All Chapters of Till Time Do Us Part: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Zia Scott felt an inexplicable ominous feeling when the incessant gunfire just outside where they were held had come to an end. And listening to the conversation of the two men, it just fueled her perturbation. “Did she really get caught?” she thought to herself. For one, she wasn’t even certain if the intruder they were referring to was indeed Gray, but she could not think of anybody else reckless enough to invade enemy territory without a thorough plan or with the help of the police. In the midst of her overthinking, she felt a light dab on her shoulder. She looked beside her. “Fireworks done?” asked Elreese bemusedly. “I guess so,” she answered. Elreese broke into a smile. “That’s good.”

What happens after a person dies? Various religions believe that the soul of the dead would go to a certain place for judgment. However, nobody really knows the truth. Only the dead, themselves, can give the most legitimate answers. What comes after death? A question many have asked and pondered on at least once in their lives. But when they’re already one step away from death? Does the question emerge from their curious minds again? Probably not. Perhaps when they realize they only have a few seconds left---less than a minute---to lay eyes to the world and feel the air passing through their mouths and noses, their minds would begin doing an impromptu slideshow of their memories---both satisfying and regrettable ones. ‘I miss my mother’s cooking’, ‘I miss my hometown’, ‘I lived a great life’, ‘I wish I did something to achieve my dreams’, ‘I have no regrets’, ‘If only I can turn back time’, ‘I don’t want to die’, ‘I’m scared.’

The word ‘sister’ brought more discomfort to Gray Stewart’s already uncomfortable feeling. “Don’t fucking call me sister,” she thought. “I’m not a nun.” “You look exasperated,” uttered the man, then he made his hand into a point and lightly poked her forehead as he leaned closer. “Or is it because you’ve turned ugly from the last time I saw you?” He pulled back his hand and straightened his back. “I can’t believe you tarnished our sublime face.” He glared down at her. “You really look pathetic. You make me sick.” “You fucker,” thought Gray to herself. “What the hell did you even come here for?” He sat on a chair beside the hospital bed and crossed his legs as he leaned back. “I would have transferred you to a prestigious hospital.” He wandered his eyes around the room. “This place looks rotten befit

“Mom,” uttered Azriel Stewart as the other line picked up. “My precious son, how are you?” said the woman he referred to as his mom. She had a sweet, caring voice. “I’m alright, mom. I’m at the hospital right now.” “You—what?! Oh, my God. What happened to my baby boy?” “No, Mom. I’m fine. I’m just visiting someone.” “Oh? What are you doing wasting your precious time with commoners, son?” “It’s…it’s not a commoner, Mom.” His voice trailed off as he added, “at least not to me.” “Oh, my word!” His mother gasped. “How rude of me. Who is it, son? Maybe I should also pay them a visit.”

"Good morning, uncle Edward!" little Sophia's beaming smile greeted him as soon as he opened his eyes. This time, it was eleven days after Edward’s admission to the hospital. He was now able to move places with the help of a wheelchair. The cervical collar and IV injection had been removed from him as well as the pulse oximeter and ECG machine. And with his regular sessions to physiotherapy, his recovery was swiftly progressing. "Good morning, Sophia." He smiled back. "Did you sleep well?" "Yes, I did. What about you?" "I slept well too!" she hopped on her seat as she answered. "You came so early," he said. Apparently, Gray and little Sophia didn't spend the night at the hos