I opened my eyes slowly.

It was a feeling of an unhurried, or maybe even sluggish, invigoration.

At the moment, my eyes only took in the colour of white. Meanwhile, a strange sense of invasion occurred in my mind. Before long, I realised that it was the filling of my mind with knowledge and experience.

I see. White was the light at which all colours come together.

My eyes probably required some time to adjust and take in the visual information.

As my mind continued to receive the surge of information, I began to experiment with my body bit by bit. I am thankful that the information intake includes the know-how to move my body.

Slowly, my fingertips shifted a little. But it seems my arms as a whole are incapable of natural movements.

My toes responded to my desire to move next. Similarly, my legs are incapable of motion as of yet.

Before long, my vision cleared.

I was barely able to register the sight into my brain as the myriad of photons bombarded my weak, trembling eyes. My shaky vision tells me that I am currently in a simple, yet well-furnished room.

The general wooden texture gave off a sense of serenity. With the ceiling fan rotating slowly, the wind was gentle and soothing. Open windows invited the warm rays of light which befell upon the soft fur carpet.

The nerves of the tips of my limbs must have begun to work, since I started to feel the comfortable touch of high graded leather. Judging from my line of sight, my current posture is that of sitting down. My sight continued to clear; my eyes captured a stature of elegance that sat near me while holding my right hand with tenderness.

The combination of the tranquil atmosphere and her reverent appearance put me at ease, but most importantly, they washed me over with a wave of familiarity.

She must have noticed my state as she immediately gave me a smile.

That smile, that bittersweet smile.

It was a smile I have come to know too well.

"Welcome back, Raycent."

It was a smile I have come to love, and have come to avoid.

"…I am back."

It was a smile that always resurfaces the memories I was never able to accept.