Chapter 1184 - 543: Heading to a World Without You

Chapter 1184: Chapter 543: Heading to a World Without You

"But you have to remember, you’re not alone. No matter which world you’re in, there will always be people who love you and stand by you."

"You are just you, a unique Teresa."

"Accept your past, and face the future with courage—that’s the path you’re meant to walk."

"Mother" looked at Teresa, a gratified smile appearing on her face, then suddenly a hint of regret surfaced. She let out a soft sigh.

"What a pity. Mom also wants to live on with you like this forever, but that’s something I can’t do."

She reached out, gently stroking Teresa’s hair, and said softly, "There isn’t much time. You have to go."

"Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, don’t give up. Mom will always be in your heart, staying with you."

"I love you, my child."

"Mother" reached out and gently wiped away the tears on her cheeks. Her eyes were full of reluctance, yet held a trace of relief.

"But precisely because I love you, I don’t want you drowning in the pain of the past, nor clinging to this false happiness."

"You have to step out and embrace your real life."

"Isn’t there someone outside waiting for you?"

Outside...

By now Teresa had gradually calmed down. Though her heart was still full of reluctance, her expression was already much more resolute than at the beginning.

Yes, there are still people waiting for her.

Yunier, and everyone in Elda. They must all be worrying about me right now.

And... Lord Herbert.

If he saw how pathetic I look right now, would he be disappointed?

No, he shouldn’t be.

He’s such a gentle person.

Even if he saw me like this, he would only encourage me and make me stronger.

Courage.

Mother, please give me strength once more.

"...Mm."

Under her mother’s encouraging gaze, Teresa pressed her lips together and finally nodded hard.

The timidity in her heart slowly faded, replaced by a determination she had never felt before.

"I’ll be strong!"

She knew she couldn’t stay where she was any longer. She had to be brave and take that step forward, to face that cruel world full of unknowns yet also full of hope.

Even if this is just a dream.

She had truly received courage from her mother.

Teresa swung her legs off the bed. With her mother’s help, she wiped away the tears on her face, straightened her clothes, tidied her hair, and even shouldered the pack her mother had somehow prepared.

As if she were a child about to set off on a long journey.

​

And just as everything was about ready, footsteps sounded outside the door. Her father pushed it open and walked in.

Creak.

He saw the scene before him and fell silent for a moment. Then he quietly moved to block the doorway. He didn’t speak, but his actions made his stance clear—he didn’t want Teresa to leave.​

Looking at her father’s figure, Teresa felt a sour ache in her heart and pressed her lips together tightly.

​She had finally managed to steel herself to say goodbye to her mother, and now she had to say goodbye to her father as well?

But before Teresa could speak, "Mother" spoke first.

"Steven, let her go."

The woman walked to her husband’s side, shook her head at him, and tugged gently at his arm. Her tone was soft yet utterly firm:

"Children grow up. They always have to leave home someday. We can’t keep her trapped here forever—that’s not love, that’s a cage."​

Her father’s body stiffened for a moment. He slowly turned his head, his eyes rimmed red, his voice raspy: "But I’m afraid she’ll be wronged, that she’ll run into danger..."​

"No one’s life is smooth sailing. Even danger is something she has to go through." Mother patted his shoulder, her gaze full of understanding, and gently drew him aside.

"Besides, she’s no longer the helpless little girl who needed us to protect her every moment. She’s already capable of taking care of herself."​

Her father fell silent. He looked at Teresa as though seeing the helpless little girl from long ago.

After a long time, he finally moved his foot aside, silently yielding the doorway.

Seeing her father’s reddened eyes, Teresa felt a stab of pain in her chest. She stepped forward and gently hugged him.

Her father’s body trembled slightly. He hugged Teresa tightly, then let go, took a step back, and gave a small wave, signaling that she could go.​

"Remember to eat properly."

"Mother" walked up to Teresa’s side, fussing over her nonstop, as if she wanted to pour all her worries into her words.

"Eat more potatoes! You always complained you had too many, but potatoes fill your belly and give you the strength to face everything."​

Teresa couldn’t help laughing. The tears she’d been holding back spilled over again. She nodded. "Got it, Mom. I’ll eat more potatoes."​

"And if you have someone you like, you have to go after them bravely! Don’t be afraid of failing!"

Her mother added, her eyes carrying a teasing glint, yet brimming with sincerity: "Liking someone isn’t something to be ashamed of. As long as you’re brave, you might just find happiness."​

!!!

Teresa’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn’t shy away this time. She nodded hard. "I’ll remember, Mom."​

Her mother looked at her and, for the last time, reached out and pulled her into an embrace.

Teresa hugged her back tightly, feeling the warmth in her mother’s arms, as if she were etching that warmth into her heart forever.

After a long while, they slowly let go of each other.​

"Go on, child," Mother said softly.​

Teresa took a deep breath, wiped her tears, gave her parents one last look, then turned around and ran out the door without looking back.

Sunlight poured down on her, stretching her shadow long behind her.