Begining After The End
In a house located in a forest area with breathtaking views and refreshing air, a man who appeared to be nearly 80 years old lay in bed, accompanied by a diverse group of individuals - men and women of different ages, teenagers, and children.
The man lying down was named David Fernandez. He was an adventurer who had explored almost every part of the earth. Along with his colleagues, he had unearthed long-lost pieces of history and discovered hidden treasures. Each journey they embarked on filled the world with wonderment, as they unveiled remnants of ancient times that remained unrevealed.
But they vanished approximately six years ago. Many are left questioning their whereabouts, but only a select few are privy to the truth. Despite their absence spanning six long years, they remain firmly ingrained in the collective memory, as their discoveries continue to shape the present era. Their names have become eternal, etched in the annals of history as revered figures of influence.
Now, lying in his bed, waiting for death's embrace, was the esteemed adventurer known as David. Over the past five years, his comrades had succumbed to the inevitable grasp of old age, leaving him as the sole survivor. With each final breath his friends took, they whispered, 'It was a pleasure adventuring alongside you in this life, oldfriend. May we embark on yet another grand journey together in the next life".
When those words were spoken, they never failed to bring tears and sorrow to his eyes. All he could manage as a response was, "Yes, may God grant our wish to venture together again."
And now...
"Children, please make sure to take good care of yourselves after I am gone," he advised, his voice tinged with a sense of solemnity.
"Dad, please don't speak like that," one of the men gathered around him protested.
"Why do you say such things, father?" a woman questioned, tears beginning to well in her eyes.
"Yes, Gramps, why are you saying that?" a teenage boy chimed in, his tone filled with concern.
"Please, Grandpa, sob.. sob... sob, don't leave," the youngest pleaded, tears streaming down his face.
With a gentle smile, the old man playfully tapped his youngest granddaughter's head and replied, "I didn't say that on purpose, but I know myself well, and I feel like I still have a little more life left in me."
As those words escaped his lips, a somber and melancholic atmosphere enveloped the room.
He continued, his voice filled with a bittersweet tone, "I am grateful that my time has finally arrived, and perhaps God will answer our prayers, reuniting us with our loved ones once more."
"Uncle, if God grants your prayer, along with my father's and others', and if you meet my parents, please tell them that I am doing well," a middle-aged man expressed with a touch of longing.
The middle-aged man smiled in response.
"Tell them that we are doing well too, Uncle," added the other.
"Of course, I will pass on the message," the old man assured them.
The two were the children of his former colleagues, who had gathered along with their parents' peers to pay their last respects.
One of the old men in the room asked, "Old friend, do you have any regrets?"
"Yes, of course I do," the old man nodded.
"What is it?" someone asked curiously.
"You know, I have always wanted to explore Atlantis and the Bermuda Triangle," he confessed. "But even with the significant advancements in technology, the pressure of deep sea water is still difficult to withstand. Maybe in the next few years, they will develop the necessary technology, but unfortunately, I won't be able to witness it," he said with a wistful smile.
"We will do our best to help you resolve your regrets, David," the old woman assured him.
"Yes, even though we cannot go there personally, we will form a team to explore the place if our technology meets the necessary requirements," the last old man added.
These were the individuals who had always supported David and his colleagues, providing them with necessary facilities and easy access to various countries for their adventures.
"Thank you for that, dear old friend. And one more thing, if you happen to see him, please let him know that I truly miss him," David said with a heartfelt smile.
After he finished speaking, a weight was lifted from David's heart. He slowly closed his eyes, and his breathing gradually ceased.
"Father..."
"Gramps..."
"Uncle..."
They mourned silently, tears streaming down their faces.
"Farewell, old friend," said the old men simultaneously, their eyes filled with tears that were on the brink of falling.
Today, the great adventurer David Fernandez breathed his last breath, leaving behind a smile.
The last thing he remembered was his old friend promising to help him resolve his regrets. As he lost consciousness, the darkness began to engulf him.
************************
Suddenly, he heard a mysterious voice. "So you're awake, David," the voice said from behind him.