Alex pulled the trigger of his gun and pointed it at Rose.
"Tell me the truth," he said, fear trembling in his voice.
"Son, I am sorry… forgive me," Rose pleaded, raising her hands above her head.
"Don't call me your son!" Alex snapped, tears fighting to fall as the cold evening breeze cut across his face.
"Alex!! Alex!!!" Abbie shouted as she ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
When she reached him, she wrapped her arms tightly around him from behind as he struggled to break free. She held on, crying endlessly.
"Please… let it go. For me. For us," she pleaded.
Reluctantly, Alex lowered the gun and turned to face her. His gaze locked deeply into hers—eyes filled with love, fear, and exhaustion.
The wind carried her soft scent of tulip and honey, pulling him into a fragile calm. He gave in and returned her embrace, holding her like his entire world depended on it.
From a distance, Rose stood shaking, tears streaming down her face. Overwhelmed by guilt and despair, she turned away from them and ran toward the edge of the cliff.
The ocean stretched endlessly beneath her.
Without hesitation, she stepped forward.
Alex and Abbie slowly broke apart from their embrace, breathing heavily as reality tried to settle in.
"I should've told you how I feel a long time ago," Alex whispered.
"Shh… it's okay. I like it slow," Abbie replied softly.
A brief laugh escaped them both—nervous, emotional, confused.
Alex looked at her as though trying to memorize her entire existence.
"Your hazel-brown eyes… your little chin mark… I love your perfect imperfections. Everything that makes you… you."
Abbie blushed, looking away shyly.
"Look at me," he said gently.
She obeyed.
"I love you so much. Thank you… for changing me."
His voice dropped into a whisper as he leaned closer, their faces only inches apart.
Before their lips could meet, Abbie suddenly froze.
"Rose!!" she screamed.
They turned.
She was gone.
A splash echoed in the distance.
They rushed forward and saw her clothes floating on the surface of the sea.
"No… Mum!! Mum!!" Alex cried, panic ripping through his voice.
He tore off his shirt and shoes, ready to jump in, until he noticed movement in the water—she was still fighting to stay alive.
Abbie was already calling for emergency help.
Moments later, sirens echoed through the mountain as the police and rescue team arrived.
Rose was pulled from the water—barely alive.