Sana gradually became aware, like someone waking up from a long, exhausting dream. In the darkness behind her eyelids, she felt something strange, something different. The gentle touch of grass against her body gave a comforting sensation, and the soft breeze caressed her face with a tenderness that drove away all weariness. The atmosphere was so peaceful, as if the world was embracing her warmly.
She took a deep breath. The fresh air filled her lungs, bringing a sense of relief she hadn't felt in years. Slowly, she tried to open her eyes. At first, her vision was blurry, but little by little, the world before her came into focus. A vast expanse of green grass stretched as far as the eye could see, soothing and beautiful. Majestic hills rose in the distance, framing the horizon with nature's perfect grandeur.
She lay by the edge of a crystal-clear lake. The lake's surface reflected the sunlight like shimmering jewels. Sana was mesmerized. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the captivating beauty, something that felt both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time. The gentle wind whispered through her hair, bringing a coolness that seeped into the depths of her soul.
"Wow... it's so beautiful. Where am I?" she murmured, her voice soft yet filled with awe. Every word she spoke seemed to blend harmoniously with the nature around her. She felt as if she were in another world, far from the noise and pain that had haunted her for so long.
Sana carefully sat up, letting her feet feel the softness of the grass that seemed to welcome her. She started to walk slowly, then broke into a light run. A wide smile adorned her face. For the first time in years, she felt true freedom. Without realizing it, she jumped with joy, like a child who had just received a long-awaited gift.
"Ahhh, this feels amazing! I've never experienced anything like this before. The medicine..." she muttered again, her voice rising with excitement. She paused for a moment, looking around with bright eyes. "This time it really worked. I feel like I'm in heaven!"
But as she uttered those words, something nagged at the back of her mind. This warmth and happiness felt too perfect, too real, almost like an illusion. Sana stopped running and stood still by the lake. She gazed at her reflection in the water. It looked just like her, but something was different—something she couldn't quite explain.
"Is this really real?" she asked softly, to herself or perhaps to the world around her. The gentle wind didn't answer but continued its whispering, as if urging her to enjoy the moment without questioning too much.
In the distance, the sound of a waterfall grew louder, adding to the melody of nature surrounding her. Sana looked in the direction of the sound, her curiosity burning. Whatever this place was, she knew she wanted to explore it further. For a moment, all the pain, guilt, and regret that had plagued her felt distant—like shadows slowly fading away.
Sana jumped with glee, like a little girl who had just discovered her favorite toy. Her flowing hair danced with the wind, following her playful leaps. Under the warm sunlight, her laughter rang out, echoing among the green hills. But her joy was suddenly interrupted by a voice behind her.
"Hey, little girl. What are you doing? So foolish. Act your age," the voice said, its flat tone sharply contrasting with the cheerful atmosphere.
Sana froze mid-jump and turned around with a confused and annoyed expression. Standing before her was a young man, his posture upright, with an unreadable gaze. "What did you say? Little girl? Foolish?" Sana repeated in annoyance, her eyes glaring at him. "Do you even know who you're talking to? I'm old enough to be your mother, you little brat!"
However, moments later, her expression changed. Her irritation vanished, replaced by uncontrollable laughter. "Ahhh, I forgot!" she laughed harder, clutching her stomach. "Why am I arguing with a hallucination? This must be just the effect of the medicine. It's like I'm scolding myself." Her laughter filled the air, resonating until her whole body shook, as if the world around her was no longer real.
The young man looked at her with a mixture of confusion and concern. "Miss, what do you mean? Are you... crazy?" he asked hesitantly, his voice trailing off.
Sana gradually calmed down. She took a deep breath and replied with a faint smile, "No, no, you don't need to worry. I'm fine. I'm just here to enjoy the effects of the medicine I took and... maybe find some peace."
Without waiting for his response, Sana turned and walked toward the shimmering lake under the sunlight. She slowly sat down, feeling the soft grass beneath her, then lay back, gazing at the vast blue sky. The wind whispered softly through the leaves, carrying a fresh aroma that touched her soul. The sound of the rippling water and birdsong replaced her fading laughter. The world felt peaceful once more.
The young man, still standing with a furrowed brow, sighed deeply. His face showed confusion, but there was also a hint of curiosity. "What is she talking about? A strange woman who thinks she's old..." he muttered, almost as if talking to himself. Finally, he stepped closer and sat beside her.
"Hey, my name is Arga. Nice to meet you," he said, extending his hand with a friendly smile.
The woman, still lost in her own thoughts, glanced briefly at him, then lifted herself up and gave a faint smile without accepting Arga's outstretched hand.
"I still can't believe it... How could this medicine work so well? It feels like I actually have a friend," she murmured, gazing at the water's surface that reflected the sky. Then, she turned back to Arga, her eyes widening as if she had just realized something. "Wait a minute, why are you... so handsome?" she asked, her tone filled with wonder and a touch of admiration.