The Travel Story

|| EPILOGUE 2.12 ||

Author's POV:

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Early morning, the hum of the suitcase wheels echoed through the quiet house, a stark contrast to the storm raging within Zhan. As he navigated through the maze of his belongings, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He was leaving for a two-day business trip, a much-needed escape, but also a chance to gain perspective.

Zhan needed time and space to clear his mind, to reassess his approach with Yibo. The last few days had been overwhelming, and the argument with Yibo still echoed in his thoughts. His mother's words resonated in his mind. "Everyone needs their own space, Zhan. Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to let them find their own path." Her gentle wisdom had been a wake-up call. He had been so focused on being the rescuer, the protector, that he had forgotten that Yibo was a capable individual in his own right.

A part of him yearned to stay, to confront Yibo, to apologize. But he knew that would only escalate the tension. This distance would give him the clarity he needed. It was time to step back, to let go of the reins, even if just for a short while.

As the car drove away from the house, he glanced back one last time, hoping he was making the right decision by giving both of them some breathing room.

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At home, Zhan's mother watched him leave with a mixture of concern and determination. She understood the weight on Zhan's shoulders, but she also knew that Yibo needed a different kind of support—something gentler, more nurturing. As the day unfolded, she found herself standing outside Yibo's room, contemplating her next move.

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A shaft of morning sunlight pierced through the curtains, casting long, dancing shadows on the room. Yibo stirred, his eyelids heavy with sleep. He recalled the last night incident, and his heart felt heavy, a blend of remorse settled in...he shouldn't have gone that far.

As consciousness seeped in, a sense of unease crept over him. Usually, the day would begin with the sharp ring of his alarm, followed by the gentle prodding of Zhan to wake up for another battle and later a strict schedule meticulously crafted by those professional caretakers, all just for his so-called betterment. But today, there was an unnatural quiet.

A glance at the clock revealed a time far beyond his usual wake-up schedule. Panic began to set in...........Where was Zhan? Where was his caretaker? Others? Why no one called for him? Or was he that drown in his sleep?....shit!!!!!..shit!!!!... God...Zhan would be very angry .ahh~~~ everything is so frustrating...........you know what let him be angry, either way I don't want this struggle anymore. But Am I acting too stubbornly? All Zhan want is my well-being only and he is not wrong though~~~~~~~Zhan, would you really send me be back if I refuse you for these sessions and treatment?

Fear crept inside Yibo but damn his body, he could even move without help. But before he could panic more there was a knock resonated from the door. Yibo thought that might be his caretaker or maybe Zhan but to his surprise the voice was unexpectedly unfamiliar. A few moments later, the door creaked open.