It has been two days. Two days since Emmett and I were at the sunflower field. Yesterday I spent some time with Arietta. For the rest of my day in my room, I studied our trip and kept writing down more clues to decipher. I did not end up figuring out much, but the word ZQHDSSZ has made an imprint in my brain. It has to be some sort of ancient word or marking. But for what? I feel like I am so close to figuring something out.
Emmett told me he was going to be in the library looking over the Ruins of Sunmaw book that Laurie returned earlier. I have not seen much of him since, hopefully, he found something useful in there.
Today we go back to the ruins with Laurie. I wake up less nervous than last time. Since I am aware of what it will look and be like, it will be easier. The bruise on my side has started to turn brown and simple movements are easier. I need to take more care of myself.
The anxiety that I feel because I have no idea what is going to happen down there is small and lingering in the pit of my stomach.
After getting ready and having breakfast, I meet Emmett down at the usual spot. He looks pale.
"Good morning, are you alright?" I immediately ask. He nods.
"Yeah, I am alright," he turns to me and his expression hardens, "look I found out something when reading that book yesterday."
My stomach turns. "You did? What did you find?"
Emmett looks around us. "Not here. But I think this place is somehow significant to our situation. We should be going there." For some reason, this does not surprise me.
"Okay, alright let us go then."
It is sunny today, only a few clouds dot the sky near the horizon. A gentle breeze blows like usual, which is good because today I can tell will be incredibly hot.
We arrive at the barn and Emmett still has not told me what he has read. I do not ask, figuring he will tell me when he is ready to. Though I am anxious to find out.
Laurie greets us and has already set up the horses. I do not see Arietta.
"Arietta has to work today, so she could not join us," Laurie answers the question that I do not ask. I try not to feel disappointed, as I am sure Laurie feels the same way.
I have given Apple again, so I take her down to the grass outside, stroking her silky coat as I walk. My hand grip hard around the lead, turning my knuckles white. I release it and look down. My hands are well and truly healed now, just the tiniest bit of ruff skin in the middle, and of course, the large scars slashed behind it on both palms.
Getting on is harder this time. I take a hold of the top of the saddle and lift my foot to the stirrup. I
jump and fling myself up and over. A searing burn travels down my side. I bite my lip to keep the groan in. Luckily soon after, the pain reduces to a small throb, then to nothing.
I ride behind Emmett and the white and black spotted horse he rides called Frisco. Laurie is in front of him on a magnificent black horse as dark as the midnight sky, hence the name.
"Why did you guys want to come back down here?" Laurie calls from the front. We ride down the steep side slope. Leaning back in my saddle, I try to match my breathing with Apple's rocking motion.
Forwards and backwards.
Inhale, exhale.
Forwards and backwards.
Inhale, exhale.
"We wanted to explore it a bit more," Emmett replies, the colour has returned to his face now. "Have you been back down there in a while yourself?"
YOU ARE READING
Violet
Romansa~ I wish I could capture this moment forever. The yellow glow of the fire behind me penetrates and shines through the water and onto Emmett's face. I can see all his features, as every curve and line of his face, and every eyelash is highlighted...
