202: LITTLE ARI LUKE’S POV Sidney sat across from me as she began to recount tales of Ariel’s early years. I had decided to pay her a visit to be by her side since her daughter was nowhere to be found. She was my mother–in–law, after all, and I think it’s time we get along. We had been talking about the things that happened in my life, from how heartbroken I was to realizing that my parents were dead, to this point, the death of my grandfather. They all counted. So now here we were, and here she was, about to tell me about her daughter. “Luke, you wouldn’t believe how amazing Ariel was as a baby. She had this spark, this energy that just lit up the room.” I leaned in, eager to hear more about this wonderful woman. “I see. Please go on; I think I’d like to know everything.” “Well, Ariel was always so curious. She would reach out for everything within her tiny grasp, her eyes. wide with wonder. I recall that she once found a butterfly flitting outside the window to be fascinating. She giggled and clapped her hands as she watched it dance in the sunlight.” The picture of baby Ariel enthralled by a straightforward butterfly made me smile. “She sounds like she was a handful even back then.” Sidney nodded, her eyes twinkling with fond memories. “Oh, she was! Ariel had this mischievous side, too. I remember one time when she managed to crawl out of her crib, and when I found her, she had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as if to say, ‘Gotcha!“” As she spoke, I could almost picture baby Ariel, a tiny bundle of energy and curiosity, getting into all sorts of adorable mischief. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. “But you know what, Luke?” Ariel’s mother continued, her voice soft with affection. “Despite all her antics, Ariel was also the most loving baby. She would wrap her tiny arms around me and snuggle in close, her little heartbeat against my chest. In those moments, everything felt perfect, like the whole world was in harmony.” My heart swelled at the thought of Ariel’s pure love as a baby. “I can imagine her being the sweetest little thing, just like she is now. Yeah, something like that.” I whispered the last part, looking away. Sidney nodded, and she had a wistful look in her eyes. “She truly was. And she had this infectious laughter that would just light up the room. I remember one time she heard me singing, and she started babbling along in her own baby language, her eyes alight with joy. It was a moment I’ll never forget.” And while she kept talking, I felt this deep love and warmth for the little girl, who had now captured his heart. If only she were here with me, where we could share this lovely moment. I sighed, a fragile smile popping up. “I really wish Ariel was here. But anyway, thank you for sharing 202–LITTLE ARI these beautiful memories with me.” 203 “It’s my pleasure, Luke. Ariel is a special soul, and I know she’s going to do great things in this world. I just hope that she will come back. Back to us.” “I hope so, too,” I said inaudibly. We both sat in silence for minutes that felt like hours. And after we were done discussing other things, 1 left. I got into my car, drove, and made my way to the hospital. I went to pay Tiffany a visit as well. I walked to her room, and before I opened the door, I let out a deep sigh, closing both of my eyes. I entered the room after that, and Tiffany was sleeping. I just stood still, looking at her, wondering what kind of pain and sorrow she must be going through. I felt sorry for her. I never wanted to see her like this, in this condition. But I couldn’t disturb her at the moment, so I decided to leave, and as I turned around, I heard her calling my name softly. I turned back to her, and she was now awake. “Tiffany,” I uttered in hushed tones, moving closer to her. “What are you doing here, Luke?” She asked in a whisper. “I came to see you. I came to check up on you.” “You know you don’t have to do that. I don’t want to be a burden to you. “Don’t say that, Tiff. Why would you think like that?” “The only thing connecting us was this pregnancy, but the baby’s gone. So why are you still coming to see me?” “Why won’t I come to see you?” “Do you love me?” She queried. I suspired. “Look…” “Give me a yes or no. Do you love me, Luke?” “You do know my feelings. You know I have someone else in my heart.” “Then go meet that person and leave me alone.” “What’s with this behavior, Tiff? I thought we talked about this.” “Yes, we did. But I don’t want to be a burden to you, Luke.” “Who said you’re a burden to me?” Tiffany breathed out deeply. “The thing here is this: you need to get out of my life.” “You want me to get out of your life. Like, leave for good.” “Yes, please, I beg you, just leave me. If I keep on seeing you, these feelings won’t disappear. And 1 don’t want to keep on getting hurt since the feeling isn’t mutual. Since you don’t love me like I love you, So please, Luke, leave.” I nodded slowly, being silent for a moment, then I turned to her. “So you don’t want us to be friends. anymore? “I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to see you; I don’t want to hear your voice, Luke. I just don’t want you to be a part of my life. You can go now; I’ll really appreciate that.” “I see,” I said under my breath. “If this is what you want, no problem, then I’ll leave your life, and you’ll never see me again. I won’t come to see you. We might cross paths, but I won’t approach you because that’s what you want.” “I’m glad you understand,” she told me softly. “Thank you.” “You take care.” I gave her a half–smile before walking away. I left the room after that, and thinking about the words the both of us had just spoken, I let out a sigh. If that was what she wanted, then I would give it to her. But one thing was still on my mind: Where are you, Ariel?” “Luke Reynold, such a nice thing to see you.” Andre’s brother, Mason, approached me when I was about to enter my car. I knew I had come across this guy on a weird occasion, and we barely spoke. Yeah, I remember him telling me he was a fan of my relationship. “You came to the hospital?” He asked. It’s a dumb question, but I’ll just have to give him an answer. “Yes, I came to see someone. Can I help you with something?” “No. I was just going to visit the parents of my late girlfriend, Sofie. I believe you knew her before she died.”
