ZION sat beside her as she relaxed on the soft settee in the spacious living area of the house. They had just finished washing up after their meal, and sleep still hadn’t come for her. He brought a flavored beer for her and held one for himself. She murmured her thanks and took a sip.
Zion glanced at her, and she almost blushed. His face was so close, she could practically feel his breath on her cheek. She cleared her throat and decided to start a conversation. She asked about his family.
“May I know where your parents are, Zion? If it’s okay with you… I was kind of expecting to see them at the bungalow, but only Grandma Josefina and Grandpa Carlos were there,” she said, pointing to his grandparents.
Zion took another swig of his beer before answering. “My parents have been separated since I was in high school.”
“I’m so sorry, Zion,” she said, smiling at him.
“I always remembered them fighting back then, and it just got worse day by day. To cut the story short, they fell out of love and decided to separate.”
“Was it hard for you?”
“It was.” A sad smile tugged at his lips as he recalled the past. “It affected me really badly. I couldn’t perform well in school. I hated socializing; I preferred to be alone all the time. I was cold, uncaring, and emotionless. I had trouble functioning socially. That’s the reason why I got discharged from the military three years ago. I was diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder.”
She furrowed her brow. “Schizoid personality disorder?”
He nodded. “I couldn’t make social connections or show a full range of emotions. I didn’t enjoy close relationships, even with family members, anymore. It was like I was an entirely different person.” He drew a deep breath before continuing. “Before their separation, my dad became cold, neglectful, and unresponsive to my emotional needs. It turns out I was actually the result of mom’s affair. My older sister, Matteo’s wife, is his only legitimate child.”
“Oh, Zion…” She reached out and squeezed his hand.
He smiled faintly again. “I’m okay, thank you.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I immediately went to therapy the moment I was diagnosed.”
“Did you ever see your parents again?”
He shook his head. “Mom passed away five years ago. The truth about my real father’s identity died along with her. I never searched for him either. And as for dad, I don’t know where he is. The last I heard, he went to America.”
“Is he still communicating with your sister?”
“Yeah, from what I heard. They talk occasionally.”
“And you and your sister? How are you two?”
This time, his smile was genuine. “Nothing’s changed between us. In fact, she’s very supportive of me. She never gave up on me, especially when I was diagnosed with the personality disorder.” There was a spark in his eyes as he spoke of his older sister. “She, Nana, and Pops were always there to support me. I wouldn’t be okay if it weren’t for them,” he added, pointing to his grandparents.
“I’m glad you have them, Zion. They’re your light in your darkest moments.”
He looked at her the moment he laced their fingers together. She couldn’t help but smile at him. “I have something to admit to you. I’ve never told anyone about this,” he said, and she noticed he looked a little shy. Curious, she tilted her head toward him.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Not just my family, though, but a song I heard once really helped me get through therapy,” he said. “One day, when I went to see my therapist, I heard a song. I’ve searched for it on the internet, but I can’t seem to find it. But I still remember the lyrics. It goes like this: ‘Dark days make you see the world in black, but vibrant colors and shades await your teary eyes.’”
Ri-Ri drew in a sharp breath, her heart suddenly beating faster. The song… it’s her song!
Shattered and damaged
Broken and bruised
Every day is a battle but darling,
Keep going and you will be okay
You are only human, but you are winning
Zion’s eyes went wide as she sang it. There was a flash of confusion in his gaze, but it only lasted a moment. His eyes glistened as it finally dawned on him.
“It’s you? My God, it’s you!” he exclaimed in disbelief. He jumped up from the settee, pacing back and forth. Running his fingers through his hair, he turned to face her, still hardly believing what he’d just realized.
She was startled when he suddenly lifted her and spun her around. Ri-Ri let out a laughing squeal. “Zion, put me down!”
He set her down and cupped her face in his hands. “You were the melody inside my head all these years, Ri. I can’t believe this! I really want to hear it from you. Please don’t tell me it was just a dream—please tell me it’s really you.”
“Yes, it was me, Zion,” she said, pressing her forehead against his. Then she looked into his eyes. “I came by back then to bring a little happiness. That’s the song I sang because I thought it was the right one to sing. I sang it while strumming my guitar. It was the first and last time I performed that song in front of ten to fifteen people.”
“That song… is it still an unreleased song?”
She nodded. “It’s one of the songs I wrote back when I was feeling down, when I felt like I wasn’t myself,” she replied with a soft smile. “Sad to say, the label didn’t trust that people would like the song. So until now, it’s remained hidden.”
He stroked her cheek. “If only they knew how much that song meant to me. It saved me, and probably others in that room who had heard it too. Your record label is fucking stupid for clipping your wings, Ri. That song you sang on the talk show? The one about being comfortable with yourself and being your own person? It deserves to be heard. I haven’t even heard all your songs, but I know they’re all amazing, Ri. And I would gladly listen to them.”
“Zion…” Her eyes grew warm. The words she had longed to hear from her mom—or anyone at her record label—were now coming from someone she never expected would truly appreciate her music.
“Your record label might not want to hear it, but I will. Here. Right now. Sing it to me, Ri.”
She didn’t realize her tears were already falling until Zion gently wiped them away. “I have quite a lot of written songs. Your ears might bleed,” she tried to joke, but Zion just kissed the tip of her nose.
“I don’t care,” he said. “I’d be lucky to hear them all. Sing your favorite song to me, Ri.” He whispered softly, and she swore her knees trembled a little.
In tears, she smiled and nodded. She then went upstairs to grab her guitar and the notebook she always carried with her. She settled back onto the settee, and Zion sat beside her. He flipped through the pages of her notebook, looking for his favorite song. He wanted to hear that one first before any of the others.
As she began to sing, Zion gave her his full attention. He was staring at her as she sang. Normally, she might have felt shy under his gaze. But at that moment, she felt truly grateful. Her heart was singing along with her.