Experiment of Madness

58-Home Sweet Home-Aerra

Dag walks by my side as we enter the official house. The atmosphere is charged, but there's a note of anticipation in the air. We're both aware of the situation, the gravity of what happened, yet there's determination in our steps. Dag remains composed, his presence a steady anchor by my side.

I can't help but acknowledge the kindness and generosity Mrs. Winter has shown me. Her actions and support have given me a home, something I never thought I'd be able to have. "I even have a place to call home now, all thanks to Mrs. Winter," I murmur, gratitude filling my heart.

My brow furrows as the dimness of the room catches my attention. "Why are the lamps turned off?" My words carry a hint of confusion and curiosity, my gaze shifting to Dag, seeking an answer.
"I don't know," Dag mutters softly.

My heart skips a beat as the lights turn on, the sudden reveal causing a small gasp. Mrs. Winter, Fane, and Sasha stand there with balloons, their faces holding genuine smiles. "Welcome home!"

My eyes well up with tears, my heart overflowing with emotion. The sight before me is both overwhelming and heartwarming. The house is fully decorated, balloons and streamers everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere. The effort put into preparing everything for my arrival is evident, the sentiment behind it, and it is deeply touching.

I glance at Dag and see a soft smile playing on his lips. His eyes hold affection, and his expression reveals his genuine happiness, his gaze tender and warm.

I feel overwhelmed, my voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, all of you. I don't know what to say..." My words are sincere, my voice trembling with emotion. The love and support from Mrs. Winter, Fane, and Sasha leave me speechless, their gesture touching my heart deeply, words inadequate to express the depth of my gratitude.

Fane assists Mrs. Winter to walk closer, her hand gently wrapping around my shoulders as she embraces me. Her hug is genuine, a motherly gesture that feels warm.
Mrs. Winter holds me close, her embrace filled with maternal affection. She then says, "Welcome home, my dear."

Her words are soft and heartfelt, carrying a sense of tenderness and acceptance. I can feel the warmth of her voice, a faint smile playing on her lips. She slowly pulls back from the embrace, her eyes filled with a sense of love and understanding.

"Well, looks like you're stuck with us now," he comments, his tone playful but filled with warmth.

Sasha signs something, her gestures carrying a hint of enthusiasm. Fane  then translates aloud . "Sasha says a big congratulations." Fane grins fondly, then hugs her warmly.

I smile, "Thank you so much, Sasha." My words are directed at her, my eyes conveying the depth of my appreciation for her kind gesture. I appreciate her well wishes and acknowledge.

The moment holds a sense of lightheartedness and appreciation, the air buzzing with a mix of emotions. Fane's humor adds a playful tone to the interaction, breaking the tension with a witty remark. His translation adds a warmth to the atmosphere, and the genuine care from the people around us is evident in every word and gesture.

Fane's playful nature comes through as he teases Sasha, making lighthearted jabs and gestures to bring a laugh and lift the mood. It's clear that despite the lightheartedness, there's genuine affection and concern that underlays their interactions.

"It feels nice... having family... It feels so good..." I murmur, my voice trembling slightly as I brush away a tear.Dag holds my hand,i glnafe at him to see him already looking at me.

The emotions of the moment wash over me, and my heart fills with a sense of comfort and belonging. It's the feeling of being surrounded by those who care, a feeling that feels utterly heartwarming.

Mrs. Winter's words carry a hint of enthusiasm, her voice filled with reassurance. "Unfortunately, Damon and Octavia can't be here, but don't worry, they'll be coming soon too, and you'll meet them."

Sasha signs, and Fane translates, "It would've been good if Gunnar and Ivarsen were here too," his voice carrying Sasha's words.

"They have to study, you know."Mrs Winter says, and Fane translates to Sasha.Fane adds, his voice filling in the missing information. "They're in university," he adds.

Mrs. Winter's words carry a teasing tone, a gentle warning directed at Fane. "*You two will be in one too, so study hard and stay away from trouble. I'm saying this for you, Fane," her voice filled with lighthearted affection.

The atmosphere remains light and the mood is playful. Fane translates the banter from Mrs. Winter and Sasha chuckles, the laughter infectious. The gentle banter and exchange of jokes fill the space, a sense of familiarity and affection among everyone gathered.

My question fills the air, seeking Dag's presence. "Where's Dag, by the way?" My words carry curiosity and a hint of longing. My heart feels slightly incomplete without his presence, my mind quickly seeking his whereabouts.

Fane responds, a small smile playing on his lips. "He's coming,"

As I turn, I see Dag walking in with a birthday cake, a single lit candle illuminating the room. Fane, Mrs. Winter begin singing "Happy Birthday," their voices carrying out the tune with enthusiasm, their hands clapping along cheerfully with Sasha.

My emotions overwhelm me, the tears streaming down my face. The surprise and heartfelt gesture from Dag, Fane, Mrs. Winter and Sasha bring a wave of gratitude and emotion. The song adds to the sentiment, a chorus of voices singing for me as Dag approaches, holding the cake with the lit candle.

Dag walks to me, the smile on his face warm and genuine. There's a tenderness in his gaze as he holds the cake, the flame fluttering slightly, reflecting the gentle breeze. The moment feels intimate yet sweet, his steps carrying a mix of affection and excitement.

Dag stands before me, the birthday cake in his hands. His voice is gentle, filled with affection as he says, "*Happy birthday.*" His words carry a quiet joy, the soft smile on his face conveying the sentiment behind his simple yet heartfelt words. As he holds the cake, the candle illuminates his features, his eyes hold a hint of tenderness and anticipation.

It's not my birthday and he knows it but he felt bad that I didn't celebrated I know.

My words are heartfelt, a lump forming in my throat. "Thank you... for everything," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion.

My eyes glisten with tears, my heart filled with appreciation for all they've done to make me feel loved and cared for.

Dag's eyes soften, his smile gentle, filled with tenderness as he responds. "Of course. You deserve it all," His words carry a sense of understanding and reassurance. In his gaze, I see a mixture of care and devotion, his expression filled with love and a hint of protectiveness.

Mrs. Winter encourages me with a gentle prompt. "Make a wish," she gently instructs.

What would my wish be?I would've wished before  to be sane, but now it doesn't seem right...

I sigh softly. "My wish would be... I just want a happy and loving life, one where I can feel safe, be with those I cherish, and finally experience moments of joy without any shadows cast over me,"my voice soft and sincere.

With a deep breath, I blow out the candle, the flame flickering one last time before going out. The room falls into a moment of silence, the smoke curling into the air, a symbolic moment as I make my silent wish.

The room fills with the sound of applause and cheers from everyone. Fane, Mrs. Winter, and Sasha clap, their hands coming together in a unified gesture of joy, celebrating the wish made with the blown-out candle.

In the midst of the clapping and laughter, my laughter joins in. A mix of emotions swells within me, gratitude, happiness, and a hint of bittersweetness. Despite the heaviness that lingers from my past and the uncertainty that still shadows my future, laughter brings a moment of temporary lightness, a brief moment of levity amidst the darkness.

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