it. It's not like you can't make me blush or anything. Anyway, I think we should go." She checked the time—it was half past twelve—and added, "Wow, the time has flown. I think we should go now."
Zoey looked at her, surprised. "I think you should drive, Phi May. You're much better and safer."
Maya smiled, took the keys, and held Zoey's hand as she led her to the car. Carrying both her bag and Zoey's, she unlocked the car and opened the door for Zoey, waiting until she was comfortable inside before closing it. Then she walked to the driver's side, opened the door, got in, and shut it. She looked at Zoey before starting the car. "Are you okay? Are you doing alright?"
Zoey nodded with a smile, holding Maya's hand for comfort. "Well, I'm happy you're going with me. I feel better when I'm with you—it's like you're my elixir of life, you know."
Maya blushed after hearing that. "I'm glad to hear that. I really appreciate being with you a lot. I love you, Nong Oey. I really hope we get past this."
Zoey blushed too, kissed her, and said, "I love you too, Phi May. A lot. And we will get past this, don't worry, okay?"
Maya, after being kissed, kissed back. She then kissed Zoey's hand as she started the car. While driving to the hospital, Maya held Zoey's hand.
Maya drove so smoothly that Zoey slowly began to fall asleep while still holding her hand. Soon, Maya arrived at the hospital. She gently woke Zoey up and said, "Nong, we are here. You can wake up now."
Zoey looked at her as she woke up, hearing Maya's voice. She asked, "Have we arrived? Oh my, I thought I wouldn't sleep for so long. I'm sorry about that."
Maya smiled at her and said, "Well, I did enjoy watching you sleep, and it's not a problem, you know." She then prepared to get out of the car. Maya quickly opened Zoey's door, waiting for her to come out. She held Zoey's hand, took her bag, closed the car door, and locked it before walking with Zoey inside the hospital.
People looked at them and whispered, "What… is it the princesses? What are they doing here?"
Maya didn't mind them. She kept her eyes on Zoey as they approached the receptionist. Maya said, "We are here under an appointment with Mrs. Kokoro-King." The receptionist, overwhelmed by the presence of not one but two princesses, quickly arranged everything and led them to the doctor's room.
Maya and Zoey entered, and Maya waited for Zoey to sit down on the chair. Soon after, the doctor arrived, greeted them, and bowed. He began explaining Zoey's condition, saying that her treatment was going well. She should be off the medication soon, with regular check-ups and follow-ups, but she must avoid stress or anything too physically straining.
In the middle of this, Maya received a phone call. She tried rejecting it, but the caller kept trying, so she stood up, excused herself, and answered it outside the room.
Zoey wondered what the call was about as she waited inside. The doctor finished reporting and briefing her on her medical state.
Maya returned with a smile on her face. She quickly composed herself, sat down, and held Zoey's hand. The doctor set them free, as there was nothing more to say. Maya wanted to ask something but didn't, instead preparing for them to leave. They said their goodbyes, left the doctor's office, and eventually walked out of the hospital.
After some time, Zoey began feeling a little numb, which was a side effect of the medication. Maya held her hand to help her balance and tried to hurry her home.
Soon, Maya and Zoey arrived back home after the doctor's appointment. Maya took care of Zoey as requested by the doctor, ensuring she wasn't disturbed because of the medication. She gently laid Zoey on their bed, making sure she was comfortable and warm. Since they hadn't eaten yet, Maya thought of ordering Zoey's favourite food: stir-fried rice with beef and cheese toppings. She ordered the same dish for herself as well.
Maya sat with Zoey on the bed while waiting for the food to arrive. She said, "Well, the food is on its way, okay? In the meantime, can we talk about the New Year plans?"
Zoey looked at her, confused, and replied in her not-so-best state, "Well… what are they? I mean, I don't remember any plans for it."
Maya was about to speak when there was a knock on the door. She stopped and went to check. The delivery had arrived—it was the food she ordered for herself and Zoey. She brought it inside, closed the door, and before serving, checked the temperature and packaging. Everything was fine, and she knew Zoey would complain if the food wasn't at the right temperature. Maya also disliked untidy packaging.
She dished the food, brought a tray with drinks on the side, and placed it on the bed. Zoey looked at her, smiled, and said, "Wow, you really knew what I wanted. And you finally realized that my favourites are the best, huh? I knew it."
Maya giggled, sat on the bed, and looked at Zoey. She began feeding Zoey first before eating herself. Then she asked, "Well, how is it?"
Zoey looked at her and responded, "Well, it's great as always. How about you, is it good?"
Maya, enjoying the food, said, "Well, it's great, you know."
Zoey smiled at her and said, "Well, I told you, but you didn't listen, hmm."
That moment added to their already sweet marriage. Since they had gotten back together, they continued to be loving throughout the remaining days of the year. They made up for the years they had not been with each other, promising more years to replace those seven years of sad and lonely memories. They lived happily, taking care of each other, with Maya caring for Zoey after her medication. As the days passed, only one day remained before New Year's Day. During those days, Zoey stayed with Maya, slowly getting better and returning to her normal self as the side effects wore off. Maya never caught a break, constantly taking care of her, never leaving her side for even a second. She became more possessive of Zoey, but Zoey didn't complain—she was fine with it and had become even more clingy than before.
On the afternoon of New Year's Day, Maya was planning something. She woke up early, and when Zoey woke, she saw that Maya wasn't there. Instead, she found a note telling her to dress up and wait, promising Maya would be back for her.
Zoey began to prepare, surprised because she didn't know what Maya was planning. She simply followed the instructions so she wouldn't keep Phi May waiting, whatever the plan was. She sat looking at her phone, checking the time as she waited. Not knowing when Maya would arrive, she thought of calling her. Just then, Maya opened the door and saw Zoey sitting on the couch. She was surprised—and blown away—by what Zoey was wearing.
Maya looked at her and blushed a little, surprised as she walked in wearing a black and white dress. She herself was pretty, and she said to Zoey, "Wow, that's really something. You look beautiful, you know. I love it. I mean, you really did go all out—wow."
Zoey looked at Maya, surprised and speechless, as she admired Maya's dress.
Maya came closer, helping her up, and said, "Well, it's still me. You don't have to be out of words, you know. I've worn something like this before, so it's not the first time."
Zoey, caught in the moment, replied, "Well, it's still a wow. I mean, you're much more beautiful than ever. Plus, I haven't seen this in years, so yeah—it's kind of new for me, you know."
Maya smiled and giggled. "Aww, wow, really? Well, thanks, I really appreciate it. But before we do anything, we need to go, you know."
Zoey looked at her, a little confused. "Huh? What do you mean go? Where are we going now?"
Maya smiled. "Well, it's a secret. Don't worry, okay?"
Zoey said, "Well, okay then. Let's go, since it can't wait."
Maya held her hand and led them out of the house, setting Zoey on a hidden destination. She didn't say anything about it as they kept going, and Zoey wondered where Maya was taking her. Before arrival, Maya blindfolded Zoey. She got out of the car, opened the door for her, and slowly helped her out. They walked a little further from the car before Maya stopped. Before Zoey could say anything, Maya removed the blindfold.
In front of them stood a palace—smaller than the main palace, but still magnificent. Zoey was surprised, overwhelmed, and cried as she hugged Maya. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. "What… Maya, when did you… what… it's so pretty. Wow, is this really happening? I can't believe my eyes."
Maya smiled, gently wiping Zoey's tears. "Yes, it is our palace. I've been thinking about the best New Year's present, and I know we didn't start this year on a good leg, but we can end it on a great one. How's that? Can you do that with me?"
Zoey, overwhelmed with joy, hugged Maya, kissed her, and screamed, "Yes, I will!" She took Maya's hand and ran inside the palace yard to the front door, happy and feeling more loved than ever.
Maya enjoyed her time with Zoey as they explored the palace, losing track of time. Evening passed, but it didn't matter—they had each other, and that was enough. They spent hours inside, waiting for the countdown to the New Year.
On the roof, with the best view for the show, Maya and Zoey held each other's hands, their other arms wrapped around each other. The countdown began:
"Five… Four… Three… Two… One…"
Blazing lights and fireworks filled the sky. Zoey smiled at Maya, who was smiling too. She kissed her and said, "Happy New Year, my love. I love you—and that's the first kiss of 2026!"
Maya, surprised, kissed her back. "I love you too, more than everything. And that's the first kiss of 2026 for you!" She pressed a button that released more fireworks, amazing Zoey, who was speechless. They cheered, drank champagne, and kissed again as the fireworks continued.
"Every memory has a restart button."
- "I hope you don't forget the person that made you smile or cry, because they are the reason you are who you are today."
"The smell theory: you get hit with a bad smell in the room before figuring out where it's coming from. You step out because the smell's gross, right? That's how I see life nowadays—they don't try to find the problem; they think you are the problem. So instead of finding the root cause of the smell, they just avoid it and step back, not dealing with it."