Chapter 5: A Soothing Voice
I slowed down from my run, feeling quite happy after seeing my mom for the first time in a long while. But my joy was short-lived.
".....!." _Blegh!_ I threw up, expelling everything I had eaten. The food she made had no taste; I tasted nothing.
What did her face even look like now? I wouldn't know – I couldn't even see her actual face. All I saw was a dark bubble over her head. Her tone of voice, her smell, her smile, her gaze, her expression – I faked it all. I even fooled myself, trying so hard not to breathe wrong.
Was that even my mom? Who is my mom? My memory is a mess! All I remember is "Lude," my brother.
What does her face look like? What does her voice sound like? What color is her hair? Where does she work?
I clutched my chest, struggling to breathe again. The familiar feeling pulled at my heart.
"Agh, a place to rest!" My eyes darted around, searching for a place to rest. I spotted the familiar bench I usually sat on and dragged myself over to it. I threw myself onto the bench, exhausted.
Luckily, my condition neither worsened nor improved. I laid my body out on the bench, still struggling to breathe. The sleepless night hit me right on the head. I fought to keep my eyes open, but after moments of struggling, I fell asleep.
It was dark – no dream, neither happy nor bad. It was dark, but my head was at peace. Here, it felt warm; my head could really rest. Time passed as I slept like a child.
I slowly opened my eyes, the warm rays of the sun stinging my eyes. I put out my hand to cover my eye but instead touched something soft.
"Hmm, smooth and soft... nice." I said, still squinting my eyes, trying to clear the blur.
"Heh?" A beautiful voice whispered.
My eyes cleared, and I saw familiar brown hair, blue eyes, and that voice.
"Nia?" I questioned.
"Ahem. So, sleeping beauty has awoken!" Nia said, a gentle smile spreading across her face.
"Can you sit up straight?" Nia asked, concern clearly visible on her face.
I looked up into her eyes for a moment and replied, "I-I can't." I clearly lied; there was no reason for me to get up right away.
"Oh, really? Okay, keep resting then." Nia said, stroking my hair.
I want to ask Johann why he's in this condition, but I don't want to overstep my limit. He clearly hasn't been sleeping well, given the dark circles under his eyes. But now he looks a bit better. I spotted him luckily as I was on my way to school.
That day, we ran into each other. I saw his struggling eyes, so dark... his blue eyes had almost no color. His voice was so far away, as if he hardly ever spoke. I feel like I know him somehow, but the memory is hazy.
Johann's eyes are even worse now; what is he facing for him to look so defeated? For now, I'll let him rest for a while; I'll take care of him for the time being.
Her head strokes were warm and gentle. I thought I'd rest for a while more. I fell asleep once more, feeling nothing but warmth.
"T-thank you, Nia." I said before I fell asleep.
"You're very welcome." Nia said, her voice a melody rocking me to sleep.