Prologue

March 17, 2019

"This is not the kind of life I wanted to live; in this life, I wasn't able to accomplish anything."

"I can still go on, but what is happening right now?"

"Why am I stuck in this predicament?"

"I am not ready for this. I looked around me, and by just looking at their expressions, they are very much like me, we are not ready for this"

"I can't stop my heart from beating so fast, I can't calm down, well who on earth will have the guts to calm down in this kind of situation."

She began breathing heavily.

She felt someone held her hand, she turned in that direction, and a man is sitting beside her, it was the man she was having a conversation with for the whole trip.

"Calm down, we are going to be fine," That man said in a very calmest voice possible to persuade Elinor.

Elinor didn't know why but somehow, this stranger's voice calmed her down

"Thank you. I hope you are right," Elinor said. The man didn't answer and just tightened his grip, hoping to ease Elinor.

"I hope this won't be the first and the last time we will meet," Elinor said to the man

"I do think this won't be the last time," The man replied and smiled at Elinor, showcasing his deep dimple.

Elinor don't know why she felt at ease when the man held her hand, and she had a great time talking to him before this chaotic scene.

"If, if we survive this, will you mind having a coffee with me?" Elinor asked expectantly.

The man observed this young lady's pitiful expression; he knew if he rejected this offer, she would interpret it as "there's no chance anymore," "they are not coming back anymore." Not that the man hates to go out and drink coffee with her. He liked that thought. He enjoyed talking with this girl; he instead felt a connection with her.

"Of course, I would love to."

Elinor sighed in relief. "Well, that's good to hear; I am surprised in this kind of situation. We can normally talk like nothing's happening."

"Well, I am a good distraction" The man winked and smiled at Elinor with those cute dimples.

Elinor blushed; who can resist this handsome man? "Shut up! We've been talking for almost three hours, and we still don't know each other's names."

"Well, whose fault is that?" The man raised his left eyebrow.

"Okay, it's my fault, okay!? I am Elinor Venturi" Elinor stared right through the man's eyes.

"What a lovely name, I am---" Elinor didn't have the chance to hear the man's voice because of the screams of co-passengers; she was too distracted, she admits he was good at distracting people.

"Close your eyes, and everything will be okay after you open it again," Someone whispered in my ears; I recognize this voice; it was the man who calmed me down earlier.

I felt his hand blocked my eyes; I closed my eyes and held the man's hand tight.

I have been miserable ever since, but I don't feel that miserable right now.

I can't stop my eyes from tearing up.

I hope we can survive this.