A Tale in Autumn

CHAPTER 2: MOMENTS BEFORE HE'S GONE

Autumn's Perspective

The room resonated with the harmonious strains of "Happy Birthday," as the soft glow of lights unveiled Psydon, presenting a cake with a warm smile. My heart swelled with joy, knowing this was a celebration just for me.

"Happy Birthday, Love. Make a wish," Psydon's voice was a gentle melody, inviting me to immerse myself in the magic of the moment. I closed my eyes, conjuring a desire that transcended the flickering candles and reached into the depths of my soul.

As I exhaled and opened my eyes, Psydon's gaze was fixed on me, his eyes alive with anticipation. "What's your wish?" he inquired, his sincerity carving a path through the air.

"My wish?" I pondered, a smile playing on my lips. " I wish for time to stand still, for eternal happiness without troubles. Thank you, Psydon, for completing my world."

He reassured me with a tender kiss on my forehead, promising, "Hey, stop crying. Remember, I'd do anything to see you happy. You're one of the most precious women in my life, standing alongside my mom and sister. Let's stay like this until the end of infinity." The sweetest kiss on my forehead sealed the promise.

His words, a pledge etched in the air, held a promise that resonated in the depths of my heart.

"Let's go to our favorite place." The chocolate cake found its place on the table as Psydon took my hand, leading the way to the car.

While driving towards their cherished spot by the seashore, Psydon asked, "Are you happy with my surprise?" A laughter escaped my lips, a melodic response to his question."Of course! You never fail to surprise me, making me feel like a princess every time. Thank you, Psydon, for being my love," I said.

"You're not just a princess; you're my queen. Thank you, Autumn, for coming into my life. I love you!" Psydon declared, holding my hand and kissing it.

The blissful moment took a sudden turn as their car was rear-ended, spinning and flipping. I felt the pain from broken glass,I immediately shifted my gaze and saw Psydon's bloodied face.

His eyes fluttered open, a serene smile gracing his lips. "Thank you, Autumn, for your love and everything you've given me. Live for me," he uttered, the gravity of his words lingering in the air.

"No, Psydon, please hold on. Let's wait for rescue. Don't leave me," I implored, desperation painting my words.

His smile persisted, fingers reaching for mine, guiding me to a shard of glass embedded in his chest. Tears flowed freely as he mouthed, "I love you, Autumn." And in that moment, I reciprocated, "Psydon, please don't—" The words hung in the air as his eyes closed once more, his grip on my hand loosening. "I love you too, Psydon. I love you," I whispered, closing my eyes to the harsh reality.

He was gone, leaving me in the shattered remnants of our shared world. The promise of "until the end of infinity" now a poignant echo in the winds. Gazing at the sky, I witnessed how dead leaves vanish and fall, The start of Autumn season, mirroring the disappearance of the person who was my universe.

The room resonated with the harsh call of my name, " Eun Autumn Kim!" An unwelcome intrusion, as my enraged mother stormed in, accompanied by my twin brother, Kyxe, whose demeanor hinted at a storm of anger waiting to be unleashed.

"What the heck do you think you're doing?" my mother's voice reverberated, but I met her accusation with a stoic stare, seeking refuge beneath the comforting embrace of a blanket. Refusing to engage, I remained ensconced in the solitude of my bed.

"You're really a—" My mother's reproachful words were abruptly halted by the intervention of my twin brother."Eomma,(Mom) stop it!" Kyxe's voice cut through the tension, putting a temporary cease to the storm. "I'll talk to her," said, guiding our mother out of the room.

Alone, I caressed the cross - rose gold diamond necklace that my mother gave me.

Whispers of regret lingered in the air. Kyxe settled onto the bed, his presence a silent acknowledgment of the shared grief that enveloped us. "Noona,(Older sister usually used if the younger sibling was a male)" he called, gently removing the protective shield of the blanket. "Kyxe," I whispered, finding solace in the warmth of his embrace. Tears flowed unabashedly, a testament to the overwhelming sorrow that had taken residence within me. "Sshh! Stop crying, Noona. Do you think Psydon-hyung(Hyung-Older Brother usually used if the younger sibling was a male) would want to see you cry, huh?" Kyxe's soothing words attempted to stem the tide of my tears, his gentle touch wiping away the evidence of my despair.

"Noona, you told me he wants you to live, right? But look what you're doing. You've been locked up here for over three weeks. Do you think he'd be happy to see you like this? Of course not, Noona. You better fix yourself," Kyxe advised, his pat on my head carrying a mixture of sympathy and stern encouragement.

With that, he left the room, leaving me to grapple with the echoes of sorrow that lingered in the air. In the aftermath of Psydon's departure, I found solace in the arms of solitude, wrapped in the cocoon of my own grief.