Damaged - A Hetalia AU (ON HOLD)

Chapter 12: Memories of You

(A\N: We're halfway through this fanfiction. Holy fucking shit.)

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A hopeful ray of sunlight shone through the window of Feliciano and Ludwig's home, once filled with just two perfect lovers and three dogs, was now filled with mourning family members, all shocked and damaged by such a devastating tragedy.

And the most heartbroken was poor Elizaveta.

She wanted so much in life. But all of that had to be ruined for her. Why? Because that's how the world works. It takes people and things from us when we least expect it to at times - sometimes in cruel, unimaginable ways.

And of course, it had to happen to her of all people. Although her relationship with Roderich was rocky at times, they still managed to love each other to an extent. But Elizaveta didn't think he'd die so soon. Not one bit. And sure, she knew he'd be heartbroken, but the mental pain she felt from all of it was indescribable.

Now, she had to go back to all of the memories. She had to face the reality of it all. Roderich was gone for good. He was never coming back. That beautiful house, big enough for her dream family, was now empty. And even if she ever did go back for good, it'd be just her. No one else.

She hasn't been taking care of herself since the accident, in fact, she spent most of her day crying in bed, feeling so many emotions. Anger, sadness, hopelessness, disbelief... This wasn't her. This wasn't the woman she saw in the mirror just a few months ago. She felt like a stranger to herself.

But today was different. She had something to wake up for.

Today, she was visiting home for the first time in weeks. Although you think she'd be excited, she honestly wasn't. She didn't think she was ready for all the memories to finally come back to her. It was too soon. But, Gilbert and Ludwig had offered to take her there, and she just couldn't pull herself to say no.

And for the first time since Roderich's passing, she took care of herself. She managed to take a nice, relaxing bath to clean herself, she brushed her hair, brushed her teeth, washed her face, and got dressed. It took so much energy for her, but she felt somewhat like her old self.

Ludwig gently knocked on the door to the room Elizaveta was staying in. "Elizaveta? Are you ready?" He asked, carrying his jacket with his arm. She slowly nodded, biting the inside of her cheek. Small tears pricked her eyes as she walked into the car, knowing how many memories would flood back to her.

The car ride was silent - Not even a song playing on the radio. Elizaveta stared straight down at the car's floor, unable to really even think clearly. So much was going through her mind. How would she feel as she entered the house? Would she be unable to enter? Would the house feel like a foreign place to her?

As the car pulled into the empty driveway, Elizaveta could feel herself silently panicking. She got out of the car and shakily walked towards the front door, with Ludwig and Gilbert behind her. She took the keys from her bag and fumbled with them to find the one that would open the front door.

When she finally found it, she used it to unlock the door. Reluctantly, she stepped into the front porch with her eyes closed. As she opened them, she seemed somewhat shocked. This house didn't feel all that foreign to her. It still looked like home to her. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary.