Echoes of Love: A Journey Through Time and Dreams

- Maria Kyla S. Campollo & Mark Edcel T. De Leon

They say that if you love someone, you'll take a risk. We often find ourselves falling for

someone even when there's no guarantee that our feelings will be reciprocated. Still, why

do we devote our time and effort to loving someone with all our hearts when that someone

is not even our own selves? Loving someone is not solely about happiness; it's about the

quality of the love you give, a commitment to be there, to listen, and to stand by someone's

side through thick and thin. How much love can you give, and how resilient are you in

holding on through life's twists and turns?

Three years later... I had decided to return to a place I know well; a place I cherish deeply.

An inexplicable pull drew me back to this familiar haven, where memories of the past

danced vividly in my mind. As I strolled along the well-worn paths, a familiar figure caught

my eye—him. Despite our shared past, I chose to avert my gaze, convinced that our paths

had diverged.

Click, click, click… The rhythmic sounds of my camera punctuated the tranquil atmosphere.

This place captivated me with its breathtaking scenery, each frame capturing a unique

essence of its beauty. I settled onto a weathered bench, eager to relive the moments I had

just captured. But as I scrolled through the images, a hush fell over my surroundings… A

familiar face emerged from the digital canvas, her features etched in my memory. It was

her.

The wind whispers through my hair, carrying with it the essence of serenity. I remember

this tree... No, I must push those thoughts aside. I am here to find solace.

I take my place on the familiar bench, where once I found comfort. The symphony of falling

leaves has faded, replaced by a tranquil hush.

beauty. However, a stray leaf catches my eye, clinging stubbornly to my hair. As I remove it,

the sound of approaching footsteps interrupts the stillness.

There, standing before me, is Sky. A wave of surprise washes over me, and an awkward

silence fills the air as I stare into his familiar eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, my voice laced with a hint of disbelief.

"Can we talk?" he replies, his voice soft and uncertain.

Hesitantly, I agree. As we converse, I'm struck by the familiarity of his demeanor, as if

we've just met for the first time. We open up to each other, sharing fragments of our lives,

our joys, and our struggles.

Our exchange is brief, yet it leaves an indelible mark. I offer him a smile, but behind it lies a

lingering ache, a void yearning to be filled.

As night descends, sleep eludes me. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, memories flooding

back like a relentless tide.

"Why must it be him; among all the people I could have encountered?" I whisper to the

darkness, seeking solace in the silence.

Sky, too, finds himself wrestling with his own thoughts. "Was it right to speak to her?" he

wonders, a sigh carrying the weight of unspoken emotions.

The night stretches on, and they are left to navigate the labyrinth of their own hearts.

Two weeks had passed, and on my day off, I decided to treat myself to a leisurely morning.

To my surprise, it was already 10 am, prompting me to whip up a special lunch. Just as I

was about to dig in, a message from Sky popped up, inviting me to talk. Intrigued yet

apprehensive, I finished my meal in a state of disorientation. The anticipation gnawed at

me as I made my way to the café at 3:00 pm.

of vulnerability, he unveiled his lingering thoughts from our first encounter and proposed a

friendship, leaving the past behind. Hesitantly, I accepted, realizing that unexpected

conversations can indeed blossom into beautiful beginnings.

Our friendship marked a fresh start, with each day drawing us closer. Messages evolved

into invitations for meet-ups, and the question, "Are you free today?" became a regular

refrain. The excitement reached its peak when Sky suggested visiting an amusement park.

At the park, a simple photo request sparked an unexpected bout of jealousy, but a visit to

the food park swiftly lifted the mood. Amidst the romantic ambiance, a humorous

clarification about our non-couple status lightened our spirits. Exploring the rides brought

peals of laughter, and winning a teddy bear in a claw machine became a treasured

memento of our day.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Sky proposed a Ferris wheel ride. At the top, our

eyes met, and the realization of our evolving feelings dawned upon us—a silent

acknowledgment atop the Ferris wheel as the city lights twinkled below.

After the Ferris wheel moment, I made my way to my mother's house, where I was greeted

by the sound of distinct voices. Worried, I couldn't resist eavesdropping. Mom's voice

pierced through the air, "I received a message about my daughter meeting that guy again. I

thought they broke up; why are they together?" Dad replied, "Hon, I think that we should

stop meddling; they've grown already. Let's not ruin their relationship."

Unable to contain myself any longer, I barged in, "Mom, Dad, what are you saying?" They

were shocked, wondering why I was there. "No, Mom, you should explain what I just heard.

What's going on? Mom, are you the reason why we had a break-up?" She admitted, "Yes, I'm

the reason why you two broke up. I don't like him; he's not a good influence on you."

I countered, "No, Mom, he's the one who's helping me. You two are the reason why I

changed because you're always busy; you don't have time for me and my brother. That's
why my grades plummeted before. He was always there supporting me, but even though he

pushed me up, I chose to bring myself down."

I stormed out, slamming the door shut behind me. A whirlwind of emotions engulfed me; I

was in pain. I retreated to my house, where I cried myself to sleep that night.

The next morning, I woke up with a heavy heart and decided to confront Sky. I called him,

and we met at our favorite coffee shop. Tears streamed down my face as I explained the

situation. Sky listened patiently, and together, we realized that our love was strong enough

to overcome external challenges. Determined, we decided to face my parents together and

prove that our relationship was worth fighting for.

In the aftermath of our breakup, I found myself adrift, lost in a sea of uncertainty. The

decision to part ways had been a painful one, a wrenching twist in the tapestry of our love

story. Yet, amidst the heartache, a flicker of hope remained, an ember of affection that

refused to be extinguished.

Despite my parents' disapproval, I knew that my happiness was paramount. Their concerns

stemmed from their love for me, their desire to protect me from harm. However, I realized

that the responsibility for my well-being lay with me. I had to prioritize my own needs and

desires, to chart my own course towards fulfillment.

With a newfound resolve, I reached out to my love, opening the door to a reconciliation.

The tentative steps we took towards each other were filled with trepidation, yet the

magnetic pull of our connection remained undeniable.

Our return to the place where our love blossomed was a pilgrimage of sorts, a journey back

to the source of our shared joy. The memories that enveloped us were like whispers of the

past, reminding us of the unbreakable bond we had forged.

As we ran with kites in tow, laughter echoing through the air, we shed the weight of our

past and embraced the childlike innocence of newfound beginnings. The selfies we
captured were not mere snapshots; they were tangible expressions of our unbridled

happiness, souvenirs of a love that had defied the odds.

"I'll always cherish this moment when I'm with you," he declared, his voice laced with

sincerity. The tender kiss he planted on my cheek was a tender affirmation of his

unwavering commitment, a seal on the promise of a future together.

In that timeless embrace, surrounded by the echoes of our laughter and the whispers of the

wind, we found ourselves immersed in a love that had emerged stronger from the trials it

had faced. Our story was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a beacon of hope

in a world often clouded by doubt.

Months flowed by like any other day; my beloved was immersed in his work at the office,

while I was engrossed in my own endeavors. Yes, both of us were occupied, and I missed

him dearly. As lunchtime approached, I reached for my phone and sent him a message,

"Hey, love, remember to eat your lunch, okay? Please eat on time. Sending kisses and hugs. I

love you." He replied, "Okay, baby. I love you too. I love you more. Sending kisses and hugs

back." His ability to make me smile never failed.

Out of the blue, a message popped up on my screen, "Hey baby, let's have a dinner date!"

My heart pounded with excitement. "Okay, love, see you." I rushed home early, and by 6:00

pm, I meticulously selected the perfect dress, applied light makeup, and reveled in the

anticipation of the evening.

Taking my phone, I realized my baby was super cute. I assumed she forgot our anniversary;

she's always like that, never changing. I opened my bag, took out the blue box, and as I saw

the ring, I knew it would suit her perfectly. I smiled, planning to surprise her with a

proposal. Glancing at the clock, 6:30 pm was nearing, and nerves set in. What if she doesn't

accept? Nevertheless, I found myself on the road, she on the other side. I called her name,

smiled, and she waved. Suddenly, a loud crash, and I was stunned. I couldn't move; all I

could say was her name...

there was a car. I ran, pushed the kid to safety, and suddenly I was hit by a car. I knew my

love was crying, calling my name repeatedly, but my eyes grew heavy. I couldn't even say...

... I knew I was dying, but all I could think about was him.

At the hospital now, her mother and father are in the ICU. My mind is racing, unable to

grasp the reality of the situation. The doctor appeared in the doorway, and I pleaded, "Doc,

how is she? Please, answer me."

“I’m so sorry, she's gone”, the doctor said. Her parents' cries pierced the silence, their grief

palpable. Her dad's words cut like a knife, "I don't want to see you, even at the grave of my

daughter."

The pain was suffocating, my body numb, my mind detached. I lashed out, punching the

wall, my hand stained with blood. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: it was my fault.

In an ethereal realm between life and death, I found myself enveloped in a hazy expanse,

clad in a pristine white gown. A wave of bewilderment washed over me as I questioned my

surroundings, "Where am I?" The gnawing uncertainty and a chilling thought struck me –

could this be the afterlife?

I cried out for help, but my voice echoed unanswered in the vastness. Undeterred, I

ventured through the surreal landscape, my footsteps echoing in the silence, until I

stumbled upon a colossal golden gate. With hesitant hands, I reached for the imposing

structure, only to find it immovable. Perplexed and intrigued, I pondered the mechanism

required to unlock its secrets.

As if on cue, a melodious voice interrupted my thoughts. I spun around to encounter a

dashing figure clad in an immaculate white suit. My voice trembled as I inquired, "Who are

you?"

"I am an angel," he replied with a gentle smile. "Yes, you are indeed deceased."
His words struck me like a bolt of lightning, sending shivers down my spine. He continued,

"This place is known as the Golden Gate, where the souls of virtuous humans pass through

once their names are inscribed in the grand book. However, your name is absent from its

pages, for your selfless act of saving a child has demonstrated the purity of your heart."

He paused, letting his words sink in before revealing the extraordinary news, "The supreme

being has granted you a second chance to return to the mortal realm, but under altered

conditions. You must fulfill a purpose, a reminder of the aspirations you held before your

untimely demise. Only then will you regain your corporeal form."

My curiosity piqued, I inquired, "Why?"

"Because those who pass through the golden gate bear no regrets, for they are cognizant of

the circumstances that led to their demise. In your case, your memory lies dormant. Cease

your questions and adhere to my instructions if you wish to reclaim your earthly

existence," he instructed with unwavering resolve.

With a tinge of reluctance, I accepted his conditions and closed my eyes. In a swift,

disorienting blink, I found myself thrust back into the familiar confines of reality, yet

something felt amiss – I was a specter, a mere echo of my former self. Desperate to interact

with the world, I reached out, but my hand phased through objects and people like a

phantom. I was trapped in a liminal space, grappling with the enigmas of life, death, and the

uncharted journey that lay ahead.

Wandering as a ghost in the morning mist, I noticed a dejected man in the park. Curiosity

piqued, I followed him, only to find him in an office, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Later,

as he headed to his car, his actions spoke volumes of his despair - his reckless driving was a

clear cry for help.

Unable to bear witness to his potential demise, I intervened, preventing a truck from

colliding with him. However, this act did not go unnoticed. A mysterious entity known as
the "grin ripper" emerged, questioning my interference with the natural order of fate. As I

attempted to explain my reasons, the grin ripper issued a chilling ultimatum: save the man

again, and my own soul would be the forfeit.

Shaken by this ominous warning, I found myself trapped in a ghostly purgatory, haunted by

my actions. The shadowy figure, the grin ripper, had vanished, but an unsettling sensation

lingered, akin to a haunting melody echoing in the ether.

In this ethereal realm between the living and the departed, I stood paralyzed,

contemplating the repercussions of my recent choices. The grin ripper's grave warning

forced me to confront the implications of my decisions as a ghost.

As I drifted through the ghostly realm, the surroundings seemed to mirror the turbulent

dance of my choices. The grin ripper's fading shadow left an indelible mark of uncertainty,

casting a bizarre aura over my afterlife journey.

Months slipped away, yet I remained on his trail. His routine was as predictable as the

sunrise: work through the morning, skip lunch, and seek solace at a bar in the evening.

Hays, this man had a death wish.

Another day commenced, and he exuded an unfamiliar charm. What was afoot? His dapper

attire hinted at a significant meeting. As usual, I shadowed his every move. His destination

was a quaint cafe. A sense of déjà vu washed over me.

I strategically positioned myself at an adjacent table, keeping a watchful eye on his

movements. The door swung open, and my gaze was involuntarily drawn to the newcomer.

A vision of beauty, she greeted him with a giggle and a warm embrace. Sky, she called him.

The revelation struck me like a thunderbolt: he had a girlfriend.

A gentle kiss landed on her cheek. A wave of annoyance surged through me. Why was this

sight so irksome? What was it about this girl that triggered such a visceral reaction?
Days passed, and they were dating, often dining at the restaurant. I couldn't help but feel a

pang of jealousy, having developed feelings for Sky. Amidst his cheerful demeanor, I

noticed a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"Hey, Sky, why are you so down?" Yumi asked with concern.

Sky sighed, his mind drifting back to her, the one who held his heart captive. "I know she's a

good woman," he admitted, glancing at Yumi, "and I appreciate my mother's choice for me.

But even though I've tried, Yumi can't replace her in my heart."

Yumi's expression softened, understanding the depths of Sky's unspoken affection. "Is it

her again?" she asked gently.

Sky nodded, his eyes clouded with melancholy. "Yes," he confessed.

Yumi placed a comforting hand on his arm. "You know what, Sky? She's gone. She's no

longer here to hold your heart. I'm here for you, Sky. I'm your fiancée. Please, let me be the

one to fill that void in your heart."

Sky's heart ached at her plea, but he couldn't deny the truth in her words. He couldn't

continue to string Yumi along when his heart belonged to another. "Stop," he said, his voice

laced with regret. "You know what? Let's end this. I don't want to be your fiancée."

With a heavy heart, Sky turned and walked away. He was lost in his thoughts, unaware of

the car speeding towards him. Suddenly, a force jolted him, and his vision blurred and the

world around him faded into a dark abyss.

Sky couldn't compose his face as he left the restaurant, unaware of the speeding car

approaching him. My push saved him for the second time. As I exerted the force, a torrent

of memories flooded my mind. I recalled what I had intended to do before passing away: to

express my love for him. I saw him clearly; it was him, my love. I remembered everything.

And as time seemed to stand still, tears welled up in my eyes, and I slowly vanished.
In the hospital room, Bella's mother stood by her daughter's bedside, her heart heavy with

grief and regret. She couldn't forgive the man who had indirectly caused her daughter's

accident, but she was determined to protect her.

In the hospital's quiet corridors, Bella's mother approached the doctor, seeking to convey

news that would reshape their lives. Tearfully, she asked, "Please, let that guy know my

daughter is gone. It's for her own good."

The doctor, understanding the weight of the situation, nodded solemnly. He approached

the man, delivered the heart-wrenching news. The man's face transformed, reflecting

disbelief, sorrow, and profound loss.

Bella's mother felt empathy. "I know my decision was right. Forget that guy, my daughter,"

she whispered to Bella, gently kissed her forehead.

Awakening from unconsciousness, I felt a gentle warmth and saw soft light through the

hospital window. My mother's voice, filled with relief and joy, reached me as she declared,

"My daughter woke up." The doctor, a reassuring presence, approached and comforted me

with the words, "You're okay." The revelation struck—I had been in a coma for two

months, left to grapple with the shattered pieces of time.

Kent messaged me, "Bro Sky, let's meet at the bar. I have something important to tell you."

Wondering why he messaged me and contemplating the sudden messages, I spotted Kent

drinking alcohol. "Hey bro, what's up? What is it?" I asked.

"Bro, sorry, but I have to tell you this. It's about my sister." I became serious and asked,

"What about it?" He spilled it. "Sorry to tell you this, but my mom and the doctor told you a

lie. My sister is not dead; she's in a coma for 2 months."

"What?" Shock and numbness enveloped me; anger surged, leading me to punch the wall.

Though I felt no physical pain, the ache in my heart was unbearable. I told Kent, "Please

leave me alone," and sudden tears streamed down my face, a testament to the emotional

turmoil within.
I'm elated to have awakened from the coma; it's nothing short of a miracle. I'm embarking

on this day as a fresh start in my life. Oh, I nearly forgot to message my boyfriend. Yes, I

have a boyfriend named Ivan. Our mothers' close friendship brought us together.

I witnessed their romantic rendezvous. 'Indeed, I'm like a spy here,' Sky muttered under his

breath. I believed that her happiness would bring me joy, but knowing the truth has left me

in excruciating pain. I've decided to let go of what transpired; what matters most is that

she's still alive.

Kent informed me that Bella is safe but has lost her memory; she suffers from amnesia.

I regret being unable to reveal our relationship, to protect her from her mother's clutches,

and to fight for her. I feel like a coward—a pathetic excuse for a man.

I decided to follow her this time. Now, she was alone, and she entered the library. Thinking

it was the only way I could approach her, I disguised myself as gay. But why was she in the

library, Sky wondered?

I'm here at the library to borrow a book. As I picked up several books, the last one I chose

was quite heavy. Someone approached me, saying, "Hey, girl, let me help you." "Oh, thank

you," Bella said. She's gay, and she looked nice. We had a little chat, and I gave her my

number. I don't know why I trusted her so easily, but I didn't sense any negative vibes from

her. Her name is Kiah. Actually, she was nice.

Days passed, and Kiah and I grew closer. We'd occasionally go out, and she'd treat me with

such kindness, like a sister. I'm eternally grateful for her friendship. My head aches

periodically, and in my vision, a blurry figure appears, as if we're in a relationship; perhaps

it's Ivan."

As I walk, I call Ivan. Suddenly, I spot a familiar figure—it's Ivan with another girl. I follow

them closely. They get in the car, and then... Tears well up in my eyes, but my anger quickly

takes over. I rush to his car. "Hey, Ivan!"

"Bella?" He's shocked.

"Please let me explain."

"No, Ivan, it's enough. Let's break up."

I contact Kiah. "Okay, I'll be there soon," she says. I feel a wave of relief wash over me. As I

walk, I stumble upon a familiar park, a place I used to frequent. Gosh! My head starts to

pound again.

Someone calls my name, "Bella." I recognize Kiah's voice. I rush into her arms, tears

streaming down my face. She comforts me as I pour my heart out, explaining in detail what

happened with Ivan. She's furious, but she holds me tightly, offering words of solace.

After a few days, things start to feel normal again. However, my headaches persist, and a

blurry figure keeps appearing out of the corner of my eye. Suddenly, everything comes into

focus, and I realize it wasn't Kiah—it was Sky all along.

Curiosity led me to call Kiah, who promised to be there soon. Sky, clueless about the

upcoming revelation, asked, "Who are you? What are you talking about?" He said, "I

remember everything, Sky."

He looked shocked and admitted, "I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to lie." As he explained, a

story unfolded, revealing a tale of deception and truths. Turns out, the tangled web of

confusion originated from my own mother.

In that emotional moment, Sky teared up. I hugged him, and our tears mixed—an unspoken

acknowledgment of pain, lies, and the weight of truth. Through shared vulnerability, our

bond grew stronger, a connection forged in the crucible of revelations and the release of

shared sorrow.

On the beach, with the soothing sounds of waves lapping against the shore, I decided to

relax and start a new chapter in my life. Bella's call interrupted the peaceful scene, her

voice a jarring contrast to the tranquility that surrounded me. I walked towards her, and

we embraced in a tight hug. "I love you, Sky," she whispered, her words sending a jolt of
electricity through my body. I replied, "I love you too, Bella." We decided to spend the night

in my car, waiting for the sunrise to paint the sky with hues of gold and crimson, sealing the

beginning of a promising day with a passionate kiss.

Fast forward to my wedding day, a dream come true unfolding before my very eyes. Bella

and I were getting married, and to my surprise, there was no opposition from her parents.

The joy of the day was palpable, an infectious energy that permeated the air. In a beautiful

white gown, I marveled at the surreal moment, my heart overflowing with emotions that

words could not express. Bella, radiant in her bridal attire, glided towards me, her beauty

captivating my soul. Holding her hand tightly, we exchanged vows before the officiating

father, our voices filled with love and commitment. As we both uttered the resounding "I

do," a covenant was sealed, uniting our destinies in an unbreakable bond.

The father pronounced the words I had longed to hear, "You may now kiss the bride." Time

seemed to stand still as our lips met, a kiss that encapsulated the essence of our love, a love

that transcended the boundaries of time and space. Surrounded by the cheers of our loved

ones, we embarked on the journey of marriage, ready to script a new chapter together, a

chapter filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

In the quiet solitude of the early morning, the rhythmic tick-tock of the clock echoed

through the room, each tick a reminder of the fleeting nature of time. As the hands of time

relentlessly moved forward, I found myself jolting awake, tears glistening on my cheeks.

The vivid dream still lingered in my mind, its bittersweet reality leaving me with a

profound sense of longing.

Sky stirred beside me, his voice laced with a hint of melancholy as he acknowledged the

bittersweet reality of the dream. "It's just a dream, a wonderful dream," he murmured, his

words hanging in the air like a fragile whisper. Yet, amidst the sadness, there was a

glimmer of hope, a reminder that even in the realm of dreams, love could blossom and

flourish, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.