I sleep soundly for what feels like an eternity, the comfort of my bed enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth. The soft mattress seems to mold to my body, inviting me to sink deeper into the realm of dreams. My consciousness drifts aimlessly through a hazy landscape of half-formed thoughts and fading memories.
Suddenly, a gentle but persistent shaking pulls me from the depths of slumber.
"Pa..." A sweet, melodic voice pierces through the fog of sleep, its innocence tugging at the edges of my consciousness. Slowly, reluctantly, I pry my eyes open, blinking away the last vestiges of dreams.
My vision focuses on a small figure beside the bed, her tiny hands still resting on my arm. The little girl we found last night stands there, her long white hair shimmering in the morning light that filters through the curtains. It cascades down her shoulders like a waterfall of moonbeams, swaying gently as she rocks back and forth on her heels.
"Good morning," I mumble, my voice still rough with sleep. I sit up, running a hand through my disheveled hair before reaching out to stroke her silky locks. "How was your night?"
"Good!" The girl chirps, her face lighting up with a smile that could rival the sun.
Wait a minute...
"Do you understand what I'm saying?" I ask, surprise fully waking me up. The girl just continues to smile, her eyes twinkling with an intelligence that seems beyond her years.
"What's your name?" I try again, leaning in closer. The girl tilts her head, a puzzled expression crossing her face.
"Name...?" She repeats, the word sounding foreign on her tongue. Damn, we're back to square one.
The soft creak of the door draws my attention. Noarin stands in the doorway, wearing a pale blue apron dusted with flour. The morning light haloes her figure, giving her an almost ethereal glow. "Sorry to wake you," she says softly, her voice warm with affection. "She wanted to see you as soon as she woke up."
"Nah, it's okay," I assure her, turning back to the girl. "What should we call her, if she doesn't know her name..."
Noarin glides into the room, perching on the edge of the bed next to me. The mattress dips slightly under her weight, and I catch a whiff of vanilla and cinnamon – she must have been baking. "Have you thought of a name?" she asks, her eyes meeting mine.
The girl's eyes sparkle at the word. "Name!" she exclaims, bouncing slightly on her toes.
"Hmmmm....." I lean back, my gaze drifting to the ceiling as if the answer might be written there. Thousands of names flit through my mind, a kaleidoscope of references from every corner of my life. Movies, historical figures, ancient myths, constellations...
Constellations...
"Spica," I say suddenly, the name feeling right on my tongue. "How about it?"
Noarin tilts her head, her brow furrowing slightly. "Spica?"
"Virgo's brightest star," I explain, a hint of pride creeping into my voice. "Never heard of it?"
Before Noarin can respond, the girl lets out a squeal of delight. "Spica!" she cries, launching herself at me in a flying hug that nearly knocks me back onto the pillows.
"Looks like she likes it," Noarin chuckles, reaching out to stroke the girl's – Spica's – silky hair.
"Alright, your name is now Spica," I declare, my voice taking on a mock-official tone that makes Noarin roll her eyes good-naturedly.
"Spica! Yay!" Our newly-named charge bounces with excitement, her joy infectious.
Noarin looks at me, a teasing glint in her eye. "I didn't know you were an astronomy nerd."
YOU ARE READING
The Absolute and those who can rule it
FantasíaTells the story of Aruta Kuroyuki, a 19 year old guy who thinks life is boring with his monotone routine. He's just an ordinary person. Or is he? With something he hides in his past, and after his encounter with Noarin Otorii, who shares the same fa...
