Canto Twenty-One: Abduction:

I was the one who asked the question.

“Can I kidnap you and our son?” I asked. It just happened. No plans behind it. I didn’t even think about what would happen next. Would she turn me down? Bayu bowed her head.

“Yes,” she said. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“Are you serious?” I asked.

“Yes,” Bayu said in a hushed tone. She rested her head against my chest. I hesitated to touch her. I would have a family again. I looked over to see Irani staring at me. He doesn’t say a word. I hold out my hand. The child doesn’t move. He doesn’t seem to know what to make of me.

“I love your mother so much,” I said. “I will do the same with you.” Irani just stares at me.

“Is he okay?” I whispered.

“Don’t worry about him,” Bayu said back. “He’s just really shy. He’ll learn to love you.” She looked up at the little boy.

“Irani, come here, baby,” she said. The child didn’t move at first. Then, he walked over to his mother. Bayu pulled him into her arms. A warm feeling filled up my chest.

“This feels nice,” I said.

“Have you been so cold like this?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. I began to remember Kayako and my sons. We didn’t live in the castle in Hell, but that cave was filled with love. Maybe my castle could be filled with Bayu and Irani’s love. I rested my chin on my love’s head.

“Are you ready to go?” I asked.

“Right now?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. At first, she looked away from me, pushing her lips together. I began to frown.

“Too soon?” I asked. Bayu shook her head.

“No, it was just sudden,” she said.

“I missed you so much,” I said.

“I missed you too,” my love said. I held her and Irani tightly in my arms.

“I love you so much!” I shouted. Then, we all vanished in a flash. In that moment, I was so happy. Maybe that was why I didn’t realize that this would be a bad idea I couldn’t take back.