The Hanahaki Disease: A Variant

by Kathelf

Some of you may know of what we call the Hanahaki disease. When a love is not returned people choke on flower petals as roots run through their prime organs. There are few times that dying is worse than that. But this new illness that overruns Erdas is even worse. It has centred itself in Greenhaven were many victims will fall, unless they can commit to man's greatest fear. Love.

8. Epilogue

Oh my guys, I completely forgot to publish this last epilogue chapter here on . Sorry, but here it is anyway. Enjoy!

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Rollan stood in the Great Hall. In silence. Someone was speaking at the front but he was oblivious to it.

A year and a half ago he had stood in a similar position as now. Back then it was his mentor. And now... again.

Again something had to destroy the happiness in his life. A long time ago he had thought that loving him was a curse. He hadn't been full serious about it back then but now he was.

Something touched his hand, a reminder that he wasn't alone unlike what he thought. He looked sideways. Meilin. And next to her, Conor and Abeke. A little awkwardly but together.

He and Meilin? She wanted to be, he knew, but he was scared. Scared that what he thought was true. That loving him was a curse. Could he risk her?

The answer came to him when she took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently. Rollan looked up, seeing the front stage was clear. People were starting to look at him expectantly.

He glanced at Meilin who nodded at him encouragingly.

Rollan slowly stood up. He knew the answer. It was yes. Because a bit of love was always better than no love at all. Their mentors had shown them that. Refusing to admit their love for each other when they were still alive. At least now in death they could be together. Rollan hoped.

And he dared to do that. Because love triggers hope as much as hope triggers love.

And Rollan hoped. And loved.

He looked out over everyone as he stood in the front. Olvan and Lenori sitting together just a few meters away from him. Conor and Abeke in the row after that, hands brushing. And next to them, Meilin. She sent him an encouraging look, nearly like a smile.

Rollan looked back at the sarcophagus behind him. Unlike the other moment it was closed. There was someone in it this time. Their mentor.

So this was the end of this story. I really hope you liked it. I might publish some new story in a while, but I am organising myself and all my ideas so we'll just have to wait and see. For now, bye! 👋