[Music Recommendation: "The Name of Life" by Joe Hisaishi (Spirited Away OST)-available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

Ahhh… what a joyous birthday it was. I felt so happy. Whatever or whoever made me time travel, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. If not for you, I wouldn't even get to experience all the things that happened so far, especially the good ones. From knowing the real reason why dad left us in my past life, to being saved from those scammers in this timeline, meeting Kai, spending more time with Hora, seeing Ken once again, along with my old classmates and teachers, and everyone I knew from my childhood. I even discovered my dream, my passion. I'm eternally grateful. Finally, I'm living for myself… and I could say that I'm living it happily.

Tears started to form in my eyes as I reminisced about the past while watching the spectacular parade. There were bubbles and confettis flying in the air as they passed by. The Bisney Princesses were singing and waving their hands. The other known characters were also doing their best to entertain everyone. I was crying, and laughing, and clapping my hands as I watched them.

Hours passed with us enjoying and exploring the whole theme park. Once exhausted, we came back to the hotel and had dinner at the buffet area. There were lots of great foods. I made sure to try them all except for those dishes with lots of onions, garlics, and gingers in them. I hated the taste of those. I didn't forget to eat my veggies and fruits, too. But the most I ate was grilled salmon and fried chicken—my favorites. Dad and mom ate steaks, and my younger brother enjoyed his pasta and pizza. For dessert, there were lots to choose from as well—ice creams, cakes, crepes, chocolate fondue, tarts, fruit salads, jellies, and so many others. I also made sure to try them all… even if I couldn't finish them on my own. I had always been the type to eat tiny portions of everything. I'd love to finish them all but my small stomach wouldn't be able to hold them.

After stuffing ourselves, we went back to our room to rest. It was both fun and exhausting. As soon as I finished taking a shower and changing into my pajamas, I slumped myself to bed. I almost fell asleep but dad kept on shaking me to get my gifts. They all presented their gifts to me which were all carefully wrapped, except dad's.

My younger brother gifted me a cute white rubber shoe with money he saved up from his allowance. I felt so touched knowing he saved up for me. I immediately hugged him and thanked him after. Mom's gift was a beautiful dress with matching heels—the dress I love, but I hated wearing heels because they're a pain in the feet. Despite our awkwardness, I gave mom a hug and thanked her, too. Lastly was dad's unwrapped gift which was a new phone—a Red Dragon smartphone! The best smartphone of the year and had the highest specs among all brands. Funny though, both Dad and Kai gifted me gadgets from the same brand. Was that one of the reasons dad was suspicious of Kai? I chuckled at the thought of it. Nonetheless, I hugged dad, too, and thanked him for the gift. As much as I wanted to try them all out, my body failed me and I fell asleep.

The next morning came, and I woke up before dawn as usual. My body clock had been accustomed to me waking up around that time. Everyone else was still asleep so I went to the kitchen area of our hotel room to brew some coffee. I bought my old and new phones with me. I thought of setting it up so I could use it for the day. I sat at the dining area and put my cup of coffee on the table as I set it up. This would be my first smart phone and I'd say it's really top notch considering it was still 2009. The camera was great, the phone worked fast, and there's already lots of apps I could use.

While I was busy setting up my phone, mom suddenly popped out of nowhere and sat on the other side of the table, also holding a cup of coffee on her hand.

"Good morning," I carefully greeted her and observed her reaction.

"'Morning," she greeted me back.

And there was silence. Only the sound of us alternately sipping our coffee could be heard. I thought of creating small talk but I didn't have any topic in mind so I just let the silence continue.

"About college," Mom broke the silence, "did you change your mind?"

I see. She's not conceding.

"No," I answered coolly. "I love writing and that's what I'll take for college."

Mom sighed. "If you will only listen and understand my side. I'm only doing this because it's best for you."

I loved mornings but its beauty wasn't enough to stop my nerves from snapping. I'm getting angry again. But I had to keep my cool. Lashing out won't help me convince her.

"What's best for me?" I asked, knitting my eyebrows in the process. "How could you be so sure that what you THINK is best for me, is actually right?"

Mom sighed again, deeper than the first.

"You're still young, so you don't understand. I'm older than you and have been through life for many years than you, experiencing many things. And those experiences gave me wisdom. Wisdom that you don't have yet. So I need you to listen to me. I know what's best for you," she insisted. Her voice and intonation got higher.

"Can you somehow see the future that's why you're so sure? And how can you use your past experiences to dictate my future? Is your past tied up to my future? We're not living in the old days, mom. The world is changing. What used to work in the past won't magically work the same way in the future." My voice got louder.

"Don't try to play logic with me." Alas, mother snapped. "How about you? Can you see the future? That's why you're so sure that what I'm telling you is not the best choice?"

Yeah, right. If only you knew how I've been there and lived a miserable life!

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Hello My Pumpkins!

Finally! This book has successfully been contracted!

Due to this, I will MASS RELEASE 5 CHAPTERS today!!! I put 10 mins interval so they don't get mixed up. Do look forward to it and enjoy!

Also, I will be locking from chapter 40 since Kaiden and Senara's meet up is near. I will put the rest of my stockpile in privilege so feel free to buy if you can't wait for it anymore.

I'll increase my daily updates of 2 chapters a day as well aside from privilege.

Again, thank you all so much!

Love you lots,

Macy Bae