Reborn From Oblivion

Nellie felt a mix of emotions settle in her heart. "Nathan, you found out, didn't you?" she asked.

Nathan nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't believe I never knew you were living with just one kidney..."

A wave of sorrow washed over Nellie's face. Those painful memories she had worked so hard to bury began to surface again.

"I was about your age when it began. I was young and clueless, and when I hit rock bottom, he took me in. He got me into school, made sure I was fed, and even bought me new clothes. I was so grateful that I thought giving my life to him would be worth it. So, when he needed a kidney for his true love, I agreed without a second thought."

Nellie paused, her features shadowed with a deeper sadness. "Later, I overheard him talking with his beloved. I realized he only took me in for my kidney... His kindness was just a setup for me to willingly give it away years later. That's when I decided to back out. I figured by saving her, I had paid my dues. So I left him..."

Suddenly, grief overwhelmed her, and she began to cry. "Nathan, from now on, don't trust anyone. Not even me."

Nathan gently drew Nellie into a hug. She trembled in his arms like a fragile doll, lost and vulnerable. All he could do was pat her back softly, offering comfort. "From now on, I'll protect you. Anyone who tries to hurt you will have to answer to me."

Nellie shook her head. "Nathan, I don't want to be like him, using gratitude to tie you down. Live for yourself. You don't owe me anything. I'll deal with my past."

Nathan stared at her, puzzled. "Why are you so good to me?" His voice, still boyish, had a charming rasp to it.

Nellie stayed quiet for a while before whispering, "Maybe I owe you from a past life."

Nathan thought aloud, "So debts really need to be settled. I owe you my life now, and I might not be able to repay it. Looks like I'll have to find you again in my next life."

Out of the blue, Nathan leaned in and bit Nellie's shoulder, leaving a neat set of teeth marks, like a personal seal.

Nellie winced in pain. "Ouch-"

"It's a marker," Nathan said with a serious glint in his eyes, "so I can find you when we're reborn." It sounded like a joke, but his eyes were solemn as if he was making a lifelong promise.

Tears filled Nellie's eyes as she gazed at him. "A fortune teller once said I was destined for a tough life. That's why my father abandoned me, and my mother couldn't care less. Even my other family members kept their distance. Yet here you are, insisting on being close to me. Isn't that a bit foolish?"

Nathan replied, "If you're destined for hardship and I'm under a cursed star, maybe we're just meant to be together. In my opinion, I'm not the foolish one, but your family. You're smart, kind, and diligent. Being a part of your life is the greatest blessing."

Nellie smiled, gently ruffling Nathan's hair. "If that's the case, then I'll be your family for life. How does that sound?"

"Then you have to look after me. I'm fragil, you know," Nathan said with a bright, carefree laugh.

Nellie nodded warmly. "Absolutely."