Chapter 30: VOL II: A New beginning.

VOLUME II OF SHADOW BOUND

My eyes fluttered open as the sun’s rays spilled across my face. A sharp ache throbbed through my head, making me wince.

“What sort of dream was that?”

I sat up and took in my surroundings.

I was in a room.

But it didn’t seem familiar to me.

A brown wardrobe, flower-petaled curtains, a side stool, and a little bookshelf stacked with books filled the space.

In front of the bed was a standing mirror.

Its edges were decorated with beings resembling angels.

I adjusted myself properly so I could see my reflection.

Brown short hair, coffee-brown eyes, and chapped pink lips.

I looked pale. Tired, even.

My head hurt again, this time the pain was stronger than before.

The door burst open, and a young girl holding a tray rushed to my side.

“Marcella! Marcella, are you alright? Does your head still hurt?”

The girl asked, placing a hand on my temple.

Who was she? And was I the one she was calling Marcella?

“Papa! Papa! She’s awake!”

A middle-aged man entered the room. His eyes were full of worry.

“Marcella, my child, how are you feeling?”

“Ummm… sorry, but who are you people?” I asked.

The young girl looked at me like I had spoken an abominable word.

“You… don’t remember us?” she asked.

“It’s okay, Lily.”

He smiled at me, taking my hand in his.

“Your name is Marcella, and this is your sister, Lily. I’m your father.

“You hit your head while coming back from the stream. Since then, you’ve been like this.

“The doctor has checked on you, but he didn’t mention anything about memory loss. We’ll call him soon. Just rest, okay?”

I nodded.

So, I lost my memory?

“Open your mouth, Marcella. I’ll feed you,” Lily said.

My stomach rumbled, signaling me to open my mouth and receive the food.

Papa left to call the doctor.

After eating, I felt a lot better.

My headache wasn’t there anymore.

I moved to the window, watching the folks go about their duties.

The baker had baked fresh bread, and the smell filled the air, tingling my nostrils.

Children ran along the streets, playing with stones and kites.

The florist peacefully arranged his flowers in front of his shop.

It seemed like a peaceful neighborhood.

The doctor came in a few moments later to check up on me.

“Hmm, she has amnesia due to the head injury. She should get plenty of rest and avoid stressing herself. Her memories will return slowly.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Papa said.

The doctor recommended some drugs and left.

“Papa?” I called.

“Yes, darling,” he said, caressing my head. Seeing him up close, I realized he was a handsome man.

“Do I have a mother?”

He paused, taken aback by my question. Then he smiled.

“Yes, you do. But she’s unwell.”

“Where is she?” I asked.

“In a place where she can get better. Now get some rest, okay?”

I nodded.

Why did it feel like he was pushing the matter aside?

After lying in bed and staring at the ceiling for hours, I felt bored.

So, I got out of bed and left the room.

I found Lily doing laundry outside in the backyard.

“Marcella!” she said, noticing my presence.

“You should be resting.”

“I got bored,” I said, leaning against the door.

She looked at me with worry.

“I’m fine,” I assured her.

“Okay, just sit down.”

“Can I help you?”

“NO!” she shouted.

She looked worried and scared.

“It’s… it’s my fault you lost your memory. I’m the reason you don’t remember your family anymore,” she said, her tone filled with regret. She didn’t even look at me as she spoke.

“What happened?” I asked.

“We went to the stream to fetch water. I was feeling a little tired, and you offered to help me carry my bucket.”

She paused, her hands fiddling with each other.

“As we were leaving the stream, there’s a slippery stone slope we normally have to watch out for whenever we go there.

“So, as you were carrying two buckets, you weren’t able to avoid the slip. You fell… and hit your head. I’m so stupid!”

I walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, it’s okay. It’s not your fault. I was the one who offered, right? So don’t blame yourself.”

“But… you don’t even remember us. Not even Mama.”

I pressed my lips together.

I did feel like I was missing a part of myself.

I felt empty inside.

“Don’t worry. I’ll get them back soon,” I said with a smile.

She smiled back and continued with her laundry.

\~~~~~~

After staying with her for a while, I went back to the room.

That dream I had…

It was strange.

It felt real and unreal at the same time.

The most confusing part of it all was why I resembled a girl named Luana from my dream.