college trip day 2 (part three)

Sam paces back and forth in her tent, scared after hearing about the cave from Alan. The howling grows louder; she gets even more afraid, hoping Alan will come.

"Ever since Alan told me about that cave and the sound coming from there, I'm really scared now. Not just the howling... it's getting louder. This thunder makes it worse. If only Alan would come here, it might feel less scary."

Alan rushes in. "Huff huff."

Sam: "Alan... what... are you doing here?"

Alan: "Sorry for intruding like this, princess. You have no idea how worried I was. I thought you might be afraid, so... huff... I came as soon as possible. I also thought you might've gone."

It's hard to describe, but when I saw him, it felt like there is no fear in this world.

Sam: "I was scared, Alan... so scared. I was hoping that... but I'm so glad you're here."

Alan: "I'm relieved, princess, seeing you're alright. Um, don't mind me... I won't leave until you fall asleep, so you should..."

Sam: "Don't leave after that either, Alan, please. Stay here, will you? I swear I don't have any bad sleeping habits. Pretty please?"

Alan: "Haha... I won't. Don't worry. I'd stay beside you. In fact, I was thinking if you want to sleep at my place, it'll be more convenient."

Huh, this guy... just how much does he want me to? It's just been a few hours since we met, and yet I already feel so safe and secure around him.

Alan: "Uh... princess?"

Sam: "Oh, sorry. No, Alan, actually... though I told Prof. Henry not to check on me... I'd be fine when he called a few minutes ago... but you never know. Still, thanks for staying. I have an extra bed, so make yourself comfortable."

Alan: "It's okay, princess. I can manage. You don't have to trouble yourself for me."

Sam: "All done. Come on, Alan. Huh... Alan, did you notice? The howling stopped."

(He sits down.) "You're right, princess."

Sam: "But isn't it strange? I mean, it stopped after you came. Hmmm🤔..."

Alan: "You know, I can sense things. I also sensed you calling me. You wanted me here, didn't you? I think they wanted to tell me..." (whispering) "...that my princess was alone."

Sam: "You... you'd... really... actually... y... you... can...?"

Alan: "Hahaha... I'm just joking, princess. Haha."

Sam: "Ohhh... not funny, Alan."

Alan: "Haha, I'm sorry."

Sam: "Alan, if you don't mind, can you tell me about your parents? Um... you live alone, so..."

Alan: "My parents? Uh... my dad passed away because someone knew something about him they shouldn't. On the other hand, my dad knew somebody was plotting against him. He tried to escape far away from us to protect us. He brought us here, saying we'd be safe, and left. But... they... I don't know who they were, nor does my... I guess..."

"After hearing about Dad, my mom couldn't take it, so she also... uh... died and left me alone. I don't have... or don't recollect... anything about my relatives, so I survived on my own. Started to know about my abilities... what I can do, what I can pursue."

Alan: "Well, now tell me about your parents."

Sam: "Um... I have a dad and a stepmom. My mom died early, so my dad had to marry someone else to take care of me while he went to business meetings and trips."

Alan: "Is she nice to you?"

Sam: "Um... let's say way too nice. She is overprotective, oversensitive, and conservative... completely opposite to my dad... and strict as well."

Alan: "It's nice to hear she takes care of you like her own daughter."

Sam: "I was young to understand all this, but when I grew up, I found out the reason my dad married her wasn't just because she could take care of me while he was away. Trust me, the situation wasn't like he couldn't do it alone."

Alan: "Well, then what was the reason?"

Sam: "My dad found out that... actually, they met coincidentally... you know, when things happen on their own to come back to normal 'cause you need it, and when you look back, you think this was supposed to happen. So he found out she couldn't become a mother and was very sad. She told my dad everything and paid condolences to my mother. She said..."

"Why do bad things always happen to good people?"

My dad replied...

"You know, when bad things happen, we think that's it... there is no other door left. Every door has been closed for you, but then someone opens that door for you... an opportunity to relive yourself."

"There is no door left for me."

"You love kids that much?"

"It's like a part of me I can't give up, nor can I live without."

"So that means you only love that child who came from your womb, not any other?"

"Who said that? I can't even become a... Though I know my chances are zero percent, that doesn't mean I won't love other kids."

"So does that mean you'd love my child as well, like your own?"

"What do you mean?"

"After hearing this, I'm truly assured you'll become a terrific mother."

"You... um... you want me to become your child's mother?"

"And my wife, of course. I'd loved my wife no matter how much time we spent... it was miraculous, but short, I guess. Now that she's left me her own little existence with me, I'll cherish her. But I'll feel guilty sometimes 'cause I can't live alone like this with my daughter. I myself will need someone..."

"Before you announce your decision, let me tell you: I won't always be around. You know my business is like that... I cannot stay long. I know this type of decision shouldn't be taken in a hurry, so take your time to thin..."