Chapter 2020
Chapter 2020
Morpheus paused, meeting Persephone's earnest gaze. "But I haven't given you anything yet..."
"You've already given me the best!" Persephone blushed, smiling softly. To her, he was the best gift in
the world.
"Let's go. Don't stand in the blazing sun!" She took his hand. "Today, you're my chauffeur, and I'm
touring Southeast Aciatic!"
He indulgently chuckled. "That wish seems a bit challenging."
"No matter what Grandma Cordelia wishes, Grandpa Zephyr always makes it happen!"
"I see." He ruffled her hair. "Grandpa Zephyr is Grandma Cordelia's superhero."
"So what about you?"
"I..." Morpheus pondered. "I'll be your Doraemon, okay?"
Persephone smiled sweetly.
After securing their seatbelts, Morpheus started the car. Under the sunlight, their laughter drifted in the
wind.
Persephone shared her plan to complete her graduation project at the fireworks factory with Morpheus.
Morpheus' brow twitched, and he turned to her with a smile, which she could tell was quite strained.
Her mind wandered to what Rebecca had mentioned about PTSD...
What had he experienced to have PTSD related to fireworks?
Persephone bit her lip, taking his hand to continue forward.
They had reached the highest mountain in Southeast Aciatic.
Southeast Aciatic was a country surrounded by the sea on all sides, with a lower altitude, so this
highest mountain might be shorter than even a small hill in other countries. Still, the scenery was
incredibly beautiful.
As they parked the car below and trekked up, they encountered numerous vibrant flowers, little rabbits Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.
hopping in the bushes, and beautiful butterflies fluttering around.
Feeling the atmosphere too silent, Persephone changed the topic softly. "I heard this place used to be
an active volcano, but it hasn't erupted for a long time."
Morpheus chuckled. "I reckon it won't erupt again."
"How do you know?"
Morpheus paused, choosing not to speak. He used to come to this mountain often, running, climbing,
exercising—every corner of this mountain was familiar to him.
"Morpheus, I feel you've been acting a bit strange since you came to Southeast Aciatic..." Persephone
voiced her concern after a moment of consideration, "Sometimes you're silent, and even when you
speak, it feels like you're only saying half. It is as if there's something you're keeping from me."
"Sephy..." Morpheus paused.
"It's okay." Persephone smiled. "Everyone has secrets, and if you don't want to tell me, it's fine. But... I
still want you to know that I'm willing to share whatever happens with you.
"As for my graduation design, I initially wanted to invite you to see it." She smiled wryly. "The professor
said we'd display the fireworks we designed at the graduation ceremony. My mom and dad will be
there, and I really hope you can come.
"But your reaction after seeing the fireworks last time was a bit strong... I think maybe you don't like
them? If you don't, it's okay. Don't force yourself."
Morpheus looked at her in silence.
It felt like a needle had pricked the softest part of his heart. He knew he hadn't been himself since he
came to Southeast Aciatic. He was doing his best to appear normal, but sometimes, his PTSD wasn't
within his control.
He had an aversion to Southeast Aciatic from the start. The fireworks that bloomed in the night sky
were more like ropes pulling him into the hell of war.
It wasn't that he disliked them—he just couldn't get past them.