The night was silent, cloaked in a peaceful stillness. Zayan's breathing softened as he drifted into sleep, his mind slowly slipping into a dream.
He stood in a beautiful garden — golden sunlight bathed the blossoms in warmth, and birds chirped gently in the distance. Before him, Nora stood beneath a blossoming cherry tree, cradling a small baby in her arms. Her eyes sparkled with warmth, her touch tender as she rocked the child with a love that felt eternal.
Zayan smiled, his heart swelling at the sight. He moved to stand behind her, his arms nearly reaching out when a familiar voice spoke beside him.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
He turned quickly. "Nana?"
There she stood, just as he remembered — gentle eyes, warm smile, her presence comforting like a lullaby from childhood.
Before he could say anything more, she wrapped her arms around him.
"I'm so sorry for everything," she whispered. "Please, forgive me."
His eyes filled with emotion. "Nana… it's not your fault. I wish I could have saved you."
She cupped his cheek, her voice soft. "But fate had other plans, my dear. Now, I need you to do something for me. Please… look after Nora. No matter what happens, no matter what life throws at you — stay by her side."
She paused, her voice trembling. "I'm not forcing you… but Nora has always been my child. My sweet baby girl. And I am forever thankful for what you've done — for her, and for the orphanage."
Zayan nodded, his throat tight. "I will, Nana. I promise. I'll always be there for her. She'll never be alone again."
A relieved smile spread across her face. "Thank you, dear child." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
Zayan looked at her, then asked, "You said you can rest now… with your love?"
She turned, gesturing to a man waiting beneath the arch of roses. He was older, his eyes kind and joyful, his arms outstretched.
"That's Drake," she said, her voice light with happiness. "The love of my life. I lost him many years ago… but now, I can finally be with him again. We'll be happy… forever."
Zayan watched them embrace, and his heart stung with bittersweet warmth. They looked so in love — so complete. Tears welled in his eyes.
And then, in an instant — morning.
Zayan stirred awake, blinking against the sunlight. He felt a soft hand on his cheek. Nora was sitting beside him, gently wiping his face with a cloth.
"Were you… crying?" she asked quietly.
He touched his cheek, surprised to feel the wetness. "No," he mumbled. "Must've been… sweat."
It was a lie, but she didn't press. Instead, she leaned down, and he pulled her close, their bodies curling together beneath the covers. She patted his head gently, running her fingers through his hair as the sun painted golden lines across the room.
He held her tightly.
And in that quiet morning moment, he remembered his promise — and vowed again to keep it.
Forever.