Unknown One

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Rasazy's P.O.V.

Rasazy lay reclined on the nurse's bed, surrounded by the quiet hum of the dimly lit nurse's office. From the brief conversation earlier, she pieced together that she was indeed in a school, as Mr. Demi had mentioned teachers and pranks. For now, though, her attention was fully consumed by the book in her hands, her eyes tracing the inked words as minutes stretched into hours.

The quiet of the room was calming, almost like a sanctuary to her. The soft hum of the fluorescent lights and distant footsteps of faculty became background noise, and the book in her lap was her temporary escape from the confusion swirling in her mind. It was peaceful, allowing her to forget the strange situation she had found herself in.

But the tranquility was interrupted by the sound of a door creaking open. Rasazy's eyes snapped up from the page, her focus shifting to the figure entering the room. Miss Grace—the same stern yet caring woman from earlier—stepped inside, her sharp pointed feet clicking softly on the tile. She carried a tray of food in her hands, and her expression slighly softened at the sight of Rasazy still engrossed in the book.

Miss Grace: "Lost track of time, have we?"

Rasazy blinked, sheepish at being caught unaware. She had completely forgotten her surroundings in her focus on the novel. "I... I suppose I did," she admitted, her voice soft with embarrassment.

Miss Grace smiled gently, placing the tray of food on the table beside the bed. "I thought so. You must be starving by now," she said, a teasing note in her voice. "It's no wonder you didn't notice. That book seems to have your full attention."

The smell of the food hit Rasazy's senses, causing her stomach to grumble audibly in protest. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the sound, but Miss Grace only chuckled, a warm and reassuring sound that made Rasazy feel at ease.

Miss Grace: "No need to be shy. Even the most dedicated readers must answer to their stomachs eventually."

Rasazy offered a small smile as she nodded, her appetite quickly overtaking her embarrassment. She reached for the tray and began eating, savoring the warmth of the meal. It was a stark contrast to the Nothing World, where neither she nor her brother ever needed to eat. But here, her body demanded sustenance, a reminder that this world played by different rules.

As she ate, she felt a small sense of gratitude toward Miss Grace. Despite the woman's authoritative presence, there was a kindness in her actions that Rasazy couldn't ignore. It made her feel safe—if only for a moment.

When Rasazy finished her meal, she set the tray aside and looked up to find Miss Grace watching her, her expression having shifted to something more serious.

Miss Grace: "Rasazy," she began slowly, "I couldn't help but notice that your name doesn't appear in any national or global databases. It's as if... you don't exist in the conventional sense."

Rasazy's heart skipped a beat, though her expression remained composed. This was something she had experienced before, across the multiverse. People—authorities—always questioned her and her brother's lack of identity. But their ability to slip through the cracks of one world and into another meant those questions never led anywhere.

Still, Miss Grace's gaze was steady and sincere, making it harder for Rasazy to remain guarded.

"I... I suppose you could say that I've lived a rather unconventional life," she answered cautiously, not wanting to reveal too much.

Miss Grace studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "I suspected as much. But surely there must be some record, some indication of where you've come from, or who your family is."

Rasazy hesitated, weighing her words. She couldn't share the full truth, but something about Miss Grace's genuine curiosity made her want to open up—at least partially.

"I've spent most of my life wandering with my older brother," she began, her voice quiet. "We've always been searching for answers—a way to reunite with our parents."

At the mention of her brother, Miss Grace's expression softened slightly. "You have a brother? "

Rasazy nodded. "Yes. His name is Selever. He's... rough around the edges, but he's always looked out for me. Even if he curses a lot," she added with a faint smile.

Miss Grace raised an eyebrow. "I see. And where is your brother now? Why are you here alone? "

Rasazy sighed, carefully crafting her response. "We were at a chapel... I was reading, and he had gone off to get supplies. But then... I fainted. And when I woke up, I was here."

It was only half the truth. Yes, she had been in the Chapel of the Nothing World when she fainted, and yes, Selever had left to go "scout" other worlds. But she couldn't mention the notebook—the real cause of her collapse—or the fact that Selever's "supplies" were actually for his mischievous trolling through alternate universes.

Miss Grace regarded her carefully, clearly sensing that Rasazy was holding back. But instead of pressing further, she nodded slowly. "I understand. Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way, and we have to adapt. "

There was a pause, a moment where the tension seemed to lift, if only slightly.

Miss Grace: "Very well. I'll accept your explanation for now. You can tell me more when you're ready."

Rasazy offered a small nod, relieved that Miss Grace wasn't pushing for more details. But she knew this wasn't over yet.

Miss Grace: "For now, it's getting late. I'll make arrangements for you to stay in the nurse's office temporarily until we can sort something out." She stood up, smoothing her suit. "I'll leave one of my phones here. If you need anything, just call."

Rasazy blinked, slightly surprised. "But... don't you have a home to go to? "

Miss Grace smiled, a touch of amusement in her eyes. "I do, but the school is like a second home to me. I had rooms built here long ago for faculty and students who might need to stay overnight."

She leaned down slightly, her gaze softening. "So I'm never far away. Stay safe, Rasazy."

With that, Miss Grace turned to leave, her presence lingering even as the door clicked shut behind her.

To Be Continued...

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