May 2019

Maria wasn't in her room. Kathy wasn't present. But she's standing before an impressively large mansion. Her feet was planted on a perfectly trimmed grass. She could hear different animals crying and uttering sounds as if she was inside a zoo instead. She whirled around and gasped.

"Woah."

She was inside Michael's home. She was inside Neverland Ranch.

She faced the door of the mansion and had an urge to knock. A young woman with shining blue eyes opened the door, her hair wrapped tightly in a neat bun.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

Paris.

But this Paris was different. No tattoos covered her skin. She wore long sleeves with a medium flowing skirt. She had a necklace with a pendant of a cross. She stayed as a Witness.

"Umm... Is Mister Jackson present?" Maria whispered, afraid to be disrespectful if Michael turned out dead.

"You mean my father?"

"Yes."

"He's in his room. You're not some crazy fan, are you? I don't even know how you got in. Bill surely does need a pair of glasses."

Maria's heart leaped with joy. "No. I'm a friend of his. Ask if he remembers a girl named Maria Cruz."

"One second." Paris closed the door.

Maria anxiously waited. What if he doesn't remember me? I can't believe he's alive. I can't believe I saved Michael Jackson.

Paris returned and beckoned Maria inside. "Please, come in. He's delighted to see you."

Maria thought she was walking inside an art exhibit. Dozens of expensive and elaborate paintings decorated the wall. There were even paintings of Michael himself. Michael surrounded by children, Michael as a knight, Michael as a prince, Michael being crowned as king. Intricate designs of sculptures were standing erect in every corner.

"I think Paris forgot to mention his room's in the third floor."

Maria turned to see Blanket smiling at her.

No frowning for Blanket anymore.

"Thank you."

She made her way upstairs and found Michael's room. There's a sign carved on the door saying Peter Pan's Headquarters.

Maria giggled then knocked.

"Come in," a soft voice erupted from the room.

Maria opened the door to see Michael reading by the fireplace. He wore no make up and the remaining brown spots on his skin were evident. His black curls had turned white and there were wrinkles on his face. Nevertheless, he still had the same smile.

"Maria!" He stood up to hug her.

Maria hugged back, trying to prevent tears from spilling. She held him tightly, afraid if she let go Michael would turn into dust and leave her.

"I'm so happy to see you!" Michael broke the embrace and looked at her for a long time.

There's something different about him.

The spark never returned in Michael's eyes.

"Michael, are you all right?"

Michael's smile faded. He went back to sit by the fireplace.

"I'm selling Neverland."

"What?" Maria's heart sank.

"This place has been corrupted by evil."

"What do you mean?'

"If there's no children, magic doesn't exist. Evil has infiltrated the gardens of Neverland." Michael's voice was breaking as he tried to prevent his tears from spilling.

Maria held back her tears as well, knowing this was entirely her fault.

"Oh, Michael. I'm so sorry."

"I tried to be the person which society deems to be normal. I befriended adults, lots of them, and distanced myself from children. I went to countless of parties and gatherings. But it caused me my happiness. In the end, I've always felt hallow and incomplete deep inside. It was always my desire to visit sick children."

Maria kneeled in front of Michael and clasped his hands. They were wrinkled with age.

"I'm so sorry, Michael."

"Don't cry, Maria. I know you only wanted the best for me." Michael reached out and caressed Maria's cheek.

Maria sighed and relaxed at his touch. It felt an eternity before any of them uttered a single word. The room was only filled with the sizzling noise of the woods burning in the fireplace and the soft patter of the rain outside.

"I am old and I feel I have wasted my very mission-- my ultimate purpose," Michael finally said.

"Would you do anything for these children?"

"Anything. Even if it puts my life in the line, I'll do it."

"Oh, Michael," Maria was blinded with tears again. "You absolutely have no idea, haven't you?"

She stood up and planted a kiss on Michael's head. Michael rubbed her arms as she held him.

"You heard me, Maria. I have to help all these children. Can't you at least give me the chance of reliving my childhood through them? All my life I have been spared of my happiness. You're a miracle from above. You're the only one who can alter my destiny. Please, Maria." Michael squeezed her hands.

Maria sighed. "So be it."