“I completely agree with you, brother,” she replied, putting her arm on my shoulder as she leaned into me. “You have the perfect view of the garden so for me to be able to see this is refreshing. I do envy you sometimes, all because of this view,” she giggled.

“But what’s more magical to see is the Mortal Realm and the people who live there,” I added.

“Why is that?” she asked as she looked at me.

“I’ve been observing them for quite some time now and it amazes me how they see life. They may live a simple life but it is happy and they’re content with what they have,” I explained, smiling as words came out of my lips. I can’t help but think about Laura as I continued to talk about the Mortal Realm.

“That’s the same with our people, Robert,” she said. “Our people have found numerous ways to survive, making a life for themselves where they are content with what they have. That’s why I love joining our parents in their town visits. I’m able to see their smiling faces even though they live plainly and continue to work hard to meet their needs,” she continued. “I believe they’re the people who know more about life.”

“I’m quite sure they don’t have any regrets when death comes knocking at their doorstep,” I replied with a smile.

“Everybody has regrets, little brother,” she smiled as I looked at her. “You just have to accept it, forgive yourself, and move on with a happy heart.”

As we stared at the distant mountains once more, Laura invaded my thoughts. Could she still be mad at me? Will I see her again? Or has my pride and arrogance pushed her away for good? I’ve been wanting to talk to her but it seems that time hasn’t permitted me to do so. I would like to visit her. But Grandpa Ben may already know something about what happened and he, too, might be upset with me.

My thoughts were disrupted by a sudden knock.

"That must be Gonzalo with our food. Would you like to join me?" she offered as she headed to the door.

"Maybe later. I'd like to enjoy the view a little longer," I smiled.

"Okay, then," she smiled.

As Elizabeth took care of our dinner, I reverted my attention to the garden and something caught my attention. Someone was walking within the bush maze in our garden. Some kind of lantern can be seen moving within the maze. I wonder who that could be. Nobody goes into the maze alone and especially during this time of the night.

I was heading out of the room when Elizabeth asked, "Where are you going?"

I stopped and turned, "I'm going to check something. I'll be back shortly." I then rushed to the garden.

♔♔♔

When I entered the maze, everything was quiet. There was no rustling of leaves or footsteps that can be heard. "Is anyone out there?" I called out as I got deeper into the maze. As I passed by an eagle statue within the maze, I grabbed the torch from its talons. “Is anyone here?” I called out again before taking a turn.

I know this maze very well as it has been used to train my mind and Elizabeth’s. We spent half of our childhood, discovering the right path of this maze. And not everybody in the castle was given the same chance. “Is anyone here?” I called out again. “If there is someone here, you’re not supposed to be here, especially during this time of the night. You can get lost if you’re not familiar with this.”

Then, from a distance, I finally heard something: a brief crunch of grass from a short distance from me. Without a moment to lose, I followed the direction where it came from. I followed the path that I know and I arrived at the intersecting part of the maze. One road in front of me, one on the left and one on the right. I know which path leads to the exit… but I’m not sure on which road to take to follow the noise I heard.

Footsteps then started coming from my left so I followed what I heard, trusting my instincts and my ears. As I walked further into the path, I stumbled upon one of the arcs that were designed within the maze. Under the arc, a figure stood there and was talking to someone hidden behind the bush on the right.

“Who’s there?” I called out as I approached the silhouette, holding out my torch in front of me

The figure quickly turned in my direction and walked towards me. As we got closer to each other, I began to recognize who it was. It was Nana.