Experiment of Madness

42-Lost in the Shadows-Dag/Aerra

I close my eyes, picturing the first time I met Aerra the moment she ran into me while trying to escape from the hospital. The moment our eyes met, the spark of connection was immediately present.

The warmth of her body in my arms, the smoothness of her skin as I touched her hand, the gentle way her head would rest on my shoulder. I recall tending to her wounds, each bandage a small act of intimacy, and the soothing silence that we shared as she ate chocolate.

I remember her infectious chuckle as we watched our favorite series together and the time I cut and dyed her hair just to see that beautiful smile on her face.

The pain in my heart is almost too much to bear, each memory of Aerra like a knife twisting deeper into my chest. I feel hollow and empty without her, like a part of me is missing.

I long for her smile, her voice, her presence, anything to ease the aching loneliness that has settled in my chest since her disappearance.

Mom sits down on the couch next to me, wordlessly enveloping me in her arms. I don't resist the embrace, letting myself lean into her comforting presence. The warmth of her hold is a small solace in the storm of my emotions.

Fane nods, a hint of relief washing over his features. "Don't worry," he says gently. "I've talked to the authorities. I told them about your exhaustion and how it led to your outburst. They understand that you weren't yourself and won't press charges."

"That guy next to Aerra was Link I know this.He knows where's she if I get him alone...I start to rise from the couch, a determined look in my eyes, but Fane steps forward, putting a gentle yet firm hand on my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.

Fane turns to me, his voice serious as he asks, "We'll save her, but Dag, who's the girl?"
I look down, my voice low as I confess, "I... I've been keeping her in my room for months." Guilt and shame wash over me as I admit this fact, but there's also a hint of defiance in my voice as if daring Fane to challenge me.

My confession draws a sharp response from my mother, who exclaims, "You what!?" Her eyes widen in shock and disbelief, and her tone carrying a mix of worry and anger.

Mom's voice rises further, her concern turning into an accusation. "What were you thinking, Dag? Keeping a girl in your room without anyone's knowledge? That's incredibly dangerous and reckless!"

I try to defend my actions, my voice rising to match my mother's. "She was in danger all alone! I didn't have another choice!" My words come out a little desperate, as if I'm trying to convince myself as much as I am trying to convince my mother.

Mom continues her barrage of questions, her voice filled with worry. "Who is she? Where are her parents? Is she hurt? How long have you been hiding her?"
Mom's expression softens a little as the full extent of Aerra's situation sinks in. I continue to defend my decision, my voice firmer, and more resolute now. "She had nowhere else to go. Her parents left her behind, and the nurses were hurting her. She was slowly losing her mind there. I had no choice but to take her in.”

Mom processes my words, her eyes still filled with concern but also a hint of understanding. "You were trying to protect her," she says quietly, and I nod, a wave of relief washing over me as I realize she's starting to comprehend my motives.

As I speak, my voice falters, and an unbearable sadness fills my heart. "Mom... they cut her hand... they took her from me... she's my everything..." Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and a deep anguish seeps into my words, revealing the depth of my love and pain.

Fane steps in, his hands gently holding my face, forcing me to meet his gaze, his blue eyes filled with a calm, reassuring presence.
Fane's voice cuts through my despair, his words firm and determined. "We'll get her back," he says, his eyes locked with mine. "We'll save her."