When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

17: You're Safe Now

"HEY! WAKE UP!"

My eyes slowly opened, and the first thing I saw was that woman's annoyingly triumphant grin.

"Why? I'm still sleepy."

"I brought your breakfast. I'm leaving." She turned around and walked out of my room.

I immediately stood up and followed her. "Huh? Where are you going?"

She suddenly stopped, so I stopped too.

I stepped back because we were way too close and I hadn't showered or brushed my teeth yet. "Why are you leaving?"

"Just because."

"Where exactly are you going?"

"To the nearby island. If it feels heavy again, just call me, okay?"

"Are you coming back right away?"

"Yes... I need to leave before it rains." She turned and walked off.

When she left, I took a shower right away. After that, I ate the breakfast she brought. Since I had nothing else to do, I cleaned my unit. I wanted to drink, but I knew exactly how that would end...

I don't want to burden her.

I was about to sleep when my phone rang. I smiled when I saw Lilac's name.

"Yes, Li?" I answered.

"I didn't want to bother you..." she paused. "But you need to know this."

I sat down on my bed and cleared my throat. "W-What happened? Are you guys okay?"

I put the call on loudspeaker and grabbed my suitcase. If she said it was an emergency, I'd leave immediately. I was about to pack when she finally continued.

"It's about Elimae..."

I froze. I dropped the clothes I was holding and put them back in the closet. I took a long breath.

"She invited us for dinner last night," she began. "We went to check on her."

"Did she tell you anything?"

"She just said she's trying to be okay. She also told us she's preparing for the upcoming national beauty pageant."

"Good for her." I was genuinely happy for her. I was glad she finally had the confidence to pursue her dream. "D-Did she say anything else?"

"Nothing else, Ren. I'm just updating you because if you suddenly open your social media accounts, you might wonder why she posted a picture of our dinner."

"Oh. I uninstalled everything."

"Mother, where are you? I'm here, baby. Why are you sad? I miss you, Mother. Come here. I'm talking to Uncle Ren. I miss Uncle Ren."

I smiled hearing that. "Tell Arsen I miss him too."

Lilac chuckled. "Uncle Ren misses you too. Arsen, let's play! Ate Amara wants us to braid her hair!" Her background got noisy. After a few seconds, she spoke again. "Ren..." Her voice was serious.

"Yes, Li?"

"I feel like something bad is happening," she said. "I'm sorry if it sounds negative, but something's off. I'm not comfortable with her anymore. Maybe it's just me overthinking."

I sighed. "You don't have to be sorry."

"I'll let you go so you can rest. Call me if you need me, okay?"

"Thank you, Li. I love you!"

She ended the call. I laughed loudly. I was used to her, so it wasn't new to me. Her instincts amazed me more and more. She knew something was wrong.