Across the World

Chapter 1: Illusion or Real

Her body rapidly fell into a black hole of nothingness. It was a very dark place. While she was still falling, the area gradually became snug, and she lost her breath. She had nothing to do-- she closed her eyes and just accepted her death from the dark place she was…

“I’ve told you, this is only the beginning…” Then, he pulled her to his body and embraced her tightly. Her tears fell. She was right, the man was real…

THE sunlight coming from her window nudged at her senses. Luna didn't notice that she fell asleep last night when she tried to shut her eyes. "It was all a dream…" she whispered and took a deep breath. Then she looked at the clock hanging on the wall- it was already eight o'clock in the morning. She quickly sat on her bed. She rushed to get up and fix herself. She only took a bath for about five minutes. She didn't choose clothes to wear, she just pulled them out of the cabinet. Fortunately, her clothes were ironed because of her nanny.

By the way, Luna was not with her parents. Her mom and dad ventured abroad to give her a better life and future. Luna accepted that. She respects her parent’s decision, especially if it was for her sake.

She packed her bag with what was necessary for school and hurried out of her room even though she hadn't combed her hair. She only pocketed the comb in her jeans and quickly ran down the stairs. But her nanny greeted her and blocked her way. "Do you mind eating your breakfast?"

"No thanks! I'm in a hurry," Luna explained. Her nanny could do nothing but to let her go. As she got out of their house, she preferred running on the way. Until she halted on her track and returned walking swiftly, because she saw the old house. Now she is confused about whether she really attended a gazing party two weeks ago. She suddenly stopped in front of the old house.

She observed the place and checked if there was still evidence that her neighborhood celebrated the Feast of the Blood Moon. But the surroundings were clean and empty. She wished that all the events that happened were all a dream. She shook her head and what mattered to her now was her studies. She was at her fourth level in college. For now, she ignored what was lingering on her mind.

As she walked with a heavy weight on her shoulders, she didn't notice that she was about to bump into a man. They both fell on the ground. Because of the strong impact, her things scattered on the ground. The man quickly stood up and helped her to pick up her things. "I'm sorry! I didn't see you," he told her with concern that was visible in his eyes.

Luna just glanced at him and took her belongings from his hands. She quickly turned away from him because she needed to get to her class. She walked out of their village. A taxi passed by when she came out of the gate, and she stopped it. She immediately went inside the car because she was chasing time. She leaned her back in the chair and rearranged her belongings that had fallen on the road. The driver turned on the radio. She lay her head against the car window as she listened to the music.

The event that happened when she attended the feast of the Blood Moon forced its way to her mind as she watched the environment while they were traveling along the road. She thought that everything was just a dream or just the work of her imagination. She also found it difficult to rest at night. She was always awake because she felt there was something around her that her eyes could not see. All she did in order for her to sleep at night was think of her parents, who were working hard abroad. She needed to finish her studies to give honor to the sacrifice of her mom and dad. And to make them even more proud of her, especially since she was only their child.

Thirty-minutes passed, and she reached school. The university was not far from their residence. She preferred to take a taxi because she would not pay that much, and she felt safe. As she got out of the car, her feet ran as her right hand was wearing her school ID around her neck. She did not care about the other students she went through. What was on her mind was to get to their classroom right away. Luckily, she came to their class on time and flopped down into her chair.

Just a few seconds later, their professor entered. Luna took a course in Fine Arts. Her parents did not stop her so that she would not be in trouble. Whatever Luna wants, they will support her. Aside from her passion for mystery, she also loves painting. Luna loved to draw. She mostly painted nature, the sky, stars, and the moon. She fixed herself, sat up, and got ready to listen to her teacher. As long as her eyes liked it, she would make this a piece.

The graybeard man lowered his folder to the desk. His eyes wandered to all the students inside the classroom. Their room was theater-style, but it was just small. It did not have many decorations. Only a few paintings were hanging on the wall. The color of the paint on the wall was classical white mixed with the shade of latte, which will give the place a clear view. Only thirty-five students can enter here. The professor began to check attendance. Then, he made an announcement.

"Class, there will be an art exhibit for the painting class department. I hope all the students here will attend because it is a contest for everyone," the professor said. The students began to shout. They waited for a long time. Finally, the spotlight focused upon them. Luna felt the same way. She could not explain the happiness she felt after she heard about the competition. She would love to show and share her hidden talents. She wanted them all to sense that her paintings were alive and they were coming from her heart.

In her cheerfulness, her mind began to be wild. Different concepts ran through her mind and she had a hard time choosing a good idea. She started losing her concentration at that moment. Her mind only focused on the exhibit she would like to participate in, then suddenly she felt inactive going to their class. She planned to leave and go to the place she loved, where she had peace of mind. She felt that when she was in a quiet place-- she was the only person in the world. She felt as if she was free from everything she wanted to think and do. No one else will interfere with her actions and decisions.

She went ahead with her plan. She left the university after their first academic subject and brought painting materials along. As she traveled, she had never thought of a good idea of what essence or theme she should present in the exhibit. She just thought of taking a nap while on the bus she was riding because she was going to a remote place to refresh her mind.

AFTER an hour, the bus stopped at the station. It simply means that they have reached a province just near the city. Luna did not notice because she was sleeping soundly, the moon-gazing party had a different effect on her. The bus conductor approached her and woke her up, which surprised her, and she immediately apologized. Luna stood up and took her belongings. But when she got off the bus, a smile immediately flashed on her lips. She would once again visit her favorite forest.

It was not dangerous where she was going. Many people also visit the forest because of its beautiful surroundings. But Luna knows a place in the greenwood that other people do not know. As she walked by, the beauty of nature was still so breathtaking. The fresh air and the sound of the leaves coming from the trees made her warm. As she observed the surroundings, her eyes narrowed when she saw a man. She did not peel her eyes from him until she recognized his face. It was the man whom she had bumped earlier.

"Wait, what is he doing here? This is the first time I have seen someone else in this place," Luna murmured. She just kept watching him until the man suddenly looked at her. She was surprised. It was as if a bowling ball had rolled inside her heart.