I woke up to the feeling of falling.
But, what was I dreaming of again? I vaguely remembered that I dreamt something horrible. I don't know the full content of the dream, but I remembered how I felt.
I felt very terrified and alone. It was an unpleasant feeling that I don't want to ever happen in real life.
It might mean something, but at the same time, it might be just nothing. But, a deep feeling in my gut says otherwise.
"Okay, Azalea. Time to wake up and start this wonderful day. Forget about the dream. It's still so early in the morning, and I'm already thinking of such bad energy," I talked to myself, trying to change my mood into something positive.
I rolled out of bed, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. It was the best sleep I've had in a week.
I quickly start my morning by cleaning my room and arranging the stuff I got from my little adventure. I also need to take a really long bath. I needed it so badly since I just briefly showered last night. I felt like it wasn't enough, and I needed a good scrubbing.
After a good hour of bathing, I realized I haven't eaten since yesterday night because I fell asleep almost immediately after I got to bed.
To satiate my hunger, I went downstairs towards the kitchen to see a note from mom being held up by a magnet from the fridge. 'If ever you two are back, I'm gonna go visit a friend. I'll be back after a few days. As for the things on the list, just leave it in your room for now. I'll get it when I return - mom' is what it says.
Oh well. House to myself— at least for 2 days. Since I'm sure Lilianna will return home after a day or two.
It's not as if this is my first time being left alone. Most days, my mom will have to go work outside of town, and Lilianna is doing something; who knows what in wherever place she goes to. She also returns late in the night.
I grabbed a banana, an avocado, and an apple from the fruit basket on the counter and started to make a healthy drink. I placed it down on the table and also grabbed some cereals and milk.
After I finished eating, I decided to go for a quick stop in town to see if there are new arrival of herbs from Mrs. Potts.
Mrs. Potts is our town herbalist. She collects different types of plants from all over the country and sells them here or wherever she goes, but it requires her to travel for it.
However, despite her busy schedule, she still made sure she goes home often since she is a very family-oriented person.
Sometimes, I wish my mom was like her.
I was told that Mrs. Potts should've arrived a couple of days ago from her trip to the Westwyvern Province. It is the land of Agriculture where anything grows— which could vary from flowers, food crops, trees, etc.
Mrs. Potts was more of a mother to me than my own. When my grandma died two years ago, Mrs. Potts came in to support me emotionally. For that, I was always grateful.
We always get along so well because we both have the same interests. We are both herb enthusiasts, and we can even talk for hours without needing any break. She also does what I wanted to do the most which
is to travel the world someday and see different bits of the world.
I sigh dreamily at the thought. One day, I'll make it a reality.
I decided to go earlier than usual today. I don't have much to do, and it's been a while since I've last been to town.
Our house is just a mile outside of Phena Village. It's just a 20-minute walk from here to there. So, it's not that far plus, it's secluded just for us where no one will question our vigorous training session.
Well, thank the heavens, it is a good day today. I grabbed an apple from the counter— not fully satisfied with just cereals, then hurriedly went out the back door. I locked it behind me and started a mile walk through the quiet road towards town.
I started my 20-minute walk to town while admiring the nature around me. It's very calm and serene. How I wish it was always like this.
I can hear various noises coming from the forest, but they weren't scary noises— just occasionally a busy day for the animals. I often stop to admire some plants I passed along the way. My keen eye wouldn't miss anything when it comes to plants.
I feel like the plants can understand what I feel. They had been there for me every day— whether I go through difficult times or fun times.
After some time, I arrived at the town's entrance, where there's an old sign that says, 'Welcome to Phena Village.' It's barely hanging on to the post. No one really bothered to fix it as it has been like this for years.
I looked around as I only noticed a few people walking down the streets.
Hmm. It looks like people aren't busy today. The buzzing noises I always hear are now minimized. It's like a tornado came and carried everyone with it.
Shrugging it off, I quickly made my way towards Mrs. Potts' Herb shop, and I could already smell the scent of herbs from where I stood.
With lesser people on the streets, I managed to get there without bumping into anyone.
"Mrs. Potts," I called as enter her shop, and the bell, signaling that someone's at door, chimed. No one answered, so I called again.
I look around the place; it was still the same. There's a long counter that separates the door into their home from the shop. Along with it are the long wooden chairs that accommodate customers while waiting for their orders.
It's has a homey interior, where there's a big glass separating the outside from the inside while different plants were neatly decorated around the shop. There are also antiques hanging by the ceiling or by the wall. There's also a worn-out leather couch placed beside the door by the big glass window.
A few minutes later, Maecy emerged behind the back door. She looked at me with a bored expression and raised her eyebrow as if asking me why I am here.
I am not surprised. Maecy had always been like that.
Maecy Britte is Mrs. Pott's only daughter, she's a year younger than me and as you can see she's kind of different. She's a more of an emo kind of girl, never really talks, and if she does, she's just gonna answer you with I-have-something-better-to-do-than-talk-to-you look.
Her straight long black hair and bangs also add to the effect. She's even taller than me and has a good figure, but her eyes say otherwise. It's telling that she'd kill anyone who would even dare come near her. More or so, talk to her.
I kind of understand her; people can be too much at times.
We did have a good relationship, and we talked here and there about some random things. But, as you can see, we weren't really good at holding long conversations.
If it counts, I sometimes come and helped Macey handle the shop whenever Mrs. Potts isn't around. I guess that builds a good bond between us.
Honestly, I considered her more of a sister than my own as she is Mrs. Potts' daughter and Mrs. Potts is like a second mother to me.
"She hasn't returned yet," She said monotonously, and I sat down on one of the wooden stools in front of me while she continued reading the book she was holding.
I guess we also did have one thing in common. We both love reading. Although we have different preferences, we both are open to trying new things.
In obtaining knowledge, reading is limitless.
"What? I thought she was supposed to..." I trailed off as I start to worry about her. I looked at Maecy again, but she was too focused on reading her book.
Well, I ain't getting any answers from her anytime soon. I've heard that the mother and daughter argued before Mrs. Potts left to travel. I didn't know what it was about, but it was a big and messy fight. It was the talk of the town for a whole month.
It's been a few months since Mrs. Potts left. But I guess Maecy still felt a little upset about it. I felt like she's way gloomier than usual ever since that day.
I decided to leave and ask someone reliable to get information from.
I hurriedly went to the sheriff's office.
I feel that something is off about this situation. Mrs. Potts is always strict when it comes to timeliness and following the appointed schedule. Unless something unprecedented happened, she would never do something that's not on her agenda.
Or maybe I'm too paranoid? Recently, there had been an increase in the cases of missing people in the past few months. It started two years ago, and then it gradually worsens.
It resulted in people being scared for themselves and their family's safety. No one could solve any of the cases, and no one had ever returned home after being reported as missing.
Nonetheless, I need to know where Mrs. Potts is. She's like a second mother to me— a very kind woman who knew nothing but to give.
If I could, I would've wished for her to be my mom.
(*^o^*)
I entered the sheriff's building just beside the Herb Shop. As soon as I stepped in, two grinning faces welcomed me. They're both sitting behind a big desk, stacked with papers and random things— while trying to have a mug of coffee.
"Oh, look who's here, Baddock. To what do we owe this pleasure of a visit, Azalea?" One of the officers said and tilted his head down, teasing me as he knew I hated being treated differently; I think his name is Milvard.
They're good people. I met them while I was running an errand for my Gran, and I stumbled upon them. They were both on their breaks and were heading out to The Pub when I bumped into them.
In my defense, I was in a real hurry and was running through the streets; they were just in my way. I knocked Baddock a few steps back while I continued running. I was gonna apologize after I had successfully brought the errand back. It was kind of an emergency.
So, Milvard here was impressed that I managed to knock back 'Baddock the Boulder.'
That's what he said.
Oh boy, Baddock was not happy, but we're all friends now. Milvard would still tease him whenever he got the chance. I didn't even know how I managed to do that.
Milvard is an amiable guy; he always jokes and teases you. Never really a serious type and constantly lifts your mood. But, he can be serious if need be.
On the other hand, Baddock is the quiet type where he only speaks if he was asked to. But, occasionally, he can be funny too. He's a hulking dude but also a big softie inside.
I rolled my eyes at his futile attempt but smiled. "I need to know why Mrs. Potts is late," I quickly stated my business and sat down on the chair in front of their desk.
Milvard and Baddock became very serious all of a sudden. The mood change was too quick to disregard how severe the situation is. I couldn't even keep up with the sudden change.
All I want is for Mrs. Potts to be okay. Maybe she took a detour or something.
I started to sweat as the nervousness is slowly eating at my nerves. I know this look they're giving me. It's never good.
It's a look to prepare you for the worst-case scenario. I've watched them do it countless times to several people who had loved ones that went missing and never to be found again.
"Mrs. Potts is a very kind woman," Baddock started while sounding very melancholy. Even if he doesn't say it, I already know what he was trying to imply.
'No! Please tell me it's not true.'
I still didn't utter a single word as I continued to calm my beating heart while persuading myself to think of happy thoughts.
"I'm afraid, girly, she became the 13th missing person for the past two years in Phena Village. I'm so sorry," Milvard said solemnly while looking emphatic. His eyes softened when our eyes met.
"What? That isn't possible," I argued back. There's just no way she's gone, just like that.
'I refuse to believe it.'
'I refuse to accept it.'
"I'm afraid it is," Baddock replied. He got up from his seat and kneeled in front of me, clasping my shaking hands with his big ones. He was trying to comfort me. But, I don't think anything can comfort me. "She had been gone for more than 7 months now, and we all knew her trips would usually take 2 months, or the longest one she's gone is at most 4 months," he explained briefly.
7 months? Has it been that long since Mrs. Potts went away? Does Maecy know?
Oh, she knows. That's why she had been all rains and clouds these days.
I have no words as tears raced down from my face. I took my hands and placed my head in it and sobbed.
'No, it can't be. She's just stuck somewhere. Her vehicle might have broke in the middle of nowhere.'
"We knew it's hard to believe, but we have proof of it," Milvard said this time and reached underneath the desk and opened a drawer.
He gave me something— which broke my heart more.
I didn't look at it anymore because I already know what it is; it's her eyeglasses— the glasses I gave her months ago as a gift.
She complained about her eyes being blurry, and so I bought her reading glasses. She was so happy with the simple gift that she cried.
No
I couldn't hold it in anymore. The pain is too much to bear.
No
Not again. She couldn't be gone.
No
This is not fair. Why?
Why do people always leave me?
ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•
TO BE CONTINUED...