Part 4: Finally, it's over
Seth
My body felt heavy, like I was trapped in a dream I couldn't wake up from. Distant sounds—beeping machines, hushed voices—floated around me, but they felt far away, like I was underwater. A dull, aching pain pulsed through my body, but it wasn't as strong as the weight pressing on my chest.
Slowly, I forced my eyes open. The bright white of the hospital ceiling came into view, making me blink against the harsh light. My throat was dry, and every inch of me felt sore, but I was alive.
A shaky voice broke through the fog. "Seth?"
I turned my head slightly, my vision clearing just enough to see my parents at my bedside. Their eyes were red and puffy, their faces streaked with tears. My mom looked like she'd been crying for hours. My dad, usually so composed, had a raw, worried look in his eyes.
"Mom... Dad..." My voice came out as a weak croak, barely louder than a whisper.
My mother let out a choked sob, grabbing my hand tightly. "You're awake," she cried. "Oh, thank God, you're awake!" I wanted to tell them not to cry, that I was okay, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, I just squeezed my mom's hand back, letting her know I was still here.
My dad placed a steady hand on my shoulder, but for once, he wasn't his usual composed self. His voice was thick with emotion, his grip firm yet gentle. "You scared us, son," he said quietly. "You were in a coma for three days… but the doctors said you were a fighter."
Three days?
I blinked slowly, my mind struggling to catch up. The accident… the bus skidding… the impact… Ivan—
My chest tightened as everything came rushing back. "Ivan…" My voice was barely a whisper, my throat dry and raw. "What about Ivan? Is he okay?"
My parents exchanged a quick glance before my mom gave me a soft, reassuring smile. "He's okay, sweetheart. He only had a mild injury. He stayed by your side the whole time, but we made him go home to rest. I'm sure he'll be back soon."
A wave of relief washed over me, leaving me lightheaded. Ivan was safe. That was all that mattered.
I let out a shaky breath, my body sinking deeper into the hospital bed. The tension in my chest eased just a little, but exhaustion was already creeping back in.
My mom reached out and gently brushed my hair back, her touch warm and comforting. "It's a miracle, Seth," she whispered. "The doctors were amazed you pulled through. We're so proud of you."
I wanted to say something—anything—but the words wouldn't come. Instead, I just closed my eyes for a moment, letting myself breathe. I was alive. Ivan was alive. And for now, that was enough.
I managed a faint smile, though even that small effort left me feeling exhausted. "I'm just… glad everyone's okay," I murmured.
The days that followed blurred together in a cycle of recovery. Nurses came and went, checking my vitals, adjusting my medication, and making sure I was as comfortable as possible. My parents were always nearby, never straying far from my bedside. They kept me company when I was awake, and even when I drifted off to sleep, I could feel their quiet presence watching over me.
And then there was Ivan.
He visited whenever he could, stopping by after school with stories about our classmates, filling the room with his usual warmth. His visits were the best part of my day. No matter how much pain I was in, seeing him smile made it a little easier to bear.
The pain was still there, a dull ache that reminded me of how close I had come to losing everything. But with each passing day, my determination grew stronger. I had survived for a reason, and I refused to waste this second chance.
Little by little, my strength returned. Walking was difficult at first, my body were weak from being stuck in bed for so long. But I pushed through, fueled by the thought of standing beside Ivan again—not just as a survivor, but as someone who was truly living.
Graduation was just around the corner, and I set my sights on it like a finish line. It wasn't just about leaving school behind; it was about moving forward, about stepping into a future I had almost lost. This time, I wasn't going to take it for granted.
The familiar hum of the classroom filled my ears as I stood at the doorway, gripping my bag tightly. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of nerves and anticipation swelling inside me. It had been weeks since I last stepped foot in this room, and now, after everything, I was finally back.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
For a brief moment, there was silence. Then, as my classmates registered my presence, the room erupted into chaos. Gasps, cheers, and even a few sobs filled the air. Chairs scraped loudly against the floor as students rushed toward me, their voices overlapping in a blur of relief and excitement.
"Seth! You're back!"
"We were so worried!"
"You scared the hell out of us, man!"
Before I knew it, I was surrounded. Some clapped me on the back—carefully, as if afraid they'd break me. Others wiped at their eyes, clearly emotional. A few just grinned at me, their smiles wide with unspoken relief. The sheer warmth of their welcome was overwhelming, but in the best way.
For the first time in weeks, I felt like things were finally falling back into place. Like I was home.
As the commotion settled, our teacher approached, her expression a mix of concern and kindness. "Seth, it's so good to see you back," she said warmly. "But listen, you don't have to take the exam today. You've been through so much—we can arrange for you to do it later when you're ready."
I met her gaze and shook my head firmly. "Thank you, ma'am," I said, my voice steady with determination. "But I've been preparing. I studied while I was recovering. Please, let me take it."
She studied me for a moment, then nodded, a small, proud smile forming on her lips. "Alright. If, you're sure."
I exhaled, a quiet sense of victory settling over me. I had made it through the worst. Now, it was time to move forward. I gave my teacher a grateful smile before making my way to my seat. The weight of the exam still lingered, but after everything I had been through, it felt like just another challenge—one I was ready to face.
As I picked up my pen and started working through the questions, I found my mind surprisingly clear. Each answer came naturally, my focus sharper than it had been in weeks. Time passed in a blur, and before I knew it, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the exam.
I set my pen down and exhaled, a wave of relief washing over me. For the first time in a long while, I felt accomplished—like I was truly moving forward.
But there was still one more thing I needed to do.
Without hesitation, I turned toward the back of the classroom, where Ivan sat with his usual unreadable expression. He hadn't said much since I came back, but I knew he was waiting—just like he always did.
"Come with me," I said, reaching for his wrist and pulling him toward the door before he could protest.
"Whoa, what's the rush?" Ivan let out a startled laugh, his steps quickening to keep up with mine.
I didn't answer, weaving through the crowded hallways until we reached the stairs. The moment we reached the rooftop, I let go of his wrist, stepping forward as the wind brushed past us.
The view stretched far beyond the school—buildings standing tall against the sky, cars moving below like tiny specs, and the horizon glowing with the soft hues of the setting sun. Up here, away from the noise of the world, everything felt quieter. More private.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself before finally turning to face Ivan.
There was something I needed to say. Something I couldn't hold back any longer.
Without saying a word, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around Ivan, holding him tightly. My heart pounded so hard against my ribs that I was sure he could feel it. For a second, he didn't move, caught off guard. Then, slowly, his arms came up, gripping my back just as tightly.
I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the warmth of his presence, the steady rise and fall of his breathing. He was here. He was alive. The overwhelming relief hit me all at once, and before I could stop myself, my voice broke.
"I'm so glad you're okay," I whispered, my throat tight with emotion. Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision, but I didn't care. "I thought... I thought I'd lost you."
Ivan stiffened slightly, then pulled back just enough to look at me. His dark eyes, usually so guarded, were shining with something raw—something I wasn't sure I'd ever seen before.
"You're the one who almost died, you idiot," he muttered, his voice thick. "I should be the one saying that."
We both let out a quiet, shaky laugh, the sound filled with more emotion than words ever could. I wiped at my eyes, embarrassed but unbothered by the tears. The weight I had been carrying—the fear, the guilt, the pain—felt lighter now, like I could finally breathe again.
"I'm just happy to see you," I admitted, my voice steadier now.
Ivan let out a breath and shook his head, a small, tired smile pulling at his lips. "Same here." He glanced away for a second, as if gathering his thoughts, then met my gaze again, more serious now.
I pulled back slightly from the hug, my face burning, my heart hammering so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest. My fingers twitched at my side before slipping into my pocket, brushing against the cool metal I had kept with me since that day.
"Ivan…" I started, my voice barely above a whisper. My hand trembled as I pulled out the small box I had hidden away for weeks. "There's... something I've been meaning to give you."
Ivan tilted his head, his usual smirk replaced by something softer, more curious. "What is it?"
I swallowed hard and slowly opened the box, revealing the two silver rings I had bought back on the trip. The faint sunlight caught on their polished surfaces, making them shine. My palms were sweaty, but I forced myself to meet Ivan's gaze.
"I bought these during the field trip," I admitted, my voice unsteady. "Before the accident. I wanted to give you one back then, but... I didn't know how." I took a shaky breath, my fingers tightening around the box. "And after everything that happened, I realized something. I realized how much you mean to me."
Ivan's eyes widened slightly, his lips parting, but he didn't say anything. The silence made my pulse race, but I kept going. The words spilled out faster than I could stop them.
"I know this might be too much, and I don't expect anything from you. But I couldn't go through all of that—everything we've been through—without telling you how I feel." I exhaled shakily, my heart thudding in my ears. "I care about you, Ivan. More than just a friend."
I dropped my gaze for a second, afraid of what I'd see in his expression. "And it's okay if you don't feel the same," I added quickly. "I just… I want to be by your side. No matter what."
My voice faltered, the weight of everything I'd just said pressing down on me. I looked down, feeling my courage slip away as silence hung between us.
Then, out of nowhere, Ivan's hand gently covered mine.
"Hey," he said softly, his voice so warm it wrapped around me like a blanket. I looked up, surprised, and saw a smile on his face—one that was so real, so genuine, it made my heart flutter.
Without another word, Ivan took one of the rings from the box and slid it onto his finger. His gaze never wavered from mine, and I could see something shifting in his eyes, something deeper than just friendship. He stepped closer, his hands cupping my face in a way that made my breath hitch.
"You've always been there for me," Ivan said, his voice steady but laced with affection. "You even risked your life for me. How could I not feel the same?"
I froze, my heart racing as Ivan leaned in, closing the distance between us. When his lips met mine, it was gentle, tender—everything I hadn't known I was longing for. It was a kiss full of words we hadn't been able to say, emotions we'd kept hidden for too long. The world around us seemed to disappear in that moment.
When we finally pulled apart, our foreheads rested against each other, our breaths mingling in the quiet space between us. I could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong, against mine.
"I'm happy you told me," Ivan whispered, his voice low and sincere. "Because I want to be by your side too. Always."
I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but this time, they weren't from fear or pain. They were from relief, from the joy of knowing I wasn't alone anymore.
"Always," he repeated, his voice trembling slightly but filled with so much certainty that I couldn't help but smile. My heart felt lighter, more at peace than it had in weeks. This was real. And it was everything I had ever wanted.
The rooftop, once a quiet refuge, now felt like their own private space—a place where everything they'd kept hidden had finally been expressed.
**********
The small café was filled with the warm glow of the afternoon sun, giving the place its cozy, familiar feel. I sat at our usual table by the window, nervously playing with the ring on my finger. The café was quiet, with soft clinks of cups and quiet conversations in the background.
I kept glancing at the door, waiting for Ivan to show up. I had been looking forward to this moment ever since graduation—a chance to spend time with him without the stress of exams or school.
As I stirred my coffee, a soft chime from the door caught my attention. I looked up, expecting Ivan, but my heart skipped when I saw someone else.
It was the man who had given me the pocket watch—the one who had appeared and disappeared so mysteriously. He came over with that same cryptic smile, his presence both calming and unsettling. He sat down across from me without a word, and I tensed up, my heart racing.
He smiled calmly at me. "It looks like you've made good use of the chance I gave you."
I reached into my pocket, my fingers brushing against the watch that had been with me since the accident. "I think I finally understand what you meant," I said quietly. "You told me my past life would keep moving, even if I changed things here. That timeline won't stop. The Ivan in that life... he's gone. No matter what I do here, I can't bring him back."
The man's smile softened as he looked at me with a kind, knowing look. "Yes, that timeline continues. But this world, this timeline—you've made it your own. You took the pain of your past and used it to build something beautiful. That's why I gave you the pocket watch—not to change the past, but to let you choose your future."
I tightened my grip on the ring as I looked out the window. "I miss him," I whispered. "I'll always miss him. But I've realized that I don't have to lose Ivan again. This Ivan, in this timeline... he's real. He's here. And that's enough for me."
The man nodded and stood up. "You've learned what you needed to. Treasure this life—and him."
Before I could say anything, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the light coming through the café windows.
Just as he disappeared, the door chimed again, and my heart lifted when I saw Ivan walked in. He smiled and scanned the room until he spotted me. His grin grew wider as he made his way over.
"Hey," Ivan said, sitting down across from me. "Sorry I'm late. Got caught up with some family stuff."
I smiled, feeling relief flood me. "It's okay. You're here now."
As Ivan started telling me about his morning, I couldn't help but watch him, feeling like every word, every look, was more precious than ever. The pocket watch in my pocket felt lighter now, like a weight had been lifted. My past life may still exist somewhere, moving on without me, but here, in this moment, I had everything I needed.
**********
Someone
In a quiet, shadowy room filled with old books and forgotten stories, a man sat alone at a wooden desk. Papers and half-written notes were scattered across the surface. The only light came from a small candle in the corner, its flickering glow casting long shadows that seemed to whisper secrets in the dark.
Leaning back in his chair, the man smiled as he closed the book in his hands. Its leather cover, worn but elegant, caught the soft candlelight. The title, Love Beyond Time, shimmered faintly, as if the words themselves held a hidden magic.
His fingers ran over the golden letters, tracing them gently. Every page, every sentence, carried emotions that had shaped the story. Seth's journey had unfolded just as it was meant to.
"A beautiful story," he murmured to himself. "Seth truly made the most of his second chance. A tale worth remembering."
Standing up, he walked over to a tall bookshelf lined with countless books—each one a different story, a life he had quietly influenced. Some were grand adventures, others simple but powerful moments in time. Every one of them held meaning.
He carefully placed the book among the others, knowing that someday, someone like him—a Watcher, a Keeper of stories—would find it and understand.
But his work was not done. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a small charm—a simple keychain, silver and unremarkable at first glance. Yet, he knew it carried great meaning. This tiny object would find its way to the next person, someone who needed it. Someone whose story was about to begin.
Holding the charm between his fingers, he let out a small, knowing smile. It was both a gift and a message, a sign of something greater. Another life was about to change.
He slipped the keychain into his coat pocket, feeling its weight settle like a secret waiting to be revealed. Then, he turned back to the bookshelf, his gaze lingering on the stories he had watched unfold. There was something timeless in his eyes, something that knew more than it should.
"Time for the next one," he whispered, his voice barely breaking the silence.
The candle flickered once, its flame twisting wildly before going out. Darkness filled the room. And just like that, the man was gone. Vanishing into the quiet, leaving behind only the promise of another story waiting to be told.
The End