The Portrait of Markov

Chapter III

The smell of food flowed through my nose and I smiled to myself. Whatever Gabriela seemed to be making, I really like it. I can't seem to remember when the last time I ate was...and that was what disturbed me to the bone. Since I had to have eaten at some point, right? Or would I still be alive?

Gabriela came to the couch where I was sitting and handed me the meal. It smelled wonderful, and my stomach was twisting and turning with hunger rising up to the surface. Without question, I ate the food very quickly, like I was starving. Gabriela chuckled slightly at how eager I seemed to be.

After eating, my stomach felt full, but something seemed wrong...I was still hungry. I decided to keep that thought to myself as I handed Gabriela the empty plate. She smiles and puts the plate carefully in the kitchen sink. I clutched my stomach in pain, but I tried to ignore it for as long as I can.

"How are you feeling?" Gabriela wondered.

"A-Ah...I'm fine..." I muttered. "I just feel light headed."

"How about you relax? It's been a long day."

Without question, I simply lied down and closed my eyes. Right away, my consciousness fazed in and out, that's how tired I truly was. So I welcomed my tiredness, and slowly lost consciousness...

I woke up, and my head was pounding right away. I groaned in pain as I sat up. Gabriela was nowhere to be found, so I assumed she was up in her room or something. But I didn't want to find out. I just wanted to recollect my thoughts and think about what actually happened a couple hours ago...or days? I really lost track.

My stomach growled in pain and I clutched it in agony. I closed my eyes tightly and stayed in that position for a couple minutes, trying to regain my composure. I was slightly panicking, since I had no clue what I should do...is Gabriela really my sister? Or is this somehow a lie that I'm forced to believe?

"Libitina? Are you awake?" Gabriela asked as she came down the hallway, to where I resided.

"Yeah...I am..." I murmured with a weak smile. She grinned in response.

"Can you stand up? Or does your head hurt that bad?"

I looked at the ground with worry as I slowly stood up. My legs were shaking a bit, but I was successfully up. She walked over to me and tried to give me a reassuring smile.

"Are you okay? You were knocked out pretty hard..." She stated. I couldn't tell if it was a lie or not, since I swear I got knocked out when....I can't remember. Was it something to do with somebody's death? I can't recall.

"I...yeah...I'm fine...my memory is a bit fuzzy but I'm all good," I lie. She nodded and placed her hand on my shoulder gently.

"I'll make sure you're back to health. Fully."

She sounded condescending when she spoke, but I didn't disagree and I simply nodded in response.

"Maybe..." I chuckled. I swear I needed to remember SOMETHING, but I can't remember whatsoever and it was bugging me.

"Is there something on your mind?"

"Y-Yeah...I swear I'm trying to remember something, but I can't..."

"I'm sure it's nothing. I promise. It's nothing."

For some weird reason, I wanted to believe her...maybe it is nothing...maybe I should trust her more...

"You sure?"

"Positive! You just need some water and food to clear your mind. Maybe you're just dehydrated?"

"Maybe...I guess we can try."

I followed her to the kitchen and Gabriela filled up a glass of clear water. I grabbed it from her hands and drank the entire thing. I got lightheaded and my memory turned even more fuzzy.

"A-Ah...my memory is even more fuzzy..." I groaned. Gabriela looked at me with concern.

"You should probably lie down..."

I didn't say a word as I collapsed on the couch once more and fell asleep right away. Only one thing I never realized: I was being manipulated.