Found

Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX: IRIS

When I roll out of bed in the morning, the first thing I notice is that I'm still wearing my diner's uniform. The second thing I realize is that I don't remember working yesterday, or even coming home last night. That struck me as odd, but then I thought about how things like that are common when you follow the same routine every day. I should get a hobby.

I look over at the violin placed directly next to my bed, and reflexively reach for the locket around my neck. Flipping it open, I read the words carved into the right half; the words I knew by heart: Love is infinite. It can never die. Then, I switched my attention to the picture on the left. She's standing in the park, the wind was picking up and she's laughing as she tries to collect her hair. The picture is a close-up of her face; the same face I see every time I look in a mirror.

I reach out my finger and touch the picture. This locket and my violin are my most prized possessions, and seeing her picture still brings tears to my eyes.

"I really miss you, mom."

I suck in my breath and close the locket with a snap. Reaching up, I swipe at the salt water leaking out of my eyes. It seems like no matter what I do, no matter how strong I make myself out to be, I just can't seem to keep out the loneliness in those early minutes when I first wake up.

I'm startled out of my reveree by a knock on my door. Sleepily I get to my feet, and open the door.

"Good morning, little one!"

"Did you sleep well?"

I slam the door on a surprised Sebastian and Alexander, and sink to the floor.

Oh, my God. It wasn't a dream! But that means they're real! And that means that last night actually happened, and... Why can I still not remember coming home? What is going on!?!

As my sense of panic is steadily rising, Sebastian and Alexander are still waiting on the other side of my door. I can hear them knocking, but I'm still so horrified over what may or may not have happened after I fell asleep that it only barely registers with me that they're trying to get my attention.

"Iris, what's wrong?"

"Little one?"

"Is he okay?"

"I don't think he hears us."

"I think he might be having a panic attack or something."

"Should we break down the door?"

"I'll do it."

I jump up and yank the door open. The two of them look equal parts relieved, equal parts concerned.

"W-What do you want?"

"Can we come in?"

"No."

They take my answer and recoil, turning to look from me to each other. My heart contracts at the hurt I see in their eyes. But really, what did they expect? I don't even know what happened last night, or what last night even was. More importantly, I have no idea who they were. So why did I feel so guilty for turning down two complete strangers from entering my home? But it was like the idea of causing them pain caused me pain; it didn't make sense, nor could it be helped.

"Never mind. You can come in."

I step back, pulling the door wide, letting the two of them walk in, then I push the door closed. I take a deep breath, bracing myself for what was coming next, and turned around.

Both of them are watching my reaction with growing concern. I think they were waiting for me to speak, but my mind was too busy running circles for me to put together a cohesive sentence. Alexander coughed, and I force my mouth to move.