woke up chapter 3

Chapter 1 – Ariel Obsessed Over Her Childhood Friend

Ariel’s eyes flew open. Her vision blurred, like a frosted windowpane. She breathed a sigh of relief and closed her eyes again. It was just a dream. I thought Ethel was trying to kill me… Blinking a few times, her surroundings sharpened into focus, and in inverse proportion, the dream began to fade. Hmm, what was it about? I know I was dreaming something… But a new question quickly replaced the old. The ceiling above her looked subtly different. 

Hmm? This… familiar, yet unfamiliar feeling. What is it? The ceiling seems cleaner somehow. Eh, it must be my imagination. Ceilings don’t magically rejuvenate. Shaking off her thoughts, Ariel sat up. Then, she froze, bewildered by the unfamiliar sight. She wasn’t in her own room. Judging by the layout, this is… the storage room? 

“But why am I here?” 

She lived alone; no one could have moved her. Is this a dream? Just then, a rough knocking rattled the door. No one should be here. Ariel’s expression hardened as she stared at the door. Don’t tell me… those punks again? The creeps who think it’s funny to harass a woman living alone. The thought of them made her fists clench. She frantically searched for a weapon, but finding nothing, she grabbed a pillow with grim determination. 

No choice. I’ll suffocate them until they pass out. Ariel hid beside the door, waiting. The moment it opened— “El, how long are you going to sleep? It’s already lunchtime…Oof!” —she swung the pillow with all her might. First, aim for the nose and mouth, then the soft spot under the chin with the corner of the pillow. That’ll disorient anyone. If they lose their balance, kick their legs out from under them, then finish them… no, suffocate them. Mid-kick, a strange thought struck Ariel. 

Why are this guy’s legs so short and skinny? Her rage-blurred vision had initially deceived her, but the figure was incredibly small. In that moment, the fallen figure cried out, “El!” How dare he use my nickname! 

Ariel’s fury flared, then abruptly died. The voice… it was familiar. Frowning, she pulled the pillow away. 

“Huh…? Rod?” The boy, crumpled on the floor, tears and snot streaming down his face, was her cousin, Rodbrill. A significantly younger version, it seemed. “Waaah, you’re… you’re gonna tell Aunt…!” As young Rodbrill struggled to his feet, wiping his tears, a pang of guilt hit Ariel, but her confusion was far greater. What is going on? Ariel was twenty, and Rodbrill was twenty-three. So why does he look like a child? And what’s he doing here? He’s supposed to be in the capital. Then, it clicked. 

“Ah, this is a dream, isn’t it?” 

Of course. This can’t be real. “It’s not a dream! You hit me! You… you simple-minded…” Before he could finish, Ariel pinched his cheek. 

“Ow!” 

“Huh? That hurt?” 

Maybe this isn’t a dream? Ariel tilted her head, then walked towards a mirror. A small child stared back at her. A little girl with long, rose-gold hair, as pretty as a doll. A snow-white face, soft, plump cheeks, a dainty mouth, and short limbs. It’s like I’ve traveled back in time. 

Her memories from before the age of nine were hazy, but the resemblance was uncanny. Except for the marshmallow cheeks and the extra-long hair, of course. Staring at her reflection, Ariel asked Rodbrill, “Rod, how old am I?” Still sniffling, Rodbrill answered sullenly, “Don’t you even know your own age? You… simple-minded…” “Want another pinch?” 

“…Eight.” 

At Rodbrill’s begrudging reply, Ariel’s jaw dropped. Twelve years ago? She blinked several times, then came to a conclusion. Yep, definitely a dream. Ariel climbed back into bed. I need more sleep. Seeing Rodbrill again after five years was nice, but that feeling was fleeting. She didn’t want to endure his nagging, even in a dream. 

Oh, I should thank him for the clothes he sends for my birthday. But it’s a dream. He won’t know. So why bother? Right, sleep. Sleep is good. No need to waste energy in a dream. As Ariel settled back down, Rodbrill, looking perplexed, glanced towards the door. 

“Hey, get up! Aunt and Grandpa are waiting!”