Still in the Past

  A Few Months Before the Alpha Earthquake

  Victoria's House

  During Victoria's seventh birthday, Téo, who was the same age, decided to attend after being invited to Victoria's house, to play with her and sing "Happy Birthday." He enjoyed her company in both the classroom and the school cafeteria where they spent time together.

  [Téo – Whispering, Concerned & Attentive] ...Victoria? Why are you crying? Your party has so many fun things... [Sighing, Confused & Attentive] –

  By choosing to attend her birthday, Téo unknowingly took the first steps toward a new level of friendship between them, even at such a young age.

  [Téo – Whispering, Concerned & Attentive] ...I know nobody from our class came to your party, but... [Comforting & Happy Laughter] –

  Because from that day onward, he would feel, in Victoria's presence, a growing sense of happiness and tranquility.

  [Téo – Whispering, Concerned & Attentive] You know they're all idiots and they'll regret it, because... This is definitely the best birthday in the whole world! [Playful & Joyful Laughter] –

  He already considered her a very special friend in his life, having recently arrived in the city with his older brother, Kalik, and Victoria having stayed by his side in the park when he had gotten separated from Kalik.

  Victoria then returned to the present moment, remembering that special time. She was still alone in her bedroom, gazing at that photo taken by her father, David.

  Her eyes trembled as tears flowed without her noticing. It had become the most significant moment in her life up to the present, now at nine years old.

  This photo was not just another among many birthdays that could come or had already passed—it was the best of them all, because Téo had been there, genuinely wanting to celebrate her special day with her.

  Téo's actions and playful manner showed that he truly thought Victoria was a really great girl, even though everyone in class spoke otherwise after an earlier incident involving a younger student at school.

  Victoria, looking at that photo—the only one that proved Téo's existence—felt warmth in her chest as she recalled the wonderful feeling of celebrating her birthday with her first and only best friend present.

  Even as the only classmate there, Téo was smiling, sharing cake with her on the balcony of her house, set amidst an extensive cornfield.

  Victoria remembered vividly, her eyes closing as tears fell, trying to keep a happy smile trembling on her lips.

  Even in that bittersweet nostalgia, the moment before the photo she now held was taken by her father was unforgettable.

  [Echoing Voice of Téo (7 years old) from the Past] Please, Mr. David, go ahead! She smeared me with cake!! [Cheerful Sigh] –

  Revealing Téo laughing, hugging Victoria and not letting her escape the photo, while she laughed joyfully at the tickles from her older brother Harry, who was also hugging her so Victoria ended up making a funny face in the photo next to her friend Téo.

  [Voice of Victoria (7 years old) from the Past] Oh no! I'm not letting you take a photo of me all covered in cake, Daddy!! [Playful & Happy Laughter] –

  In that very moment of joy between Victoria, Téo, and Harry, David held his camera, witnessing the scene unfold as if time slowed down before his eyes.

  David watched the three of them there, in that magical moment, and finally decided to take the photo after they all looked at him, smiling and laughing.

  Victoria, in the present, sat alone in her room, recalling all of this so vividly while still holding the photo in her hands, as the cheerful and joyful laughter echoed in her mind, coming from a happier past.

  [Victoria (9 years old) – Nostalgic & Happy Whisper] Teo, you were the only one who came to my birthday that day. You... [Trembling & Slightly Tearful Breath] –

  Spontaneously, Victoria formed a beautiful smile on her lips, no longer trembling, as she remembered Teo with such affection and longing.

  At the same time, her tears continued to fall down her face, landing on the only photo that physically proved Teo's existence in a world that seemed to tell Victoria otherwise.

  [Victoria (9 years old) – Nostalgic & Happy Whisper] You were the one who made that day with my family the most special and magical of all. [Trembling & Slightly Tearful Breath] –

  Immediately, after whispering these heartfelt words, she cried in complete silence, her sobs quiet but deep. Victoria kept a happy smile on her lips, even as the suffocating pain of Teo's absence from her life pressed unbearably.

  [Victoria (9 years old) – Nostalgic & Happy Whisper] I miss you so much... [Trembling & Slightly Tearful Breath] –

  Victoria's legs began to weaken, causing her to collapse to her knees on the floor, still holding the photo, smiling and crying as the tightness in her chest seemed to grow heavier and heavier.

  [Victoria (9 years old) – Trembling & Painfully Happy Whisper] Teo... [Shaky & Tearful Breath] –

  Until, amidst the silence of the world around her, she heard Teo's voice, cheerful and attentive, telling her that she was the best friend in the world.

  And that together, they would conquer the world, just like in the cartoons they had loved watching together so many times at her house over the weekends.

  This suffocating yet liberating silence filled Victoria's room, while, fortunately, the bedroom door was closed, ensuring that no one else in the house could disturb this intimate moment.

  [Teo (9 years old) – Faint & Motivated Echoing Voice] I have to get up, I... [Strong Cough] –

  [Victoria (9 years old) – Trembling & Painfully Happy Whisper] I wonder where you must be at this very moment, my big rascal... [Shaky & Tearful Breath] –

  [Teo (9 years old) – Faint & Motivated Echoing Voice] ...I have to stay strong. I can't give up!! [Dry & Painful Cough] –

  Victoria whispered Teo's name repeatedly, wishing with all her strength that he were there with her. With every whispered call, she silently begged for him.

  Her mind seemed to recall a different, softer smile from Teo, the one he used to wear while playing with her before that fateful day when he mysteriously disappeared two years ago.

  [Teo (9 years old) – Faint & Motivated Echoing Voice] Victoria... [Slightly Faltering Breath] –

  [Victoria (9 years old) – Trembling & Painfully Emotional Whisper] Teo... [Shaky & Tearful Breath] –

  Even amidst all of this, Victoria maintained a smile on her lips, tears streaming down her face and falling to the floor, as she looked down, remembering countless simple but joyful moments at school with Teo.

  There she was, kneeling on the floor, hugging that photo of Teo with her and her brother, Harry.

  In that moment, Victoria wished she could embrace the photo so deeply that Teo himself would become that photo.

  She was overwhelmed by longing, mixed with the pain of not having him by her side for the past two birthdays.

  [Victoria (9 years old) – Deeply Emotional & Tearful Whisper] I want you so much by my side, Teo. [Deep Breath] –

  That simple photo from one of her birthdays became the most important one of all, because it was the only proof that Teo truly existed in the world outside that room.

  [Victoria (9 years old) – Deeply Emotional & Tearful Whisper] Because without you... my days have grown sadder and lonelier, my dear Teo. [Deep Breath] –

  All while the adults, even her own parents, David and Mila, tried to tell her that Teo was nothing more than a figment of her innocent mind, a product of the fear she had experienced during the building collapse two years ago.

  Present

  A Few Minutes Later

  Inside the School

  In the Main Hallway

  Returning to the present, Victoria, who had initially been in front of the school reminiscing about her special day with Téo.

  Now found herself in the hallway near her classroom, putting away her bag and retrieving her notebook and textbook from her school locker.

  Many students were talking and walking along the hallway, with only a few minutes left before the bell signaling the start of class.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Melancholic & Calm Voice] I was the only one left in the whole world who could remember you, Téo... [Deep & Sad Sigh] -

  Victoria took a deep breath as she closed and locked her locker, memories of one of the last times she and Téo had played together three years ago coming to mind—he had been smiling and laughing, calling to Victoria joyfully.

  [Students' Laughter Echoing, Cheerful & Animated]

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Melancholic & Calm Voice] In the face of all this, I... [Deep & Sad Sigh] -

  The memory caused Victoria to feel as if the world slowed down around her, accompanied by a sudden tightening in her chest that peaked for less than two seconds.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Melancholic & Calm Voice] I still feel such longing for you... [Deep & Sad Sigh] -

  As this thought echoed in her mind, Victoria, still holding the locker handle after closing it, decided to take another deep breath and head toward her classroom.

  [Students' Laughter Echoing, Cheerful & Animated]

  At that moment, Victoria wished only to occupy her mind with something beyond her own problems and her past, trying to prevent that particular day connected to Téo from becoming even more painful than it already was.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Melancholic & Calm Voice] The worst part of all this wasn't that you disappeared so mysteriously that day three years ago... [Deep & Sad Sigh]

  [Students' Laughter Echoing, Cheerful & Animated]

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Melancholic & Calm Voice] ...The worst part was that you were erased from the minds of everyone who ever knew of your existence, leaving only me to remember you. [Deep & Sad Sigh]

  Victoria then lifted her gaze, which had been lowered, focused on the locker handle. At that moment, her look was distant, yet carrying a feeling still unknown to her, like gentle embers quietly burning in her heart.

  [Students' Laughter Echoing, Cheerful & Animated]

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Melancholic & Calm Voice] I feel so much anger and guilt for being alive right now... [Deep & Painful Sigh]

  After speaking these words to herself for the first time in three years of pain, Victoria decided to head toward her classroom. At that exact moment, the hallway was filled with students doing the same.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Whispering, Disbelieving & Frozen] That laugh I just heard... I know it very well. [Trembling & Slightly Faltering Breath]

  [Students' Laughter Echoing, Cheerful & Animated]

  However, amidst all these emotions bubbling in Victoria's heart—flooded with melancholy and simultaneously the blossoming of a more intense, unknown feeling—she remembered the past with Téo before the collapse three years ago.

  Victoria heard a laugh echoing in the distance at the far end of the hallway, barely noticeable at first among the others.

  At first, it seemed to come from a random person, but as it resonated through the hallway, bringing a gentle lightness to her body, Victoria felt it like a soft breeze, lightly moving her long hair and causing a slight shiver down her spine.

  Her eyes immediately focused toward the end of the hallway, among all the students present, moving almost instinctively toward the exact source of that unforgettable laugh, heard again after so long.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Whispering, Disbelieving & Frozen] Wait... [Deep Breath & Slightly Panting]

  Téo, now 10 years old, appeared, talking with one of the teachers to get information about the classroom he would start attending that term before the middle of the year.

  [Téo (10 years old) – Slightly Echoing & Happy Voice] Thank you very much, Professor Dariam. [Subtle, Grateful Laugh]

  [Professor Dariam – Calm & Attentive Voice]

  No problem, I'm here to help you. If you have any questions, I'll be in your classroom during the penultimate class today.

  [Téo (10 years old) – Slightly Echoing & Happy Voice] I understand... So, once again, thank you very much, Professor Dariam. [Trembling Breath & Frozen]

  A new breeze entered through the open windows of the hallway, gently swaying the students' clothes and hair, including Victoria's long, beautiful hair.

  [Téo (10 years old) – Slightly Echoing & Happy Voice] Victoria... [Failed Sigh] –

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Whispering, Incredulous & Trembling with Happiness] Téo... [Trembling, Tearful Breath] –

  Victoria's wide, disbelieving eyes reflected the image of Téo, his short, white hair standing out just a few meters away.

  He also looked into the depths of Victoria's eyes, completely unreactive. At that moment, he held his bag, still unmoved by the moment, thinking he might need to reveal a little more for it to fully happen.

  Téo realized that Victoria had recognized him immediately, even after her face had changed in the three years they had been apart. A joyful, happy smile formed on his slightly trembling lips.

  He rejoiced that she recognized him so easily, unlike the rest of the world, which had simply forgotten his existence after what he had been forced to choose for the sake of the person he cared for most, three years ago, during the collapse at Karsurik Mall.

  Victoria's eyes began to fill with tears, while at the same time the notebook and books she was holding slipped from her hands to the floor.

  Her body seemed to lose strength, especially in her arms, trembling slightly at what she was witnessing in that moment.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Whispering, Incredulous & Emotionally Trembling] Téo? It's really you, isn't it... [Panting, Tearful Breath] –

  Instinctively, Téo began to walk calmly toward her, weaving between the students in his path, a happy yet slightly emotional smile on his lips, longing at that moment to embrace her tightly after these long three years of absence from Victoria's life.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Whispering, Incredulous & Emotionally Trembling] I don't want this to be just in my head... [Panting, Tearful Breath]

  At the same time, Victoria began walking toward Téo as well, paying no attention to the notebooks and books that had fallen from her hands.

  She stepped over her belongings, feeling her heart beat faster and faster as the distance between her and Téo decreased, centimeter by centimeter.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Whispering, Incredulous & Emotionally Trembling] Please... [Panting, Tearful Breath]

  Téo kept a joyful smile on his lips, his eyes slightly misty, revealing tears of happiness at finally finding her, and not only that, but also for being recognized so quickly now that he was a little older than when he had been seven, three years ago.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Whispering, Incredulous & Emotionally Trembling] Please let all of this be real... Please... Please... Please!!!! [Panting, Tearful Breath]

  And then, in a single second, Victoria, who had been walking with slightly trembling and calm steps, suddenly surged forward in a surprising sprint, shouting Téo's name, a trembling, emotional smile fully painted across her face in the glow of genuine happiness.

  Everyone around was left puzzled as she dashed past, weaving through the students who parted for her, watching her cry as she ran with all her strength poured into every fiber of her muscles, while her hair danced wildly in the wind.

  Seeing this, Téo immediately felt in his own heart a sensation he hadn't experienced in such intensity for a long time—an emotion so overwhelming that it made him feel sheer joy.

  As if the world slowed down and he could witness nothing less than Victoria, before reaching him, leaping into his arms with a surreal display of joy and happiness.

  Instantly, Téo rushed forward as well, embracing her and lifting her into the air, smiling and overjoyed at all the affection she was giving him.

  He spun her around as he held her tightly, feeling at the same time Victoria's equally strong embrace, trying with all his might to hold back his tears.

  But all those tears began to fall, streaming down his face, in response to the profound feeling he had longed for—the unparalleled intensity of finally being able to hug the person he loved most in the entire world.

  In this crucial moment for Victoria and Téo, marking the peak of their lives up to that point, the environment transformed completely.

  Before their eyes, as they looked into each other's depths, a sensation so special washed over them that it felt as if their hearts were once again intimately connected.

  The entire school and its long corridor, once tinged with slightly gray hues for both before their reunion, now radiated in vibrant, saturated tones.

  Reminiscent of the liveliness they had seen in each other's eyes three years ago, when they were young and inseparable in their brief yet significant childhood together.

  [Téo (10 years old) – Emotional & Tearful Voice] Victoria... [Trembling & Joyful Breathing] –

  With smiles and tears of joy falling from their faces to the floor, Téo and Victoria finally embraced in a way so comforting and beautiful that they stopped spinning.

  Giving new meaning to this moment—not only special but profoundly unforgettable for both from that point onward.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Emotional & Happy Thoughts] My dearest Téo... [Sobbing & Emotional Breathing]

  For amidst so many emotions and conflicting feelings in their hearts as they held each other, a smoldering sensation burned stronger, initially something unknown to them both.

  Yet simultaneously carrying a profound sense of safety in being so close to one another once again.

  [Téo (10 years old) – Emotional & Moved Voice] I'm sorry it took me so long to come back to you, my best friend... [Trembling & Joyful Breathing] –

  A silence filled the corridor, and all the people—from students to teachers—who couldn't understand what was happening around them seemed to vanish.

  Leaving only Victoria hugging Téo tightly in the midst of that corridor, now alive with vibrant colors.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Emotional & Moved Voice] You don't need to apologize, I... [Sobbing & Emotional Breathing] –

  Realizing the power of Victoria's simple, tight embrace, Téo smiled, slightly moving his face back to look directly into her tearful, joyful eyes, giving her a smile so unique and perfect in his eyes.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Emotional & Moved Voice] I only ask you one thing, you big troublemaker... [Sobbing & Emotional Breathing] –

  Victoria felt the gentle touch of one of Teo's hands caressing her face, as she now watched Teo look at her up close.

  Noticing how much she had changed over the past three years—not only in appearance, but also in her gaze, now so beautiful despite being glistening with tears.

  [Teo (10 years old) – Emotional & Moved Voice] What would this one thing be, you big troublemaker? [Cheerful & Happy Breathing] –

  In that very moment, Victoria looked at him with cheeks slightly flushed, her gaze clearly conveying that mysterious feeling to Teo, making his heart skip irregularly for a few brief moments.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Emotional & Moved Voice] Please don't ever disappear from my life again, Teo... [Choked & Emotional Breathing] –

  [Teo (10 years old) – Emotional & Incredulous Whisper] Victoria... [Trembling & Slightly Broken Breathing] –

  They looked at each other, both with teary eyes, gently wiping each other's tears in such a sweet and affectionate way, all while unknowingly synchronizing their hearts in an even more special manner.

  [Teo (10 years old) – Emotional & Crying Voice] Yes, I promise you... [Slightly Deep Breathing] –

  And in just a few moments, this new connection of their hearts was forged through those exchanged glances.

  They themselves didn't fully realize it, still too young to understand such complex emotions and feelings at first.

  Yet, something amidst all of this had changed forever between the two best friends, who were now once again reunited in a tight embrace.

  [Teo (10 years old) – Crying & Happy Voice] I won't go anywhere for a long, long time, Victoria! [Deeply Joyful Breathing] –

  A Few Minutes Later

  On the School Terrace

  Téo and Victoria were seen sitting on a bench, side by side. She held Téo's hand as the two of them gazed at the city before them from the terrace on such a beautiful day.

  Which seemed even more beautiful to Victoria's eyes at that moment. They were there, hidden, as classes had already started.

  Yet, despite everything, Téo and Victoria decided to have a more private moment together.

  After three long years without seeing each other since the earthquake that buried them at the Karsurik Mall—and mysteriously caused Téo to disappear while only Victoria was found unconscious.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Happy & Slightly Tearful Voice] Now we're alone, Téo. You have so much to tell me, really, you big pain, but... [Deep & Slightly Trembling Breath] –

  [Téo (10 years old) – Whispering, Happy & Slightly Curious Voice] But?" [Soft & Concerned Breath] –

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Anxious & Slightly Tearful Voice] But before you talk about everything that happened exactly that day three years ago, answer me one thing first, okay? {Slightly Faltering Breath} –

  Hearing those words, loaded not only with love for him but also with the fear that it might all end somehow, after finally holding his hand at that moment.

  Téo responded immediately, holding it a little tighter, trying to calm Victoria's heart, which he could feel beating fast just from being in his grasp.

  [Téo (10 years old) – Happy & Reassuring Voice] I'll answer whatever you want, knowing what I made you suffer over the past three years, my dear friend... [Deep & Happy Sigh] –

  Immediately upon hearing those words, Victoria felt her heart beat in a slightly erratic rhythm.

  At that moment, Victoria lowered her gaze, wishing with all her strength that this wasn't just a product of her imagination.

  That after this encounter, Téo would disappear from her life again, even if it cost her everything she had to offer, from the depths of her heart.

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Melancholic & Painful Voice] Why did you disappear after I was finally rescued by the firefighters that day? –

  Upon hearing that question, Téo felt Victoria's hand squeeze his as if she instinctively didn't want him to let go again.

  He noticed Victoria looking down, her gaze partially hidden by the strands of hair falling over her face.

  [Téo (10 years old) – Guilty & Sad Voice] That day, I... I had to choose between two painful options, one of them being losing you right before my eyes, or... [Deep Breath] –

  [Victoria (10 years old) – Whispering, Faltering & Unresponsive] Don't tell me you... [Deep & Slightly Trembling Breath] –

  [Téo (10 years old) – Guilty & Sad Voice] The second choice was to sacrifice everything I had at my disposal to save you. [Deep & Slightly Tearful Breath] –

  Even so, Téo could still see the subtle, silent tears falling from her eyes onto her slightly trembling legs, as her hands were also trembling at that exact moment under Téo's attentive gaze.

  [Téo (10 years old) – Guilty & Sad Voice] And faced with those two such painful choices, without thinking twice, I... I chose you that day, Victoria... [Deep & Slightly Tearful Breath] –