The Author's POV

Epilogue — Effort's never betray you [3]

[Ashton City Community Orphanage]

In the small, sunlit courtyard of the orphanage, laughter filled the air as a young woman, with her short tousled brown hair, engaged in a lively game with the children.

"Don't get too far, Ricky. Come back here!"

The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze swaying the colourful flowers in the garden and the sound of birds chirping, adding to the joyful ambience.

Emma crouched down, her eyes sparkling with warmth and kindness, as a group of children eagerly surrounded her. Their faces were painted with wide smiles, their eyes alive with anticipation.

She held a worn-out skipping rope; one end gripped firmly in her hand while the other dangled freely.

"Okay, who's up for a skipping challenge?"

Emma called out, her voice filled with playful enthusiasm.

"Me! Me! I want, I want!"

The children responded with an excited chorus of cheers and raised hands, vying for their turn to join in the fun. Emma's eyes crinkled at the corners as she carefully selected the first participant.

"Okay, let's go with Jane."

"Yay!"

A little girl dressed in faded overalls and pigtails stepped forward, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Make sure you hold the rope on both ends. Don't swing your arms too much but flick your wrists."

Emma handed her the skipping rope, showing her how to hold it and offering words of encouragement.

"Hmm... okay."

"Yes, that's good!"

As Jane hesitantly began to jump, Emma clapped her hands rhythmically, chanting a catchy rhyme to accompany the skipping. The other children gathered in a semi-circle, clapping and cheering for their friend, creating an atmosphere of unity and support.

Soon, other children took their turns; each one cheered on by their fellow playmates.

"Make sure to jump in rhythm! So long as you follow the rhythm, it'll become easier for everyone!"

Emma effortlessly morphed into a mentor, showing patience and understanding and guiding them through the simple but delightful game.

Some children jumped gracefully, their feet barely touching the ground, while others struggled with coordination, resulting in giggles and laughter. It didn't matter—Emma celebrated every attempt, creating an environment where mistakes were seen as stepping stones to improvement.

As the game progressed, the children grew more comfortable, their inhibitions melting away under Emma's reassuring presence.

They skipped with increased confidence, their smiles widening as they discovered their hidden abilities. Emma, ever watchful, offered encouragement, praising their efforts and reminding them that their joy was the ultimate goal.

"Yes, that's very good."

"That's an improvement from your previous attempt. Good job Jason!"

Time seemed to pass like that, and before she knew it, the sun cast long shadows across the courtyard as the game neared its end. The children, now breathless and rosy-cheeked, gathered around Emma, their eyes shining with gratitude.

'It's all worth it.'

Staring at their smiles, Emma felt herself choke up with emotion even though she didn't show it.

She wasn't doing all of this for them. She was doing it for herself as well. She felt as much gratitude towards them as they felt towards her.

"Have you all had fun?"

Emma asked, staring at the children with a simple smile on her face.

"Yes."

They all replied in unison, their breath a little heavy. Emma's smile grew softer when she saw this and turned to face the orphanage behind her.

It bore no resemblance to its state a year prior when she had arrived. Instead of the chapel that once occupied that spot and had crumbled, a spacious, contemporary white structure now took its place.

In it were state-of-the-art facilities that she had spent a lot of money on. From cinemas to dedicated rooms for each individual child, the facility had everything necessary to bring joy to the children.

'While it won't make up for what my father did... At the very least, it's a start.'

Indeed, this very chapel was something that she had come to learn from Ren. Even after a year had elapsed since the war, she still found it difficult to comprehend the true nature of her father.

It still hadn't dawned on her that he wasn't the same person she perceived him to be.

To this day, she struggled to sleep properly, and only in the company of the children could she discover solace. It was solely thanks to them that she maintained her sanity.

This was why she was thankful to them.

"Do you guys want to eat? Dinner should be about ready, so how about we go back and get you all cleaned up before eating?"

Pushing the children back toward the orphanage, Emma watched as they dragged their tired bodies back into the establishment. Staring at their happy backs, her otherwise empty heart filled a little.

'I really did make the right decision.'

The more she stared at them, the more she felt at peace with her decision. This world... it was lonely to her.

She had friends, but everyone she truly cared for had already left her. Her world was a lonely one, but at the very least, it wasn't as lonely as it could've been.

***

"Haa..."

An audible sigh escaped me as I fixed my gaze on the figure before me.

His eyes remained locked on the orphanage in the distance, his lips slightly pursed, while an array of emotions played out on his face. His unwavering gaze lingered on the structure as he seemed to have fallen in deep thought.

'For fuck's sake...'

I experienced a mild sense of annoyance intertwined with a peculiar amusement as I stared at him.

"Are you really that scared of her?"

My words seemed to have evoked a certain emotion in him as he shuddered. Slowly turning his head, his eyes fixed on me.

"I'm n..not scared."

voice, which tremored midway, betrayed his true feelings and I almost laughed. Of course, I suppressed that very laugh and nodded my

"Well, you should be."

expected, seeing how serious I was, he shuddered

I

in the sight before me. Not that I

it. Only then

you before, I've already shown her everything. She knows what you did and of your sacrifice. While I respected your choice of keeping everyone's memories of you sealed, how do you think she'll react if you suddenly show up to her out

whole year had passed since my return to earth, and given my newfound

balanced so that it remains stable. As things stand, you're still a protector.

The Universe was vast, and while they could blend with any society, they couldn't

was both a blessing and a

make Emma

pondered for a moment

"It's possible."

people with the title of Protectors. They'd gain access to

really think Emma

lowered his head. At heart, he already knew the answer

I were to leave, what will happen to you? Will you

"I'll be fine."

made sure of that. There wasn't going to be another

"Well..."

a long while, his shoulders eventually relaxed as he let out a

"Haaa..."

His expression softened slightly.

far too long with one goal in mind

"So?"

face. I could tell at a glance what

gaze, he smiled back at

already know

***

teeth and

her watch, 10 p.m, and sighed. Staring at the children who were still roaming about and full of energy, she let

be tired from

of energy they had left her baffled. Back when she was their

Emma pursed her

time I hire a

it for over a year now, and only now did it truly dawn on her that she was

quite a hard task. One had to wonder just how she had managed

To Tok—!

Emma heard a soft knock coming from the main door of the orphanage and her brows jumped

could

they were a rare sight. Ever since the war, the financial ability that was once present in Ashton

in the minds of very

possible adoptees, Emma's eyes lit up

"I'm coming."

nothing that brought her more joy than seeing the

to keep them happy, she knew that she couldn't replace a warm and complete family.

door handle she slowly opened

Clank—!

there, are you looking

through as her entire body froze. Her previously calm mind blanked, and

was a figure she dreamed of every single day. He may have wanted her to forget about him, but she simply

let him disappear

"..."

eyes shone like

he was in her memories, and she blinked her eyes slowly. Hoping that when

really remained

wasn't a dream or a

standing right

Pita! Pita!

the hot streaks that fell down from her cheeks and fell to

to blur and she felt a small piece of

wanted nothing more than to just jump into his arms and bawl her eyes out in his

refrained from doing so. She was

if this was all a dream? What if it wasn't him, and just someone that looked

broken by a

"Ehm... so."

same as in her memories, and when she wiped her eyes, she could see

as he seemed to struggle to say what he wanted to say.

she was at a glance, and her heart started

"Huuu."

deep breath, their eyes finally

I heard that you

***

Holocene

Bon Iver

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'Efforts never betray you.'

respected and

regard this quote as a personal mantra to follow throughout their whole life, while others simply scoff at it as