An Unexpected Proposal

November 5, 2020

"It really has been a long time."

"I suppose it has."

"…"

"…"

Alicia tried to force a smile, but eventually, she gave up and relaxed her shoulders. Trying to have a casual conversation now just felt awkward.

At that moment—

"Mom!"

From the distance, Mikael came running and clung tightly to the hem of Alicia’s dress.

"Mikael? What’s wrong all of a sudden?"

"Mom, I… I woke up, and you weren’t there…"

His small hands clenched tightly around her. Alicia gently stroked the sobbing child’s head.

"It’s alright, Mikael. I’m right here."

"Sniff… I thought you left me behind…"

"That would never happen. Where would I go without you?"

"Really?"

"Of course. Now, why don’t you show me your face? I want to see my Mikael’s face."

Her voice was soft and soothing. Slowly, Mikael tilted his head up. Alicia carefully brushed away the tears from his flushed, swollen cheeks.

"My little Mikael. I thought you were all grown up, but you’re still a little crybaby."

"B-But… Mom…!"

Unable to hold back his tears any longer, Mikael buried his face in Alicia’s dress once more.

No matter how mature he tried to act, he was still just a child.

"Don’t worry so much. I’m here, aren’t I? You don’t have to hold on so tightly—I’m not going anywhere."

"I—I saw you in my dream…"

"A dream?"

"There were people… saying awful things to you… h-heuuk!"

"Calm down, Mikael. It was just a dream."

Alicia cupped his tear-streaked cheeks and made him look at her.

His swollen, trembling eyes made him look so fragile that it hurt.

"Look at me, Mikael."

"…"

"It’s okay. Nothing bad happened. And no matter what, I won’t let anything bad happen to you."

She spoke each word slowly and clearly.

Gradually, Mikael’s sobs quieted.

Alicia guided him into slow, steady breaths, her lips curling into a warm smile.

"I promise, Mikael. I will always protect you."

"Then… what about you? Who’s going to protect you?"

Mikael clutched her even tighter.

Even though he knew it had only been a nightmare, his body still trembled violently.