Upon the next sunrise I had woken with a lightness on my chest as if a heavy burden was lifted from my shoulders. I remembered last night about my wish on the falling star and ran to the bathroom with a skip in my step. I eagerly checked my back, but as soon as the excitement came it left when my eyes fell onto my scars whose intensity was just as horrific as it was before. Alas my curse is still there. I felt foolish to think my wings would be there just like that.
Sorrow filled my heart as I began to weep. Quickly I tried to brush off the tears from my eyes and cheeks but soon I froze in place when I noticed a strange marking on the bottom of my wrist that wasn't there before. It looked like a star of sorts, but it looked off. The center looks like a star but each point of it branches off like a tree or maybe even veins around my wrist. I earnestly tried to wash it off thinking that someone had drawn it on me, but it would not fade away in the slightest.
I think to myself in wonder. Could this be a sign that my wish could be carried out in a different way? Is it possible? Honestly, what is the chances of a star marking my body the day after I wished upon one? That just don't plainly happen. I am stuck. I have absolutely no explanation for it besides it being a sign for at least something. It can't just be coincidence.
I shook my head viciously and looked back at my wrist. It's still there. I'm not just imagining it. I stare at it and rub it gently as I smile to myself. I saw it as new hope. It reminds me of something my mother would always tell me when I was feeling defeated. She would say, " hope spreads through its' roots and flows within you. Nobody can take hope away from you because its woven inside of you." Kind of like this mark looks like it's trying to spread itself through its' roots coming from each point to every direction.
As I come to terms with it, I whisper to myself, "thank you". The moment these words passed through my lips it disappeared, but I knew it was still there for I still feel it's warmth.
I left the bathroom with a new state of mind and headed back to my room to get dressed and I literally ran into Peter. "I'm so sorry I wasn't mindful of where I was going." I couldn't help but to say this so shyly because I knew he was angry with me last night. I couldn't even bring myself to look at him in the eye. I can't bear to see that sadness in his eyes again. So, naturally I kept my face down to avoid contact. I try to inch myself around him to get past. I was so close to getting through, but he soon stopped me in my tracks with nothing more than his very gaze. In my head I am screaming out, "oh no, why does he have to see me? These are situations where I wish I could disappear. I honestly can't take much more of this. I want to pass out, so I don't have to confront this turmoil within me."
Instead of passing out my body moved on his own. I ran for it. Just like that without a second thought I hustled to my room and rushed to close the door behind me. I try to catch my breath as I heard footsteps fade off into the distance. It was only when I couldn't hear them anymore when my body sank down to the floor. I felt mentally drained, and I couldn't stop the tears that persisted to stain my face.
As soon as I was able to collect myself, I got ready and headed downstairs while sticking my head out of every corner I see. I wanted to ensure that I don't accidentally bump into Peter again. I don't think my mind or heart can take another awkward encounter. At least not right now.
I steadily crept my way to the kitchen to make breakfast which was of course omelets, toasted bread, and sizzling bacon. Miss.Yuri came in to see what I was doing which startled me at first. She gave me gentle smile before saying, " I see that you are working hard." I looked up at her and she can see the pain in my eyes although my smile was genuine. My eyes lie to me and expose my difficulty to cope with my emotions and Miss.Yuri saw right through it. Seeing this I quickly turn my line of sight back to cooking before I responded to her. " Yes, well cooking is not a problem for me. I don't mind it in the slightest. Also, it's the least I can do for you being so generous to take me in. Especially since you knew nothing about me in the slightest."
She looked at me with such a pained expression, but then almost as if she had a bright idea her face brightened, and I couldn't help but think. What the hell is she planning? I'm genuinely scared. My eyes fixate on her as she makes her way to the window and asked me a peculiar question, " how do you feel about the outdoors? The forest I mean." My eyes widen like a kid looking at a wonderous thing. I fixed my face and cleared my throat, "well I love nature and exploring the wilderness, seeing new things, and all the natural scents of nature. I find the forest is such a peaceful place and that it is full of mysteries. It's very beautiful and calming to me."
I saw her mouth curve into a slim smile. Ok, now I know that she is up to something, but what? What could it be that she is scheming in that innocent looking motherly head of hers. I feel like I am on pins and needles, and it only gets worse when I see her clasp her hands together and speak in such a delightful tone of voice, well I'm glad that you are comfortable in the forest because I could really use your assistance. I need some herbs and ingredients. You know certain flowers and mushrooms and such. Could you be a dear and get them for me. I have to manage the inn and I don't have any free time to go there. Also, even if I did, I wouldn't last long. I don't know the forest very well and to put it plainly the woods scare me ever since I was a child."
She made herself look highly distressed. How could I say no? Anyway, I have been wanting to go to the forest for quite a while and that would also ensure that I don't run into Peter. that would give me time to be alone and think to myself about what to do in regards with him and I. After pondering about it I say confidently, "Sure thing Miss.Yuri. I can get what you need. Thart won't pose as a problem for me.
From these words her face brightened and was full of excitement. She was like a cat with fresh catnip. That smile of hers. Can it get any bigger. It's almost ominous like she is still up to something. "Ok that's great. Thank you so much! Now go upstairs and change. I will get a bag ready for you to bring." I give a brief smile, that's alright I already have a satchel I can use." She gave me a quick wave and motioned me to go upstairs.
Finally, some peace and quiet. No more awkwardness with Peter. Now I can think uninterrupted and find a solution to this emotional strife.