Too Strong to Be Innocent
While Mira buried her secret vow in silence, across the hall in Talia’s room, she tossed on her bed, unable to sleep.
“What’s going on with her?” she whispered into the dark, as if someone was there to answer. “Did I do something wrong? Maybe her wound hurts? Is she on her period? Or is it just… a woman’s way of shutting people out sometimes?”
She groaned, grabbing her pillow and covering her head. “No, this lady will make me go crazy.”
The more she thought about it, the less she understood. Nothing made sense. With a small sigh, she finally closed her eyes, confusion weighing on her, and drifted into sleep.
……
By dawn, Talia was already awake. She slipped out quietly, determined to make the day better for Mira. She prepared a warm breakfast—eggs, toast, fruit carefully arranged on the table—and set everything with unusual care.
But she didn’t stop there. She remembered a small shop in the village, famous for its ice cream. People lined up every morning to get some. So she went early, waiting patiently in the long line until it was her turn, then bought the best she could carry home.
By the time Mira stirred awake, the scent of food filled the apartment. She wheeled herself toward the dining area, her eyes catching the neatly set table and the container of ice cream glistening on the counter.
Her chest tightened.
“Where did she get this this early morning? Did she wake up early and prepare all this?” she muttered to herself.
For a moment, she was so excited that she almost thought of rushing towards her and praising how sweet she is. Almost let herself be swept away by the warmth of it all. But then, just as quickly, her guard slammed back into place.
Mira wheeled herself reluctantly toward the table, where Talia was already fussing with plates.
“Good morning,” Talia said, flashing all her teeth in a smile.
“Good morning,” Mira replied softly, her tone flat, guarded.
“You didn’t eat much last night,” Talia continued, pulling out a chair beside her. Her voice was gentle, coaxing. “I thought maybe today should start better.”
Mira’s chest squeezed. She nodded quickly, hiding the storm inside. “Thank you… really. I was just a little… sad yesterday.”
“Why are you sad?” Talia asked, confusion flickering across her face.
“I guess… I kept thinking about what my past might be.”
Talia’s expression softened instantly. “For now, don’t worry about that. Thinking too hard might affect your health. All you need is rest. Your memory will come back in a flash.”
Mira nodded, but her eyes stayed fixed on the food in front of her. The feast spread across the table looked almost too generous—eggs, toast, fruit, even a tub of ice cream on the counter. Suspicion clawed at her chest. Why such a big spread? Is she fattening me up before poisoning me? Sending me off with a feast before finishing me?
She forced her hands to stay still, refusing to touch her plate.
Talia noticed she wasn’t eating. “Why aren’t you eating? Do you need something else?”
“Em… I…” Mira fumbled, her voice catching.
“Oh! My bad,” Talia cut in brightly, rising from her seat. “I forgot water. Hold on.”
Mira’s eyes followed her every move, her pulse spiking with suspicion. Talia walked over to the water dispenser, only to find the tank empty. Without hesitation, she bent down, gripped two massive replacement bottles, and lifted them together as though they weighed nothing.
Mira’s breath caught. Two full dispensers—twenty-five liters each. Fifty liters. And she carried them like handbags? No… no normal woman is that strong. She must be whatever I thought she is.
Her fingers tightened around her cup. She’s dangerous. Too dangerous.
Talia set the bottles in place with ease, filled a glass, and returned to Mira with a smile. “Here you go.”
Mira didn’t drink. Instead, she pressed on, carefully slipping her words out like bait on a hook.
“You… you seem really powerful,” she murmured, her eyes flicking over Talia’s broad shoulders.
Talia laughed lightly, flexing her arm without meaning to. “I guess so.”
“I mean, not just strong,” Mira continued, her voice sharp with hidden fear. “You move like someone who… knows how to fight and very skillful. Did you… train somewhere?”
Talia blinked, caught off guard. Then she chuckled, scratching the back of her neck. “Yeah. I’ve been into boxing for years. Martial arts too. It’s just part of who I am. Makes my job easier.”
Mira’s stomach twisted. Boxing. Martial arts. A fighter. Part of who you are?
“Yes,” Talia added, smiling again, “my whole livelihood depends on fighting.”
Mira’s eyes widened. Her thoughts spiraled. Livelihood? So she’s paid to fight… maybe paid to kill. Of course. That’s how they reward her. That’s how she earns her living and it makes her life easier.
She forced her voice steady. “Like… how many men could you take down at once?”
Talia shrugged, thinking. “Depends how strong they are. But honestly? As many as I need to.”
Mira’s throat tightened. As many as she needs. She could wipe out anyone. Even me.
Her voice came trembling now. “C… can you… beat someone to the point of death? I’m not saying you would kill… but if you had to, could you?”
Talia frowned, the question clearly unsettling. She hesitated before answering, then said carefully, “Not on purpose. But… if there was no choice, maybe by accident.”
Mira’s blood went cold. By accident. She admitted it. If need be, she could kill. She’s one of them. She has to be.
Her hands shook around her cup, but she forced a smile, her face pale and sweaty. “I see. That’s… impressive.”
Talia leaned closer, concern etched on her face. “Hey… are you alright? Are you trying to force your memory again?”
“No,” Mira said quickly, sweat dampening her brow.
“Then don’t,” Talia urged softly. “Don’t push yourself. Your memory will come back when it’s ready. For now, just focus on healing. The rest will sort itself out.”
Her voice was so gentle it almost shattered Mira’s resolve.
But Mira only murmured under her breath, her eyes darting to Talia’s innocent smile:
“Everyone would believe that face belongs to a good person… not knowing she’s a killer hiding in plain sight.”
Her hands trembled under the table, but her lips stayed sealed.