507 4 years earlier (1/2)

It took them two hours before they arrived somewhere Churu was unfamiliar with. Looking around, Churu knitted her brows upon seeing the surrounding. It was peaceful, away from the city, and was surrounded by trees.

The mild whisper of the wind stroked her cute cheeks, the leaves hummed in sync, and the tree canopies shielded them from the midday sun. Overall, it was a nice place to unwind as it seemed it was isolated from the busy world outside.

Glancing up to the nearby stone stairs where Lexi parked, Churu caught the small tip of a temple. ”Lexi, why are we here? Aren't we going to meet the twins?” Churu asked as she turned to Lexi, who changed her heels into comfortable sneakers.

”They say today is the fourth death anniversary of Ethan.” Stretching her lips a little up, Lexi secured her car before a heavy exhale slipped from her mouth. ”It's not true though.” Lexi shifted her gaze to the direction where she could see a glimpse of the temple.

”Let's go.” Lexi invited and began taking stride towards their destination. However, Churu didn't move a muscle as she remained floating in the same position. ”Also, the twins, mom and dad were probably there.” She added with a gentle smile.

”Churu?” Sensing that Churu wasn't following behind, Lexi turned around and tilted her head to the side. ”Something wrong?”

”Lexi, is he really not dead?” Churu stared at the bitter glint that flashed across Lexi's eyes. Churu had already noticed that something was wrong. She just couldn't pinpoint it out and her reunion with Lexi distracted her.

But now, now that Churu got two hours alone time with Lexi and while staring at her more, Churu finally understood what was happening. Hence, she was sorrowful.

”Of course!” Lexi gritted her teeth, tightening her jaw beneath her cheeks. ”He's there, in the temple.”

”How about the twins? Are you sure they are still alive?” Churu's eyes dimmed in pity. Upon hearing the audacious question, Lexi scoffed in disbelief as her eyes sharpened.

”How can I not be sure that my children are still alive? I was with them just a few days ago!” Despite that Lexi was offended on Churu's remarks, she explained. Searching for her phone, Lexi tapped on it a few times before showing the screen to the flying dumpling. ”See! That's them, alright?! Do you believe me now?”

Churu stared at the photo Lexi confidently showed. Alas, that instant, her heart broke to pieces. The pain in her heart was so painful that it rendered her speechless.

In the photo, Lexi was smiling brightly with two toddler size dolls beside her. What's more? Churu noticed the individual portrait of Lillian and Frederick Yang in the background. By the looks of it, they also passed.

Still, what's more heartbreaking of all was that Lexi believed that they were all alive. Just how much damage had they caused Lexi to leave her state of mind to such extent?

”Let's go.” Lexi placed her phone back to her pocket before she led the way. Churu just silently followed as she wiped the overflowing liquid falling from her eyes.

****

”Hey, Love…” Lexi gently placed her hand onto the man's bandaged hand as she gently smiled. She lovingly stared at Ethan, who was unrecognizable by all the bandages wrapped in his whole body and face.