Before love Lies

When I was a kid, people used to tell me to think of a hero. We view them as individuals who can save the world. Most people would think of heroes like Batman and Superman. But what about the heroes who hide among us—the men and women in the line of duty? People who are never afraid of what could happen to them. We all have someone we could call upon who would save us from the harm that might come our way. In many ways my Father was my hero in so many ways . Sometimes when I was alone I used to wonder if he had a hero.

I vividly recall my father’s words, urging me to embrace my heritage and cherish each day as if it were my last. Reflecting on my life now, I can confidently say that he was my hero in countless ways. His ability to create a sanctuary where the world around us faded away, allowing him to dedicate himself to the time I desperately needed, was truly remarkable. As I look back, I can’t quite pinpoint when time ceased to exist. However, as the years have passed, I’ve noticed a growing sense of distance between us. The world around us seemed to have become a distant memory. Late nights were spent watching deer gracefully run free, while early mornings were filled with the sight of rabbits diligently digging into the soil. The sun would rise majestically over the snow-capped peaks of the mountains, and the air would be filled with the invigorating scent of fresh pine.

I used to believe that life would remain unchanged forever. I prayed fervently that it would never progress beyond the precious moments I spent with my father. Had I known what awaited me, I would have wished upon that star that time would come to a standstill, allowing me to remain in this moment forever. I suppose that’s not how life is meant to be? I still vividly recall that day as if it were yesterday. It was a cold June morning, and frost covered the window panes, almost as if they were whispering of something ominous. I could still hear my father’s footsteps echoing through the house, a rough cough from his room reverberating throughout the space. As I rolled out of bed and onto the pine floors, an unsettling feeling washed over me. My father’s voice boomed through the room, “John Edison, come here.” Until that day, I had never heard him use that voice before. As I walked into the living room, a chill ran down my spine, and I couldn’t quite pinpoint its source.

He waved me over as I approached him, and he promptly seated me. It felt like just yesterday that I was a young, naive 18-year-old, completely ignorant of the world beyond my immediate surroundings. His cold, rough voice resonated through the living room of the log cabin we shared since my mother’s passing, leaving my father and me alone all those years ago. “Son, we need to talk,” he said. “There’s so much more for me to teach you while I’m still alive.” However, regrettably, my illness was catching up with me after all these years. A single tear rolled down his face, and his once strong hands gradually moved to dab his tears. “Son, I understand that my time is limited,” he continued. “But I want you to know that life has so much more to offer than what we’ve experienced together. The world is vast and brimming with possibilities that I haven’t had the chance to show you.” To ensure your safety, I’ve worked tirelessly and built this house, log by log , on my own. The death of your mother left me questioning why she was killed by Mickey Chen. I still feel my father’s warm hand on my knee, the love and support he shared with me that day will forever be etched in my dreams, John. Remember, being a man is more than just reaching a certain age, son.

It’s time for you to forge your own path in the world. I’ve built this house with my two hands, watching you grow over the years. I take immense pride in everything you achieve, son. We’ve built a wonderful life together, with plenty of food and no crime, so you’ve never experienced the harsh realities of the world.

He spoke with a voice filled with fear and sadness for a moment. I’ve built you up with this heart, teaching you how a man should treat his friends and your children. I want to teach you the right way to live, but I’m worried I won’t have the chance to meet my grandchild. I know my time is drawing near, and the truth is, I’ve been hiding it from you all these years. I’ve kept your mother’s whereabouts a secret, as well as the truth about who you are and why we had to hide everything.

I’m so sorry I had to deceive you all these years. I watched his face as tears filled his once joyful expression. Slowly, he stood up, and I watched as my father made his way to the door, gazing out the window into the grove of apple trees. A soft laugh escaped his lips, son. One day, they will find me, and my time will come to an end. I hope my teachings remain relevant even after I’m gone, son. Follow my words, and they will guide you to uncover the truth hidden within these walls. I hope you never harbor hatred for the difficult decision I must make. His words resonated throughout the room, and his eyes grew moist as he reached up to a concealed box above the door. “Son, promise me this,” he said. “Join the army today and leave. Begin a new life for now.” The army will continue to educate you even after I’m gone. There’s more you need to learn, but I won’t be around for much longer. I can’t protect you any longer. Each day, safeguarding you became increasingly challenging.

As my father walked over to me with a small wooden box, he handed it to me. I opened the box, and inside, I found a gold ring with a black diamond and a note. I opened the letter.“Dear John,” it read, “I hope this letter finds you well. I hope your father is there, as proud as the day you were born I pray that he healthy and you are as well . I know some things may not make sense writing this note brings me no joy knowing my time here is limited but I wanted you to know that I love you that when you find out the truth that you wont blame him for the choices that I made , but the truth is beyond what you could ever know. I hope you follow your father’s footsteps and be the man we raised you to be. Joining the the army will be our wish . When you come home from your four years of service I hope. Your father will tell you only after you come home why there’s such importance to joining the army. I wish I never had to write this letter. I wish I could tell you how proud I am of you. The secrets hidden here inside this house is more then you could ever know . Just know son is to much to list here but you have a sister her name Summer Edison she well hidden I hope you will find her with your fathers help that is all I could hope for . with all my love.

Your mother,

Debbie Edison.”