13. THE LAST ADVENTURE

A few days earlier.

Filip had planned the final trip, just like he’d said he would. But Anna seemed to expect something different.

Anna: Couldn’t you just book a room at a resort? With the new systems in the game, it would practically work like a hotel...

Filip: Who needs a hotel? We’re going on a jungle adventure!

Anna: Honey, maybe we could just go back to the town and hit up a spa instead? Relax, sip on some good cocktails?

Filip: Later! First we need to find the treasure in the temple. Come on, look how beautiful it is out here!

Anna: Well, you’re right. It really is a gorgeous view. But we should probably set up camp around here. It’s starting to get dark.

Their sleep was suddenly interrupted by strange noises outside.

Anna: Did you hear that too?

Filip: Yeah, but I don’t see anything. It's probably nothing.

Anna: NOTHING?! Not only am I covered in mosquito bites, but now we’re being attacked by a swarm of bats!

Filip: Relax. I’ve got everything under control.

Anna: Uh-huh. Sure.

That night, another adventure found Anna - this time it was bees.

Because of the bee attack, she didn’t make it to the bush in time to take care of her needs. Then another swarm attacked.

Anna: What do you want from me?! Is this what you want, huh? This flower? Take it!

Finally, she made it to the bush, then used the portable shower to freshen up.

Filip: I’m sorry. I should’ve prepared better for this trip.

Anna: Don’t talk to me now. Let’s just go to the temple already.

But eventually, the breathtaking views softened Anna’s mood, and she accepted his apology.

After a quick photo shoot, they swam in the Royal Baths. Filip occasionally poked around the excavation sites. Anna was in a much better mood.

That night passed without any more unfortunate adventures, just under the beautiful Selvadoradian sky.

In the morning it started to rain. Good thing they were already near the temple and could take shelter inside. Filip was like a kid in a candy store, solving the temple’s puzzles.

Filip: Look, look, I did it! And I only had a 50/50 shot!

Anna helped solve the puzzles too, though she always left the final decision to Filip. The whole time, she kept wondering how that lucky fool hadn’t triggered a single curse yet, despite having zero archaeology knowledge. Finally, Filip found the treasure. They could return to civilization - the living one.

They finally relaxed properly, enjoying the luxuries of a spa. Or at least Anna relaxed.

Filip: We left the tent in the jungle!

Anna: As far as I’m concerned, it can rot there. I’m not going back.

Anna: There’s no place like home.

Filip: But, you know… we did so well in Selvadorada. Maybe we could try to climb Mt. Komorebi next? I could look for good deals, plan it better this time.

Anna: Thanks, babe, but for me… that really was the last adventure.

That night, Anna passed away. Thankfully, in her own bed, dreaming romantic dreams, and not in a tent full of bugs.

Filip’s heart shattered when he realized his loss. A deep fear of loneliness overwhelmed his soul. Nothing would ever be the same without the love of his life.

The day of the funeral arrived.

Family slowly began to take their seats in the chapel. Anna’s siblings had come - Dorota, Adrian, and Sebastian. Of course, her daughters and their families were there - Maja and Bea. Filip’s brother Piotr was there too, with his wife Yuki.

Bas: Thanks for being here with me.

Sofia: Of course. I just wish I’d had the chance to know your grandma better.

Izi performed the Funeral March, and Maja gave the eulogy, accompanied by Izi's playing. Filip couldn’t speak a word. He couldn’t even stand up. He wanted to say so much, but the pain was choking him from the inside.

Bastian’s speech was different, lighter. He talked about playing card games with grandma and doing puzzles together. The memories stirred hearts and brought Anna back to life, if only for a moment. And when Bea sang an elegy, with Grim Reaper accompanying her, something finally broke free inside Filip.

He stood and lit a candle. For Anna. For his beloved. And even though grief was still tearing his soul apart, he knew he had to take this one small step forward. Life must go on. No one ever said it would be easy. His mourning had only just begun.

Maja: Dad, I’m so sorry.

Filip: You don’t understand. It’s my fault! My fault! I dragged her on that stupid trip! “One last adventure!” What was I thinking?! I killed her. It’s all my fault.

Maja: Dad... it wasn’t your fault. Mom was strong. It was just her time.

Filip: What will I do without her? I miss her so much.

Maja: I know, Dad. I miss her too.

Filip: I’m completely alone now.

Maja: What are you saying? You’re not alone. You still have us.

Filip: But you all live so far away. I have no one here anymore.

Maja: Dad, I have an idea. Move in with us. Jace and I would love to have you close.

Filip: But the house? What will we do with the house? With my father’s furniture shop?

Maja: Don’t worry about that right now. Just come back with us for now. We’ll take care of the rest later.

Eventually, night fell, and the final farewell came to an end.

Over the next few days, Maja and Jace helped Filip sell the furniture shop. He moved in with them in San Sequoia, along with the dogs. The old Drozd family house in Windenburg was bought by the descendants of Zoe Patel (the best friend of Klara Drozd, Bastian’s great-grandmother).

And that’s how it all began — when the Drozd family first moved into the house in Windenburg. Filip was just a teenager then.

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