Flashback 4 years ago
"Don't you have a woman you like?" The middle-aged woman, her hand hooked to an IV line, sat by the window, misting a potted plant with quiet attention.
"No," Zeran replied curtly, eyes glued to the mess of papers scattered across the sofa and table.
"Why?" She turned to him with a gentle smile.
"I don't have the time, Mom."
"That's because you've been pouring all your time into me, dear. But what if I'm gone tomorrow? You'll be all alone."
Zeran stilled, locking eyes with her. The chemo had left her skin dry and cracked, fine wrinkles fanning out from her eyes, but none of it dimmed the soft beauty she carried.
"Don't talk nonsense, Mom. I... I just don't want to. We're cursed anyway. Why waste time investing in something that'll only end up hurting us?"
"Oh, Zeran, love… Why is love a waste? We're all destined to be gone one day. But isn't it sadder if we never feel love while we're still alive?"
