Page 40 of Escape from Amazdom

We stand in silence for a moment, and then, appearing from the thick trees, come a group of people.

I can't help but feel a rush of emotions. And then, amidst the crowd, I see her – my mother.

My heart skips a beat as I run toward her, the world around me fading into a blur. Tears well up in my eyes as I stand before her, the weight of this moment overwhelming and beautiful. "Mom," I choke out, my voice a mixture of disbelief and joy.

"Stella," her voice trembles as she speaks my name, her eyes shimmering with tears. And then, in an instant, we are in each other's arms, embracing as if the years of separation were a fleeting dream.

"I can't believe it's you," I whisper, my voice catching in my throat.

She pulls back slightly, her eyes dancing over my face as if committing every detail to memory. "And I can't believe you're here, in the flesh, with life growing inside you."

As she runs her hand over my tiny bump, I pull out our notebook, its pages filled with her messages, my lifeline in the darkest of times.

She looks at it, her smile growing, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"You kept it," she says softly.

"Of course I did," I reply. "Your words gave me hope and kept me going."

"I see they brought you luck as well," she says, looking up as Champ stands beside me. "And who's this handsome chap?"

"This is Mark Samson," I say, glancing at my man. "A.k.a Champ."

"Champ?" asks Mom, grinning. "Why, what did he win?"

"Apart from my heart, he defeated several monsters and the cruel and vicious Fej."

"You mean he's gone?" asks Mom, her eyes brimming with tears.

"He is now, thanks to him."

Mom stares with admiration at Champ and smiles.

"Thanks for bringing my daughter to me."

"The pleasure is mine," he says, squeezing my shoulder. Then he pecks me on the cheek. "I'll leave you to catch up while I explore a little."

He's about to walk away, but Mom grabs his wrist.

"Don't go," she says. "There's something I need to tell you both. I have a feeling we could use your help."

Mom's expression shifts. Her gaze becomes serious, her eyes carrying a weight that brings me back to reality.

"What's up?" asks Champ, sensing something is wrong.

"What is it, Mom?" I ask, a sense of foreboding settling in my stomach.

She takes a deep breath, her eyes never leaving mine. "Something is coming for Planet Sefl. Something dangerous, something powerful."

My heart races as her words sink in. Just when we thought we had found refuge, a new threat looms.

"What do you mean?"

"We have sensed another threat coming for us."

"How long do we have?" I ask, my voice trembling.

"Long enough to prepare if we move quickly. Are there more of you?"