woke up chapter 4

Ariel’s eyes snapped open. Aunt? Grandpa? Mom and Grandpa… are outside? Her mouth went dry. That’s impossible… Right before Ariel turned nine, her mother and grandfather had died in an accident. Or so she’d been told. The trauma had erased all her memories before that, even their faces. But Mom… Grandpa…! 

Ariel bolted upright. Whether this was a dream or reality didn’t matter. The chance to see the family she couldn’t remember… her face lit up. Leaving Rodbrill behind, she raced downstairs, the sound of her bare feet on the wooden floor strangely cheerful. 

“Mom! Grandpa!” She called out, her voice deliberately bright, yet laced with an undeniable yearning. But then, she stopped. The sound of laughter drifting from the next room made everything feel alien, even though this was her home. The wooden floors and walls, untouched by time, bathed in the brilliant sunlight. And there, in that sunlight, was her grandfather, Baron Fay, carrying dishes, his smile as warm as the sunbeams. He’d been laughing, talking to someone in the kitchen, but now, spotting Ariel, he beamed. 

“Oh, our lovely El. Did you sleep well?” His gaze, filled with affection, left Ariel speechless. Noticing her stunned expression, he glanced at Rodbrill trailing behind her and chided, “Rod, you were supposed to bring El down. You’re late yourself.” Rodbrill shrugged and took the heavy dishes from his grandfather. “I’ll take those, Grandpa.” 

“You certainly will.” 

Baron Fay’s tone, firm and authoritative, was a stark contrast to the gentle voice he used with Ariel. Rodbrill pouted, and only after he left did Baron Fay chuckle, watching his grandson’s retreating figure. It was a warm scene. The warm scent of wood, the warm gaze, the warm laughter. Even without touching, Ariel could feel the warmth radiating from them. But it was all so warm that it felt distant, like a scene in a painting. 

A place she didn’t belong. And that unfamiliarity frightened her. She was used to being alone. Ever since she lost her memories. Lost in an inexplicable emptiness, she’d retreated within herself, accepting the overprotective care of Rodbrill and her childhood friend, Etheldred. The servants who’d befriended her at the castle hadn’t truly cared for her. They’d only wanted to gain favor with someone else. Disgusted, Ariel had kept her distance, opening her heart only to Rodbrill and Etheldred. 

They were her only support, but they were always so busy. After she turned fifteen, they left, and all that remained for her was the lonely treehouse. There were days she didn’t speak a single word. Returning from gathering herbs, she’d be greeted only by cold, empty air. When a man had finally spoken to her, breaking the suffocating silence, she’d been overjoyed. 

She hadn’t realized how much she craved human interaction. But the joy was short-lived. That night, he’d snuck into her house. She’d chased him off with a frying pan, but the incident had broken her. Loneliness was better than living in fear. And now, I’ve finally gotten used to being alone, and if this is just a dream… Ariel bit her lip. 

“Hmm? El? What’s wrong?” Baron Fay asked, his brow furrowed with concern. He knelt down, his leg looking stiff, and met her gaze. Ariel stared back, her eyes wavering. “Did you have a bad dream?” As he patted her shoulder, a distant memory, buried deep within her, surfaced. 

‘El, it’s alright. Grandpa’s here.’ 

‘El, don’t roll Rod in the manure pile. It frightens the horses.’ 

‘Grandpa just wants you to be happy, El. That’s all that matters.’ 

His voice, his warmth, washed over her, and Ariel swallowed the lump in her throat. Just then, a woman with hair as radiant as spun gold approached them. “El!” Her smile faded as she took in the scene. 

“Hmm? What’s going on?” 

Ah, Mom. My mom… Even though the memories were lost, Ariel knew. Familiar yet strange, so much like herself… a feeling of longing melted within her. Her face crumpled. She wanted to speak, but no words came out. What can I say? I have no right. I forgot them. But still, still, I miss them so much… Ariel reached out and hugged both her grandfather and mother. I missed you. If I could just remember, even for a moment, I wouldn’t regret anything. But a part of her was terrified. Terrified of losing them again. Of being alone again. No, I don’t want to feel that emptiness again. Burying her face in their embrace, Ariel sought their warmth. I don’t want to let go of this warmth. This warmth, this feeling… it’s not a dream. It can’t be. If this is another chance, I will save them. I will! 

“El?” 

She could feel their confusion, but she just clung tighter. 

“I just… I just missed you.” 

“My, you’d think we hadn’t seen each other in years.” 

Iris chuckled, but she patted Ariel’s back. 

“Grandpa missed you too!” 

“Oh, you two sentimental fools…” 

As Baron Fay grinned, Rodbrill’s exasperated voice cut in. Their laughter made Ariel smile. I’m sorry I forgot you. She offered a silent apology. And please, let me never wake up from this dream. But then, a wrinkle formed on Ariel’s brow as she was pulled from the moment. What is that strange smell?