10

Seeing her daughter in such a state would be an ordeal for any mother. However, it was difficult to tell from the face of this woman: a collected look and a calm voice created the impression of complete indifference to the fate of her child. But as soon as the doctor left the room, her small body began to tremble. Unable to stay on her feet, she collapsed abruptly to the floor and quietly wept.

She and her daughter were similar. Both always try to seem strong and unbothered by unfortunate events, while hiding a soft a weak side of them.

There wasn’t much time left. The girl, noticing my gaze, looked at me with a bit of guilt, as if saying, “Please wait a little longer.” Getting down on her knees, the daughter hugged her mother tightly.

“I don’t remember the last time we shared a hug.” she laughed with bitterness. “I never even kissed her on the cheek, how crazy.”

She then turned to me and whispered, “I actually wanted to kill a serial killer or maybe a rapist. I mean, at least it would have made our world a better place to live. But I’m a selfish person.”

“Have you already made up your mind?”

“Yes. I want to give my mom a kiss on her cheek.”

It was not anything special. Just a daughter expressing her love to her mother. I could only guess what she was feeling back then. Maybe she regretted not being able to express her true feelings until it became too late? Or maybe she suffered from the pain of separation with the loved ones? Or was it fear of disappearing from this world? Only she knew the answer.

She didn’t beg for more time. The moment it was time to go, she obediently followed me, leaving her mother behind.

“How are you feeling now?” I asked before our paths finally parted.

“I’m not sure. I have mixed feelings.” she answered honestly. “But now I really feel like a butterfly. I feel free.”

We have reached a place that living people are not allowed to know about. Our journey has come to an end. As I was about to leave, I heard a short “hey”.

“Thank you, uh… what’s your name again?”

“Only you humans have names. I do not possess any.”

“Then should I give you one?” her eyes sparkled brightly. After a short pause, she continued, “How about Theia?”

“Theia…” as I whispered the name, she was already gone.