Chapter 1
Notes: The OC is not familiar with KHR.
I died in a ripe age. I was 72 when my finally heart failed me. Either way, I had a wonderful life. I was surrounded by my loved ones when I departed from this world. I only hope that Grandma is waiting for me. Cedric my beautiful boy has given me beautiful grandchildren. It was painful that my beloved wife never got to see them. You see, I held my first grandchild while I cried for my wife. Due to unfortunate circumstances, my wife was shot in a crossfire between the cop and the robbers in a bank robbery. She sacrificed herself to be the hostage instead of the child. A life for a life.
I was devastated. I thought we would spend our lifetime together. I mean, she already promised that we would serving the last of our days in a cottage near the sea. But that promise was never for us. And I thought, I would be mourning her loss for the rest of my life. Until I met the boy he saved. His name was Leon. Like me, his parents were also one of the casualties. He had no one left. His relatives didn't want another mouth to feed so he was destined to grow in an orphanage.
That was until I saw him. He was standing at the corner of the room at the reception desk. He was so quiet and withdrawn. I looked at him carefully and observed his dark raven hair, with so much similarity with my beloved Maria. If only his eyes were the color of the storm, I'd say he's a relative of my wife. Instead his eyes were the color of pure onix. And that was I thought, I am a lucky person because my son is still here for me but he has his own family. I am practically alone. I am afraid to go home because I know there will be no one for me to greet. That I would be surrounded by coldness.
And that was I knew what I have to do.
Looking at the young woman at the table I told her, "I would like to adopt the boy named Leon de Angelo." She gave me bewildered look but I knew I made the right choice.
xoxoxox
Adopting Leon was easy but how to warm up to the boy... Maybe not. He always looks at me with that unfathomable look. He is always quiet. Everyday was like a game of who would crack first but I guess, it would be me. It would always be me. I was cleaning the dishes when he walked into the kitchen to get some leftover food. I broke the silence by asking him.
"There are some leftovers here, I separated them already." He just nodded and went to get it.
I smiled ruefully at his silent attempt. "You know you could just ask me to keep the kitten." He paused and then ducked his head.
"Why?"
"Why what? I like cats." He looked away guiltily at me and I know I'll be answering the most awaited question of all.
"It was my fault your wife died. Why would you help me?" I patted his head and he flinched from the touch.
"Kid, it wasn't your fault. My wife has a big heart and I know she will never stop helping anyone. It is always her weakness, but it is also the reason why I fell in love with her. I could never fault you, when I know if given a chance, she would always do it again and again."
"You should hate me though." His voice was fragile but it held that same kind of strength.
"You know, if my wife was the brave one, I was always the coward. I am too afraid to succumb to anger. I like to avoid dangerous things. But I would never ever let a child suffer because of my selfish reasons. That's what she taught me and I'm going to teach you not to always blame yourself."
At this point we were crying. I know I was sad and devastated about losing Maria, but at this moment I was happy to gain a son.
Few years have passed and I was on the prime of my age. At age 58, I've watched Leon graduate from the university. Now my sons have gotten along really well. You remember that cat Leon kept on helping, it grew in number. Anything that's injured he always takes it home. I remember that he's fond of lizards, especially that chameleon my grandchildren named Leon II. The old shed in the fronyard slowly became a petshop and a veterenarian clinic administered by yours trully.
Try as Leon may, some certail animals hate him such as the hawk he tried to cure. I always say to him to stick to the reptile section.
My health started acting up when I reached 68. I could no longer keep up with the shop and in return one of my grandchildren replaced me. At this age, Leon introduced to a fine japanese lady named Nadeshiko. "Nana" or Nadeshiko is a sweet and strong woman. I have noticed the way she comforts Leon because of my health without acting feely-touchy with him. She was also an observant and strong woman. Looking at them reminds me of why I married my wife.
"Never let go of that woman. She's good for you." I told him one day.
"Of course dad. I really love her."
At the day my death, I was bedridden. I could not move and it is painful even to speak. Leon and Cedric took turns in taking care of me. One summer day, I talked to Nana alone.
"When I finally rest, I want you to have the key inside the music box. It is the key to the cottage I have bought years after my wife's death.
I want you to enjoy it there. Please."
Crying, Nana nodded.
It all happened in a flash though, the world went dark and it was getting harder to breathe. A smile slowly appeared and that, I had my last.
So simple but when letting go, it feels like no one can touch me, that I'm invinsible. I could finally reunite with my wife.
Or so I thought.
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Until I cried my lungs out because somebody smacked my butt.
And damn, it hurts.
And then memories were sealed in a box. The key was thrown away deep in the ocean.
They lay forgotten but not lost.