The Man Who Burned Me Alive in My Past Life Was Also Reborn Novel by Fitzgerald Mitchell

My parents lived in the next town over. It was close, just over an hour by car, but I was lazy and didn’t visit often. In my past life, I always thought I had plenty of

time, that there would be countless opportunities to see them in the future. I never imagined I’d only live to be 26.

Not only did I rarely visit, but I also failed to take care of them. I was truly an ungrateful daughter.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

As I knocked on their door, guilt washed over me, and my eyes welled up.

The moment the door opened, I rushed into my parents’ arms, tears streaming down my face. They were stunned, probably not expecting my sudden arrival.

Back then, I simply thought they were surprised, but I had no idea there was more to it.

I carried my suitcase inside and set it aside. It had been so long since I’d seen them. My heart swelled with emotion as I looked at them. Their hair was still dark, and their faces had only a few wrinkles. Thank goodness, they’re alive.

I hugged them tightly, refusing to let go.

They finally recognized me. My dad, wearing the red sweater I’d bought him for the Christmas, took my hand and led me inside, his voice filled with concern. “Honey, who hurt you? Tell me, and I’ll get revenge for you.”

“What’s going on?” My mom wrung her hands, her voice laced with worry. My unexpected return without any warning had them convinced something terrible had happened.

Their voices, so real and familiar, felt like a dream. My heart leaped with joy. They were here, alive and well. Thank God.

Tears flowed freely down my cheeks, soaking my clothes.

I savored the warmth of their embrace, reluctant to let go. But I knew I couldn’t stay like this forever. Some things were better left unsaid. I couldn’t burden them with my worries. So, I took a deep breath and shook my head. “It’s nothing. I just missed you guys so much.”

I forced a smile, hoping to lighten the tense atmosphere.

Relieved that nothing was seriously wrong, my mom released me and playfully pinched my cheek. “You’re such a baby, even at your age.”

Seeing me laugh, my dad chuckled as well. “No matter how old she is, she’ll always be my little girl.”

My mom, her hands still dusted with flour, hurried back to the kitchen. “Maybe it’s a mother’s intuition. I had a feeling you were coming, so I whipped up your favorite-some homemade apple pie. Come on in and grab a slice while it’s still warm!”

“Okay, I’m coming!” I took off my coat, hung it on the rack, and turned to see my parents bustling around the kitchen. Mom was carrying a plate piled high with a generous slice of golden-crusted pie, while Dad followed close behind with a tall glass of cold milk.

Watching them, my heart ached with guilt and happiness. In my past life, my poor judgment had cost me my life and brought so much pain to my parents. This time, I vowed to cherish every moment with them and build a happy life together.