Protector from Afar ✔️

Chapter 2 - Under the Mask

Under the mask

Why does one feel lonely after battle?

Neither the countless demanding hours of training with my father nor the experiences of long-time warriors in the real world could give me an answer to this question. Some said they felt euphoric afterwards, the blood and carnage really energizing them. Others understood me, but never spent much time on this question. At least not until the alcohol started to take effect.

I hated it when my thoughts took on a life of their own. Confused, I looked at the pencil in my hand; it tingled and felt numb. I shook my hand and cursed; It was a rude word that my godmother should never hear.

That night I was plagued by nightmares. I forgot what it was about as soon as I opened my eyes, but the feelings of suffocation and wanting to achieve something were crystal clear in my memory.

The balcony door was open, the wind whirling up the curtain. At the same time my phone beeped, and a loud scream came from outside. I jumped, my heart pounding in my throat. Angrily, I stepped onto the balcony. I was ready to give the screamer my opinion. Until I realized that, firstly, I was getting disproportionately upset and, secondly, it was a scream of joy from one of the new guests. I heard the splashing of water and clearly the Korean term for 'cannonball' while diving. One of the most important words were still familiar to me, after spending my childhood in South Korea. Hopefully these people won't cause any trouble.

I went back to my room and closed the door. My eyes went to the unfinished sketch, the pencil lying on the floor. Painting and drawing calmed me down, sorting out my thoughts and feelings in a way that alcohol couldn't. But for that I had to be alone, in absolute peace. I gathered everything I needed and headed to my studio. The walls were made of glass, but it was completely soundproof. And opaque, thanks to privacy film. On one side it bordered the garden. When I tilted the windows, the sweet scent of flowers always wafted in from spring to summer. The other, windowless side faced the outdoor lounge, which was remodeled shortly after I arrived last year. Modern seating and lounging areas, fully equipped with electricity, a minibar, and an in-ground fireplace. Decorative stone columns gave an ancient Greek impression.

When I arrived, I had to think for a long time about what was wrong with the area in front of my studio. I was gone for three months; life went on and something changed. And then I slapped my forehead. There was a two-meter-long wooden room divider, overgrown with plants and fairy lights. How pretty. I walked around and inspected all the details. When I turned around, I gasped and dropped my art supplies.

"Oh, my God, I'm so sorry!" someone said in English.

I thought he looked like the guy who filled out the form two days ago. People simply looked different without masks.

He quickly picked up my things and apologized again and again and then handed them to me.

"I hope I didn't scare you too much."

The first thing I noticed was his broad nose. Probably an insecurity factor deep inside him. But his eyes sparkled at me in a friendly way.

"No, no, everything's fine." I held out my hand to him. "I am Seraphina. Nice to meet you."

He took my hand. "I'm Chan. Or Christopher, either is okay. My pleasure."

"I noticed that you have arrived recently. How do you like it so far?"

"Oh, it's really nice here. The food tastes almost like home, compliments to the kitchen at this point. Everyone here is very friendly."

I smiled. What else could he have said? But he didn't give the impression that he was praising everything here just out of politeness.