Find It! The Wishes Hidden in Winter #2

Chapter 4: To The Noble Kingdom!

The pain is blinding and occurred in an instant. Spots, bright flashes of light crossed her vision and fell back.

Lisa didn't understand what was going on. Her cheek burned. What had she done wrong? A bruise was forming. She could hear her mother's screaming voice, hollering, "How dare you!" and "Let's see you heal this!"

She was at a loss for words. It seemed like her voice had gone mute. She struggled to open her ocean-colored eyes.

Her parents never hit her. Lisa couldn't even imagine it. She'd certainly gotten into trouble as a child but grew up to embrace her passive nature. Who else hated arguments more than herself?

Lisa forced her eyes open, if she hadn't seen it, she wouldn't have believed it happen.

Her mother was being held down by Mr. Oozora. He was much larger and stronger. Easily managing to pin her down.

Preventing Megumi from hitting their daughter again.

His expression was unreadable, his hair covering his usually calm and understanding eyes.

"Go. Just go!" The last words were a desperate cry, a sound Lisa could not picture her father using.

She turned her back, there was chatter. People were coming back. Lisa couldn't stay. Leaving in a hurry, Mrs Oozora started shouting obscene swears as she pushed and struggled against her husband's strong grip.

Lisa moved like a robot, giving herself simple commands to follow, like "Turn right, Lisa Oozora." Without them she would still be standing, watching her mother swear, seeing the look of pity on the students' and adults' faces. Wasn't she their beacon of hope? "Walk up the steps Lisa Oozora. Take out the ID pass."

Too tired and too numb to cry, Lisa followed the orders she gave herself. The door slid open and Emiyo turned around just in time to see her. "You're back! We still have a few hours before----"

Lisa proceeded to fall on Emiyo's bed, falling asleep. A quiet and deep sleep. One with no dreams. Time did not exist for Lisa.

Until this peaceful feeling disappeared the moment she opened her eyes. Lisa let out a soft moan before pushing herself into a sitting position.

"Ah!" It all came back to her and she wasn't the least bit ready! Lisa looked out at the window in a panic. The sun was much lower in the sky-------

"Not to worry, I packed everything you need. All that's left is any personal items."

Kameko's voice. She was slinging a large bag over her shoulders. "Over there."
She pointed at a marine blue backpack, looking like it was about to burst.

Lisa nodded and Kameko turned her back on her. Lisa found a mirror in the drawer and took a peek at the damage.

A swollen cheek just as she thought.

Her left cheek turned purple, Lisa's eye had watered slightly. Lisa wiped the liquid with the sleeve of her shirt and bit her lip in anticipation.

A miracle that her eye remained untouched surely it would've turned black by now.

Lisa raised her hand, ever so slightly, and with her index and middle finger, tapped at the mess.

Ache.

She pulled away and concentrated on sending liquid into her fingers. Something cold should do it. To soothe.

But Lisa's fingers trembled and shook uncontrollably. A spasm had come over them. Fear? Anxiety? Or nerves?

There was no use in forcing the magic out of her. Washing her face in cold water from the sink it is.

Except it was a public place. And then they'd see. And wonder. And rumors. And panic. She hadn't even left yet.