""Prima lux?" Jerico queried, befuddled. He had never encountered this expression before. Prima's face was etched with sorrow as she responded, "Perhaps the language I'm using is no longer spoken." In an attempt to alleviate her sadness, he declared warmly," Alright then; I'll just call you Prima". Seconds later he became aware of his dreamlike surroundings - the tranquillity in everything resembled living inside a perfect painting.

As Jerico's eyes beheld the divine goddess, he thought he saw a mysterious dark blue light radiating and embracing their surroundings. "Drifter," Prima inquired with an enigmatic smile as she gazed directly into his chest. "Can you see it? The flow of Essence?" At that moment, Jerico was overwhelmed with wonderment and eagerly stated in astonishment, "Essence?! Lady, this is my first time witnessing such sight."

Jerico surveyed his chest nervously, and saw a faint grey light emanating from where his heart should be. Every beat of his racing pulse seemed to strengthen the glow. "What is this?!", he yelped in surprise.

"That my dearest drifter," a voice replied gently, "is possibility."

"Prima's expression was peculiar as she posed her question: "Jerico, what do you know about fate?" He struggled to keep his composure and take a few deep breaths so that he could steady himself. The mysterious light emanating from his chest eventually diminished until he felt in control once more before responding with difficulty.

“You know, like in movies and books. It always seemed strange to me that someone could have their life predetermined without them agreeing." Prima spun around to face Jerico. “In a way, you are right," she noted with an air of assurance. As the words sunk in, Jerico pondered where the conversation was going next.

“Indeed, most humans can't escape their destiny. They simply exist and fulfill whatever role life gives them, going about their days with no real purpose or plan. Content to merely survive rather than thrive," Prima said thoughtfully. "But there are those who refuse to accept fate as predetermined; instead they use the power of sheer will to become legends."

Jerico felt his heart racing as she spoke, and he stumbled back in a dizzying wave of emotion. Prima could sense that Jerico was on the verge of a mental breakdown, so she leaned forward and gently touched her finger to his brow. An icy surge filled Jerico's mind with a feeling similar to drinking mouthwash--uncomfortable but bearable. When Prima took away her finger, the sensation melted away instantly. Taking stock of himself internally, Jerico realized how great he suddenly felt!

“"Woah...what was that?" Jerico mused, bewildered by what had just transpired. Prima beamed and replied,"It's a small amount of willpower combined with healing intent." "Oh..." Jerico murmured in awe. He continued cautiously, "So uhh..why me? What does this mean for me - how did I get chosen to receive such esoteric knowledge from the gods themselves? What is the purpose behind all this?"

Prima leaned in, her eyes locking with Jerico's as she asked three questions that simultaneously overwhelmed and excited him. “Don't you ever feel like something is missing? Don't you sense a greater purpose beyond this world? Don't you want more out of life than what lies here?" His breathing becoming ragged, he looked up at Prima while the edges of his vision faded to blackness. She smiled down at him one last time before all went dark - "One day Drifter," she said softly, "If I'm right about this destiny of yours, then someday soon even the stars will be shaped by your hand."

Jerico blinked rapidly, feeling as if he had just emerged from a dream. His recollections were already starting to evaporate like the wind through his hair. He checked his watch and noticed that only a few minutes had passed since he sat down on the bench at the park. "Man," Jerico thought out loud, "I've been lost in my thoughts lately…maybe I should make an appointment with a therapist." To clear his head, he went for a walk while reflecting on this surreal sense of déjà vu. As Jerico made his way back home, feeling his phone vibrate in his pocket jerico looked at who was calling him so early.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

*BUZZ BUZZ. Jerico frantically searched for his phone, wondering who could be calling him on what would have been a day off if he still had a job. Upon seeing the name of the caller on the screen, he answered with enthusiasm and curiosity in his voice: “Uhhh hey Jeon, what's up?” After listening to Jeon's words, an unexpected smile spread across Jerico's face as anticipation built within him - "OK I'll be right there!" Feeling like maybe this was his opportunity at redemption, he rushed home filled with hope.

Jerico opened the door to his house and was surprised to see that Angel, his wife, and Ellina, their daughter had already woken up. The news was playing in the background like it usually did every morning. "Good morning," he called out cheerfully as he stepped inside. His gaze immediately went towards the television screen where both Angel and Ellina were intently glued on what they were watching. Stepping closer intrigued by their interest Jerico also turned his attention towards the TV program.

“Several reports of odd fatalities have been emerging from nations around the world. Sadly, some of these victims professed to having seen visions involving strange entities or angels prior to their passing. It is unclear how this could be linked with such deaths, but for now that's all we know about them. Keep an eye out for more updates! I'm Stacy Lee on KiHi 2 signing off.

“Angel questioned, "What is the world coming to? One disaster after another - it's absolutely insane! I can't wait to hear what kind of conspiracy theories come out of this one." Ellina wolfed down her banana pancakes and exclaimed cheerfully, "Hey Dad! Where were you this morning? Thank you for making breakfast!" Jerico replied with a smile, "I just went for a walk. You and Mom were still asleep at that time but if you woke up earlier then maybe you could have joined me."

"No thank you, Dad!" Ellina exclaimed with enthusiasm. "I'd much rather stay up and watch Office Space with Mom all night - right, Mom?" Angel shot her daughter an approving glare then turned to Jerico who was sporting a silly smile on his face. She appeared flustered as she uttered: "Ahh...you try taking care of a teenager that's full of energy from drinking Mountain Soda". With pride in his voice, he replied: “Right! My baby girl is becoming an adult soon- 18 years old."

Angel noticed that Jerico seemed to be lost in thought and asked, "Are you okay, honey? Is there something on your mind?" The news of the world weighed heavily on Jerico's spirit. He shook his head slightly before replying softly,"I'm alright ... just thinking about how much I love you both." As he leaned in to place a gentle kiss upon Angel's lips, it was clear from their embrace that this sentiment went both ways.

"I understand the importance of love language, but would you two mind giving it a break?" Ellina said feigning nausea at our display. "Never!," said Jerico with an amused voice. Disgusted, Ellina quickly changed the channel to some dude eating seafood in his living room - weird.. what was it called again? A mukbang?

Jerico turned to his wife and said, "Jeon called me into work today. He wants to discuss the reports I sent last week." With a heavy heart knowing he had been let go yesterday, Jerico wished not to tell Angel of this news just yet. She observed in wonderment,"That's strange isn't it?" Wrapping her up in an embrace, Jerico looked deeply into her gentle eyes with guilt for having withheld the truth from her.

As Jerico peered lovingly into Angel's eyes, he uttered a simple but powerful statement: "You know I love you, right?". Angel stared back with amusement and the words she had come to expect from her goofy husband. She replied jokingly,"What the fuck did you do this time, dork?!" As they both erupted in laughter, his expression softened as he admitted earnestly,"I want to be better for us. Foryou and Ellina - your happiness means everything." His voice strengthened with conviction; "...I'd part an ocean and move the stars just to see that beautiful smile on your faces."

"Split the sea? Move stars?" Angel chuckled. "I love you too, babe." She grinned at Ellina. "I'm plenty happy over here," she said with a smile to rival her mother's own. Jerico smiled back and beckoned, "Come on over here, kiddo!"

Jerico embraced Ellina, kissed her forehead and said tenderly, "I may not have been the ideal dad for you but I want you to know that I'm here for you always. Your mother and I will love you no matter what –you are our greatest accomplishment. You give us purpose and meaning in life; we wouldn't be complete without your presence. We love you so much." He paused before continuing, "Well folks, wish me luck as I take on this errand –it shouldn't take too long. I'll be back with pizza!

Jerico's skin prickled as he stepped into his car, almost certain that two glowing green eyes had just stared him down. He quickly glanced behind him, but found nothing out of the ordinary. "Geez," Jerico muttered to himself. “I must be imagining things." With a jolt of enthusiasm and feeling like he was ready for a fresh start, Jerico turned on an audiobook and drove off to meet Jeon - determined to make this meeting count!