Make Me Back To You

chapter 4 "Whispers of the Burning Forest"

21
With a firm resolve, Oliver committed to the journey, arriving at the designated meeting place with a sense of anticipation. As he scanned the surroundings, uncertainty crept in, and he hesitated momentarily, considering the possibility that he might have missed Olivia. However, a timely twist of fate revealed her on the opposite side, and relief washed over Oliver's face as he approached her with a mix of curiosity and joy.

The reunion triggered a cascade of memories from Oliver's childhood - the treehouse, its walls adorned with vibrant paintings, and a flood of nostalgic warmth. As Olivia greeted him with a radiant smile, expressing her delight at his arrival, Oliver shared his reflections. "I'm glad you're here. It stirred up some memories from my past," he confessed.

In the midst of their reunion, Olivia painted a vision for the research, emphasizing the potential impact on children in need. "I can't imagine how much children will benefit from this research if we spread awareness and convince businessmen to help orphanages in our area," she envisioned.

Echoing Olivia's enthusiasm, Oliver responded, "I hope so too," before expanding the scope of their ambitions. "There are many things we can do to enhance the quality of the graduation research. It's not limited to orphanages; we can extend it to patients who can't afford medicine, operations, and treatments. We just need to find the right investor."

The broader perspective resonated with Olivia, and their shared optimism propelled them forward. Boarding the plane, they marveled at the expansive views of the sky, sharing dreams and aspirations. Olivia, casting a glance at Oliver, whispered in her imagination, "I think my dreams are starting to come true." The horizon unfolded before them, promising a journey filled with possibilities and a united purpose.

22
As they disembarked from the plane and stepped out of the airport, uncertainty shrouded their next move. Olivia, her voice tinged with anticipation, queried, "Now where?"

Taking the lead, Oliver instructed her to wait as he ventured ahead, leaving Olivia at the airport, her face displaying a mix of excitement and apprehension. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, and she scanned the surroundings, anxiously awaiting Oliver's return.

The sudden approach of a small, swiftly-moving car startled Olivia, triggering a surge of panic as it appeared on the verge of running her over. "Olivia!" she exclaimed, bracing for impact. In a heartbeat, the car screeched to a halt, and as Olivia opened her eyes, relief washed over her. There, behind the wheel, was Oliver, a mischievous smile playing on his face. Shock transformed into laughter, and Olivia clapped her hands, caught between amusement and relief.

Oliver joined in her laughter, and within the echoes, a fragment of a memory from his past stirred - elusive, confusing. Children's laughter, the sound of hands clapping; it lingered at the edges of his consciousness.

"Get in," Oliver invited, and Olivia, still chuckling, remarked, "I knew you'd choose this car." Intrigued, Oliver inquired, "How did you expect that?" Olivia, wearing a mysterious smile, replied, "I just did. Now, let's go." As Oliver started the car, she added, "Drive, and let's find out what happens next."

Their banter echoed within the confines of the car, laughter bridging the gap between uncertainty and adventure as they embarked on the journey ahead.

23
As Oliver and Olivia settled into the car, a subtle realization dawned on Oliver - a haunting memory of a previous desire for an accident. A decision emerged within him to proceed cautiously, opting for a slow and deliberate pace. The car glided at a deliberate crawl, an anomaly in the sea of rushing vehicles. Olivia's eyes darted around as they observed the swift flow of traffic, contrasting sharply with their leisurely pace.

Curiosity led Olivia to question Oliver's deliberate approach, and with a chuckle, she asked, "Why are you driving so slowly?" Oliver, focused on the road, responded, "What if we arrive at our destination next week?" Olivia, finding amusement in the situation, suggested a remedy. "Do this," she said, playfully stomping on the gas pedal.