Love's Redemption

Chris stayed silent.

Jewel's face was wet with tears as she said, "Chris, I can't live without you by my side. I don't know what to do without you."

Her voice was choked with emotion.

Still, Chris said nothing. Thinking that he had hung up, Jewel called out, "Chris... Chris? Are you there?"

She glanced at my phone, confirming that the call was still active.

"Chris..."

"Jewel, who said that you could go to my place? Didn't I warn you? Have you forgotten what I said?" Chris finally replied. Jewel's hand trembled as she clutched my phone.

"Chris, I had no other choice. I just want to protect this baby. You were the one that said nothing can happen to the child."

I couldn't help but let out a scoff. Just a few days ago, she wanted to get rid of the baby in front of lan's parents.

"Jewel, this is your last chance."

Chris' voice was as cold as the wintry chill.

"Chris..."

A beeping sound echoed as the call disconnected, and Jewel clasped the phone tightly.

"Chris? Chris..."

"Ms. Massey, could you give me back my phone? He hung up," I said, taking the phone from her.

Jewel staggered, looking like a lifeless body, as if her soul had been sucked out.

I didn't look back at her, nor did I care. I simply drove away.

Throughout the drive, I've been thinking about lan's death and what Jewel had said. When the car finally stopped, I was momentarily dazed, unsure how I made it to the Civil Registry.

Lately, I felt like I was drifting through life. Although nothing serious had happened yet, it was only a matter of time before trouble found me. I had to get myself together.

At the counter, I handed over my parents' cremation certificates with both hands. The clerk reviewed them stamped them, and then started typing on the computer.

"Wait a second," I called out.

"Yes?" the clerk asked, looking at me.

I stared at the computer screen displaying my parents' information and took out my phone to snap a photo.

"I'd like to keep a memento."

After taking the photo, the clerk

quickly completed the record

closure procedures. I stared at the photo I'd just taken, and couldn't tear my eyes away.

י.

They say a person is truly gone when they're forgotten when their final traces fade from the world.

As long as I'm alive, I won't forget my parents. But now, I can't even hold on to the pieces they left behind if I want to.

The proof of record closure in my hand, and the house that was about to be demolished, were all being erased bit by bit.

"It's done. Here are the documents."

The clerk finished the procedure and handed me the file.

I took the documents and walked out to my car.

Instead of driving off, I sat there, staring at the last page of my parents' records for a long time.

Finally, I took a picture of the proof of record closure and posted it on social media with the caption: "I've lost you both forever."

I wasn't sure why others posted on social media, but I wanted to capture the moment so that I could look back on it someday.

I then headed to the Demolition Permits Office for the demolition paperwork. As I arrived, my phone rang. It was Brandon calling.

I needed to get the paperwork done quickly, so I didn't answer.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Just after I declined his call, Lisa's call came in. I thought she was worried after seeing my post, so I didn't pick up either.

When she called again, I finally

asked, I

Before she asked, sat

now.

I'm signing the document I'll call you back in a while."

"What papers? Jewel's here to get an abortion. Should we stop her this time?" Lisa asked.