The next day.
After having lunch together, Theo prepares to return to his apartment. He put the new stuff in the car trunk.
A shotgun, five boxes of bullets, one nail gun, one axe, one machete, one bottle of pesticide, and lastly a headlamp.
Linda, who saw all the things getting into her son's car, smiled broadly.
"…So you came back just to rob your parents' house, eh… kukuku~"
"Rob… why did you treat me like some kind of ungrateful child? Sigh~ Dad who gave it to me."
"Tsk, tsk, your Dad is too kind. This is your adventure, he should ignore your problems until you beg and cry for help. After all, you are the protagonist, right~?"
"...Since when have I become the protagonist?"
"Kukuku~ So, is this all for that woman?"
Theo nodded, "Yeah, I guess all of this will come handy in that world."
Linda looked at all the things Theo had picked up, a look of disappointment etched on her face.
"You really don't know women. It's so sad that Rosalina has to get all these gifts. My son Theo, I think you should give her something pretty like a ring or necklace once in a while. Even trendy clothes can do."
Theo frowned, "Why would I give that? All of this is more useful for her survival."
"Oh gosh~ she's still a girl, my son. After all, who knows if Rosalina makes it home, she could become my daughter-in-law."
"…Huh?!"
Theo suddenly choked at the statement from his mother. It had never crossed Theo's mind to think his relationship with Rosalina could develop into something romantic.
He just felt that he had some responsibility for Rosalina's current situation. And have to try to get her back. That's it! That's all. Theo never thought about more than that.
Theo refuted any imagination that his mother had. Then said that he would come back to visit next week. After a while, He drive his car to the Blumfields' house.
Linda waved with a smile blooming on her face while looking at the car that kept driving away. After the car disappeared from her sight, she lowered her hand, then her face turned serious.
"Dear, what do you think about this?"
"Absurd and magical but real. We've seen the evidence earlier. Whatever the application is, it is not technology from Earth. So, yeah, this whole thing is still a mystery. But for now, it's still the beginning, we'll learn it over time."
"Do you think the government will sniff this?"
"Not for now. But, I feel that the existence of the application will get bigger. Sooner or later they will find out."
"Hmmm..." Linda smiled again, "Life is funny. There are many mysteries in it, and our child has just discovered the most delightful mystery there is. Ahh~ I really wish Rosalina could become a daughter-in-law. Ahh, I want to hold my own grandkid."
"Sigh..."
***
Half an hour later Theo arrived in front of the Blumfields' house.
He got out of his car and rang the front doorbell. Before long, the door opened with a middle-aged woman and a little girl peek behind the door.
"Theo, you came."
"Well, I promised, Mrs. Blumfield," Theo then glanced at the little girl hiding behind Catalina's body. Theo waved to the little girl while smiling as warmly as possible.
"Hi, Eliana."
"..."
Eliana just stared at Theo with her two round and curious eyes. Theo smiled faintly, then took out a lollipop from under his jacket. He presented the candy to the little princess.
Eliana's eyes lit up. Her smile became wide, her little legs moved closer to Theo. She grabbed the candy with the tiny hands, then jumped up and down with joy.
"Eli! What should you say when you receive something?" Catalina reminded her daughter.
"Umm, thank you…"
Theo gently patted Eliana's head.
"Come in, Theo! We have been waiting for you."
Catalina led Theo into the living room, where Denzel and Emilio were already waiting.
Theo was invited to sit by Catalina. While sipping the provided tea, Theo noticed the faces of the three people in front of him. Their eyes were puffy, but their faces were brighter than yesterday when they heard the news about Rosalina.
It seemed they were already talking to each other. Theo cracked a slight smile. If possible, he really wanted Rosalina to see the sight.
The atmosphere was quiet for a while. Theo didn't say a word, he was just busy with the teacup in his hand.
Theo waited for the Blumfields to start talking. He knew they needed time.
Less than five minutes later, Denzel cleared his throat and started talking.
The father of Rosalina said that he and his family had already accepted his daughter's situation which was beyond reason.
At first, Denzel and his wife didn't know what to feel about this sudden situation. They had gone through a period of mourning, and had come to terms with Rosalina's departure.
But, like a miracle, suddenly someone came saying that their child was still alive but in another world. Of course they will be confused. Questioning the reality of the situation.
Yesterday it was only on the surface that they told Theo that they had believed. But deep down, especially Denzel and Catalina, both of them are still confused about the reality that lies before their eyes.
After a night of pouring out their hearts to each other, the Blumfields have finally come to terms with reality wholeheartedly. Of course they are grateful for their daughter's life.
But learning about Rosalina's life in a barbaric world, makes their hearts turn anxious and full of questions.
What has Rosalina experienced over the past ten years?
What is her situation right now? Is she happy? Can she adapt to a world without modern technology?
Ten years! It's not a short time. Denzel was sure his daughter had some misery there. Lost in a strange world with no help from anyone, as a father, Denzel felt his heart ache at the thought of that happening.
"We are ready to help our daughter to return at any cost. Whatever happens, we will work with you to make it happen. Not to mention, Eli also said that she wanted to meet her eldest sister."
Denzel said to which Theo nodded. He greatly appreciated the help of the Blumfield family.
"Theo… do you think Rosa can really come back?" Catalina asked, worried on her face.
"For now, the possibility is still small. But as time goes on, the chances of that will increase. Rosalina will get stronger, and I will learn more about the world of Etheria. For now, this is just a hope, but I will try to make it into reality."
"To be honest… if Rosalina can't come back that's fine. Oh, it's not that I give up, it's only when that hope is gone. Then Rosalina didn't come back, I think it's okay. As long as she lives happily there is enough, we can still communicate through you. Really, we are very grateful for that. So... don't put too much pressure on yourself, Theo. You still have your own life."
Said Catalina in a calm yet wise tone. She didn't want Theo to sacrifice his life.
Hearing that, Theo felt touched. But, for him, helping Rosalina has become a part of his life. So, he didn't feel burdened at all.
"Theo, please give this to my daughter."
Danzel while handing Theo a smartphone.
"Inside already has a video message from us. There are also photos and videos of us from the last ten years. I hope Rosa can see the memory of her family with this."
Theo gripped the phone tightly, "Rosalina will love this."