Music Recommendation: Secrets unveiled- Thomas Bergerson.
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In response to her question, Sylvain met her gaze with an intense stare. Deep within his discerning eyes, he recognized the need for utmost caution in his choice of word, despite her facade of bliss and levity. With deliberate care, he spoke in a measured tone,
"I was merely engaged in a discussion regarding Diana's awakening."
Upon hearing this, Adriana tilted her head slightly, arching a curious eyebrow. Emitting a thoughtful hum, she inquired further, "And?"
Sylvain straightened his posture, his unyielding gaze remaining steadfast as he articulated his thoughts with precision, each syllable weighted,
"Considering her inherent affinity for magic, I suggest you to convey the truth to her without delay."
Observing her silence, he interpreted it as an indication to continue, his urgency escalating as he leaned closer and whispered, "As I mentioned earlier, given her connection to magic, it is only a matter of time before a bond forms between them. Would it not be more prudent for her to learn the truth from you rather than from another?"
Adriana's eyes darkened, her countenance a mask devoid of expression. "Why are you telling this to me, Sylvain?"
Sylvain sighed, reclining slightly. "Why indeed?" he pondered aloud, his attention briefly captured by a small bird perched on a nearby branch, its melodic chirps filling the air. He posed a question to her, his words laced with intrigue, "Tell me, Adria, how much time do you believe remains for you?"
As she offered no response, he continued, his voice unwavering, "They say that a wise person needs only a single word. Do not become one of those foolish souls who require repetition, Adria." Removing his glasses, he revealed his emerald green eyes, brimming with a wealth of experience. "I have always cautioned you that time waits for no one. Seize the present moment, Adria, and spare yourself from future regrets."
Adriana emitted a contemplative hum, her hands slowly crossing over her chest. "Who said that I wouldn't?"
Taken aback by her response, Sylvain arched an eyebrow. Adriana turned towards the window, her gaze fixated on the billowing gossamer curtain caressed by the summer breeze. She posed her question once more, her voice tinged with enigmatic depth, "Who said that I wouldn't seize the opportunities before me?"
Sylvain leaned warily against the kitchen counter, his gaze mirroring hers as he spoke in a monotonous tone, devoid of any inflection. "You."
Although Adriana shot him a brief glare, she opted to disregard his remark. Her attention turned to the ethereal expanse of white clouds, seemingly unaffected by the affairs of those below. "Sylvain, I have no intention of further delaying this matter. I have learned through experience that time is an unforgiving entity. However, if I were to be entirely honest…" She paused, shifting her gaze towards Sylvain. "I fear her reaction."
In response, Sylvain pivoted to face her, his incredulity evident. "And why shouldn't you?"
Adriana parted her lips to speak, but Sylvain interjected, "Adriana, it is understandable that such apprehension lingers within you. It signifies your concern for her feelings towards you. Nevertheless, that should not serve as a reason to evade what must be done."
Adriana fixated her gaze on her hands, hearing Sylvain's words resonating within her consciousness, "Emotions must not cloud your judgement, Adria. Intellect is of paramount importance." Leaning closer, he whispered, "Every choice you make now shapes your future. Ponder the consequences that lie ahead, rather than the transient pleasures of the present."
Adriana allowed her gaze to wander into the distance, feeling overwhelmed from the whirlwind of events unfolding before her. "I understand."
Upon hearing her response, Sylvain's eyes softened, a glimmer of compassion shining through. "I know it won't be easy, but it was inevitable."
A chuckle escaped Adriana's lips. "You attempt to console me, yet your words retain the sharpness of a blade."
She walked toward a large clay pot, retrieving a glass and filling it with water. As she spoke, her words carried a sense of newfound resolve. "You see, I have also had time to contemplate this matter. Your words were merely a gentle push I required. She deserves to know the truth, and the longer I delay, the more arduous it will become."
Placing the glass of water on a tray, Adriana met Sylvain's gaze, her lashes fluttering as she offered a tender smile. "Thank you, Sylvain. Occasionally, I find myself pondering what I would do without you. Now, I must be on my way. I have already lingered for far too long, considering I am merely delivering water."
Sylvain nodded in acknowledgement. "You are most welcome. I should also check on her, ensuring everything is as it should be." he responded, earning a nod of agreement from Adriana as she quietly departed the kitchen.
…
As Adriana made her way towards Diana's room, her steps were accompanied by a multitude of thoughts, swirling and entwining within her mind. Before she knew it, she stood before the door, an undeniable sense of trepidation coursing through her veins.
With a soft, almost imperceptible sigh, she gathered her courage and gently pushed open the door, revealing Diana lost in contemplation, her gaze fixed on the world outside.
Diana appeared akin to a living painting, bathed in the soft caress of the sun's rays, filtering through the window and casting a warm, ethereal glow upon her fair, sun-kissed skin.
Her lustrous golden tresses cascaded in loose, bouncy ringlets, seemingly capturing the very essence of light and shimmering like spun strands of precious metal.
Yet, behind this captivating exterior, her chartreuse green eyes, framed by thick, lustrous lashes, held a profound well of emotions and melancholy.
Adriana pursed her lips, a hint of sadness flickering across her features. It often felt as though her beloved child carried burdens far weightier than her own. "Diana?"
Startled by her mother's voice, silvery and resonant, Diana blinked and turned to face Adriana, a smile gracing her lips. "Mother, what kept you so long? I began to worry about you."
Adriana returned the smile, her heart swelling with both love and concern as she extended a glass of water to Diana. "I apologize, dear. I had to call the physician to attend to you," She spoke, inwardly wincing at the small fib she uttered.
Diana expressed her gratitude, yet her expression faltered upon hearing Adriana's words. "A physician?"
Nodding, Adriana discerned the disbelief in Diana's eyes. "But they come at a great expense…" Diana whispered to herself, unable to fully fathom the extent of her mother's sacrifices.
Guilt washed over Diana like a swift current, causing her to lower her head. Why was she always burdening her mother instead of alleviating her struggles? Why must she be a source of worry?
"I'm sorry," Diana said quietly, her head bowed in shame. She couldn't bring herself to meet her mother's gaze.
Adriana tilted her head, observing the untouched glass of water, and asked, "For what, my dear?"
"For the stress I have caused you. I can only imagine the burden you bear…" Diana's voice trailed off, her hands fidgeting with unease. "I apologize once again."
Adriana smiled softly and spoke in a gentle, tender tone, "Diana, look at me." When their eyes met, Adriana tenderly caressed Diana's hair. "No matter what challenges I face, everything I do is for you. Never, even for a fleeting moment, consider yourself a burden. You mean so much more to me."
She pressed a loving kiss upon Diana's hair and forehead, her voice infused with an overwhelming sense of love, "You are the sunshine that brightens my life. You are my source of happiness. My everything, but never a burden."
Diana's trembling lips quivered, and a single tear escaped from her eye as she gazed into her mother's warm, affectionate eyes. Memories of the hurtful comments from other children echoed in her mind.
'I don't want to play with her! My mother said to stay away because she's dirty.'
'Her mother must see her as a burden from her work. Let's go play somewhere else.'
'Look at how ugly she is. She must be diseased. We shouldn't go near her.'
'You have no idea how much trouble you and your mother cause this village. Why don't you just leave?'
"Diana?" Adriana swiftly took the glass of water from Diana's trembling hands and enveloped her in a warm embrace. Concern filled her voice as she whispered, "Why are you crying, my dear child?" Her heart ached at the sight of her daughter's sorrowful tears.
Diana clung to her mother's dress, her tears streaming down her pale cheeks. Existing in a world where indifference and disgust had become the norm felt like an exhausting burden. Watching her mother struggle without being able to ease her pain was deeply distressing.
But existing in a world where guilt became her breakfast, shame became her lunch, and self-loathing became her dinner… it was simply unbearable.
The pain.
The exhaustion.
The overwhelming weight.
And perhaps the most disheartening aspect was that Diana blamed herself more than anyone else. She felt unworthy, without anyone needing to tell her. The sense of unworthiness was so deep that she wished to vanish from the face of the earth.
But maybe, deep down…
"Th-Thank you." Diana whispered amidst her sobs, her voice choked with emotions.
"For what? Please, calm down…" Adriana murmured, her tone hushed as she gently rubbed her daughter's back trying to provide comfort.
Perhaps… all Diana truly longed for was for someone to say, "It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself."
After a while, Diana's sobs gradually subsided, and Adriana handed her the glass of water, saying, "Here, have this. It should make you feel better. Your head feels like it's burning, and I hope you're not coming down with a fever." Adriana muttered, the last sentence more to herself than to Diana.
Diana sighed in contentment as the cool, refreshing liquid flowed down her throat. She hadn't realized just how parched she had been until that very moment, "Thank you." She said softly, handing the glass cup back to her mother.
"Would you like another?" Adriana inquired, and Diana shook her head.
"No, I'm okay." Diana replied softly, wiping her mouth free of any lingering droplets.
Adriana contemplated asking what had caused her daughter's tears, but upon seeing Diana's faint smile and
distant, conflicted gaze, she decided against it. Perhaps another time.
As they began to engage in conversations to distract Diana from whatever weighed upon her mind, the door gently swung open.