One Year After Novels & Stories

I ate a bit before going out of my house, so I am not hungry right now. “No need, I am fine.” “All right. Tell me if you’re hungry.” Calmly, he placed the jar back to a small bag. “… Ok.” Somehow I can’t keep but notice that he became much composed and calm than when I first saw him on the balcony a year ago. I didn’t know time flew this fast, huh. It had been over one year since our divorce and my ex-husband was chasing after me because he realized that he loves me after all those… years I was infatuated with him.

Naomi stood at the front of the packed room; the applause was washing over her, but she barely heard it. She stared down at the bronze coin in her hand, felt its warmth travel from her palm, down the length of her arm, all the way to her core. One year. One year sober. “You can say something if you want,” Mirrie said in her ear. “But you don’t have to. We can just go and talk about what happened yesterday.” Naomi glanced up at her. Those violet eyes were watching her closely, and she smiled.

Ella’s POV After one year. One year had passed since that bad day in our lives. We were happy again. The incident had already faded from our minds. It was time to move on from the past, we had so much to focus on for the future. My mother had completely recovered. She was now able to use both her legs without any problem. She was so happy with her current condition. Things between her and Dad were fine now. They had gone back to being the loving couple they once were, and I was so proud of them. At last, my mom was happy with Dad. They were even planning to renew their vows.

She got up and gave me a hug. "It's all over. Live for yourself from now on." It was something so simple, even an outsider understood. And yet, it had taken me six whole years to finally wake up. Fortunately, it still wasn't too late.

He made pancakes and coffee and kept looking at me with an expression I could not read. "Are you okay?" I asked. "I am fine. Just thinking." "About what?" "Nothing important. What are you doing tonight?" "Tonight? Working on revisions. Why?" "I thought we could go for a walk. To the bus stop." "The bus stop? That is an hour away." "I know. But I want to see it. It has been a year." I set down my fork. A year. He was right. A year since the night that changed everything.

Ruby’s POV: ONE YEAR LATER The last year has by far been one of the most eventful times for me. James actually went through with his rehabilitation program and I spent every day with him. It turns out he was overdosing on sleeping medicines and it almost became a health issue as his physical tolerance for the drug increased and he craved it more.

"Was in a rush. Are you ready?" I sure was. *** "I'm sorry. Kroni visited you and you say this is the second time." Tresk asked in shock. They were all shaking so much that I seemed to be enjoying it. "Yes," I assured. "But... He has been sealed in hell for years. It can't happen again." One of Tresk kept staring at me like so.ething was different about me. Probably my purple hair, I hadn't dyed it in days. Its natural plush color was returning.

"One year is only twenty percent of the five years. A lot more can happen. I still can't figure it out. My cancer can still come back." "Stop your negativity. You're ruining it. You just received a very good result from your tests and then you're ruining the good news right away." She started the car's engine before averting her gaze back at me. "Just tell your mom that you are healthy for one year after recovering from cancer. For sure she will be happy."

I clutched my chest, gasping for breath as tears blurred my vision. My fists clenched so tightly my nails dug deep into my palms, using the pain to keep myself upright. “Wandi spent a year overseas, recuperating, before she was willing to forgive Neve. In a couple of days, I’ll stage a medical ‘miracle’, stand up again, and let her resume being the Donna. This year is a penance for her willfulness.” Each word of his was uttered coolly, piercing deeper into my heart. “But… it has been a year. Will she buy it?” someone asked hesitantly.

I stood up slowly now, my body tense. “What did they say?” I demanded. She stepped even closer, lowering her voice slightly, as if sharing a secret. “They said the Luna must bear an heir within one year.” The words hit me like something heavy. For a moment… I just stared at her. Not moving. Not speaking. Not even breathing properly. “One year?” I repeated quietly, my voice barely steady. Aurelia nodded slowly, watching my reaction carefully. “Yes,” she said. “One year.” My mind started racing.