It's been two days since I arrived at the mansion. The room feels nice with the warm sunlight enveloping me. I can hear birds chirping and the sound of the gardener tending to our garden.
Right now, I'm lying on the bed while my mom feeds me.
"Hey, Atthie, it's time to eat," my mom says cheerfully.
Despite the two days that have passed, I still can't move my body. I can only tilt my head and look at my mom.
"Say ahhh," my mom feeds me happily.
The taste is so delicious, and I can't help but want more. The food is a white porridge, and it glistens from the rice.
"This is porridge from our land; we cultivate it, and it is known for its healing abilities," my mom explains proudly.
I tilt my head in acknowledgment, and she seems delighted by my reaction.
After she finishes feeding me, we go to the bathroom to clean my body and then head to the garden using wheelchair.
I'm not sure how long I've been away, but the garden looks as beautiful as ever.
The flowers and plants are structured beautifully, and there's a pond where fish dance around when we come to see them. It feels warm and peaceful, and a slight smile forms on my face.
Seeing my reaction, my mom is truly happy.
"We always maintain our garden. Today, we added a bunch of new flowers from the neighboring district," she explains, pointing out the new additions.
"Ah, my dear Atthie, as I was in the neighboring district, I stumbled upon a batch of exquisite Silvermoon Lilies," my mom explains, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Their petals shimmer like the moonlight"
"Also, I couldn't resist bringing back some Starlight Violets," she continues, gesturing towards a cluster of vibrant purple flowers.
As she walks me through the garden, she passionately shares stories about each new addition.
As I look at the garden, my mouth curls up into a faint smile. It's difficult to express my emotions outwardly, but maybe this subtle smile is a sign of progress, I think to myself.
My mom notices my smile and her own widens even more. She understands that despite my immobile body and often expressionless face, every small step I take towards healing is significant.
I must say, this is a far better experience. The warmth and comfort I feel inside are indescribable. Instead of being trapped in the relentless survival mindset during the experiment, I am now surrounded by warmth and comfort.
Right now, as we move to another area, I find myself surrounded by towering trees. It seems we are doing some picnic. My mother and some maids laying out picnic mats, and we all sit together.
We gaze upon the lush garden while savoring some delicious cookies.
As the sun sets and the night begins to take over, I find myself back in my room, eagerly awaiting the delicious food the maid will bring.
However, as my mother feeds me and I see the red meat, a sudden horror washes over me.
The meat transforms into something horrifying, reminiscent of the memories when I consumed Lumenia's flesh.
My body trembles, and fear grips me as I worry about losing control of my primal nature. The thought of harming someone close to me terrifies me, and I feel suffocated by the overwhelming fear.
In my distress, my mother removes the food from the tray, instructs the maid to step back, and embraces me tightly, reassuring me that she is here to protect and support me.
"I'm sorry, Atthy. It's okay, it's okay. Mother is here," she says with concern and a sad expression while gently patting my head.
Despite my fears, she assures me that she will keep me safe, and I gradually curl up even more, seeking comfort in her.
Time slowly passes as my mother and I continue to embrace, unwilling to let go. The warmth of her presence fills me with comfort.
As the dark night descends, I drift into sleep, hoping for a peaceful rest. However, my dreams turn into a nightmarish scene, with the room transforming into a torrent of blood. I try to scream, but no sound escapes my lips. Overwhelmed by fear and darkness, I long to be strong and brave, but the darkness seems to consume me.
As I tremble in fear, I keep repeating to myself that it's just a dream, but the nightmare persists. Suddenly, I wake up, finding my mother still holding me tightly, offering a reassuring presence.
I recognize that the overwhelming emotions and trauma I've been through won't simply disappear with a wish.
Healing will take time, and I am aware of the sadness and hopelessness that linger within me. I can only hope that with each step, the wounds will slowly heal, and I'll find my peace once more.
Days pass by slowly, and it has been five days since the unsettling incident with the food. I'm immensely grateful that my nightmares are gradually decreasing, bringing me a sense of relief.
Every day, my mother and sometimes my father accompany me to the garden, where we find solace in observing fish swimming in our pond.
One morning, while I am in the garden, my father brings along a woman dressed in noble attire.
Her enchanting green eyes, brown hair, and captivating face capture my attention. She appears to be in her late twenties, resembling a younger version of my mother.
"Hey, Atthy, it seems like we've met before," she says, though I struggle to recall her. Who is she?
"Well, I remember when you were born. You were so tiny back then," she chuckles, reminiscing.
"It's that damn king's fault for sending me to the neighboring country instead of being able to hold you," she pouts playfully.
I sense a cheerful and affectionate aura about her, almost like an aunt.
"Well, she is your aunt. You can call her Aunt Claire," my mother explains.
"No no no, Atthy you must call me sister okay?," she insists, pouting mischievously. My mother and father are in laughter with Aunt Claire's antics.
As my mother and father continue to chuckle, Aunt Claire reaches into her bag and pulls out a collection of books, presenting them with a grand gesture. "Tadaaa!" she exclaims, waving her hand as if showcasing multiple books in the air.
She introduces each book with enthusiasm, starting with "A Guide to Being a Healer," followed by a romance novel where a princess awaits her knight, and lastly, a drawing book. Her proud expression reflects her belief in the appeal of each book.
Among the choices, I feel a particular interest in "A Guide to Being a Healer." It resonates with me, seeming to be the most fitting for my current situation. It's not that I dislike the other books; they simply don't interest me.
"Although I know you can't read just yet, we can still engage in these activities together," Aunt Claire suggests, her excitement evident on her face.
A small smile forms on my lips as I observe her lively antics, appreciating the effort she has put into selecting these books for me.
"I knew it! You like me the most," she playfully declares, causing the room to erupt in laughter once again.
It appears that a month has passed, and the nightmares that plagued me have disappeared completely, for which I am deeply grateful.
Every day, my mother and father is there for me, and on alternate days, my aunt stays by my side. Their presence envelops me in warmth, comforting me throughout the nights.
My aunt takes the time to teach me how to read, sharing children's stories with me in our cozy library.
As days go by, I notice a change in myself. My expression, once almost lifeless, now carries a spark of liveliness.
Gradually, I begin to feel a lightness in my body. One morning, as I wake up, I find my mother watching me sleep. With a slight upward curve of my mouth, I manage to utter, "Mom."
It's the first time in what feels like an eternity that I can finally speak. I've longed for this moment, and now it has arrived.
Not only can I speak, but I can also sense a slight movement returning to my body.
My mother's surprised expression transforms into an exuberant smile. Her happiness radiates and affects me deeply.
In a burst of excitement, my mother exclaims loudly, "Atthy just called me mom!"
Suddenly, a rush of people floods into my room, drawn by my mother's exclamation.
Ah, it seems that this morning will be filled with liveliness. My mouth curves upward, mirroring the excitement that fills the room.