When the plane finally landed, she erupted in jubilant cheers. But as she turned to share the moment with him, she froze. Her mentor had stopped breathing.
His eyes remained locked on the horizon, refusing to close as though he were still chasing the dream that carried them both.
Fighting back her grief, Astrella discovered a will clutched in his arms.
It was short, just a few lines, but every word was steeped in the aching sorrow of a father’s love.
“After more than twenty years as a test pilot, I’ve flown missions when my wife passed away and missions when my child graduated. I’ve fulfilled my duty to the skies and the land but failed the ones I hold dear.”
“If I may, I ask the organization to help cover my son’s tuition for the next semester. His name is Raiden and he is a PhD candidate in finance at Arindale University.”
Her thoughts wandered to Raiden.
Back then, she had been captivated by how melodic his name sounded.
The first time she laid eyes on him, Raiden stood at the lecture podium. A vibrant young professor radiating confidence and charisma, his words flowed like a river, mesmerizing everyone in the room.
In that instant, she decided she would give him the family he deserved.