Letters from the Past

Chapter 3: Hitchhiking

Dear diary,

Yesterday, we received a leg in the mail.

No, not a human one, my new prosthetic. Though Gilbert thought it was a human leg, flipped out and screamed. Didn't know he had such a shrill voice till now. He should join the choir as a soprano, he'll fit right in.

Anyways, I read the manual and I think I got it on right. Gil tried to help but it ended up backwards. It feels kinda funny not actually stepping on a foot, but I'll get used to it. It has this cool spring mechanism that helps load the weight so I can walk smoothly. Took the dogs for a walk after they tried to play fetch with it. Pretty sure I will have to spend a good part of the month receiving attention while wobbling around town getting accustomed to a new metal leg.

I think I found something of Felicia's from a child who received hand-me-downs. It's a little maid's uniform, green and white, like a mini version of the restaurant's waitress outfit. It had F.V embroidered on the back label. I felt odd taking along, but the other girl insisted I have it. Let you know if there are further developments.

Ludwig

———

The pages fluttered shut in the leather-bound book and Ludwig laid the journal (not a diary. Nope.) on the folded stack of fine green and white linen. The last entry had been written 3 weeks ago, and his search had still come to nothing. It looked like he's exhausted all the town had to offer on Felicia Vargas. He sighed and sank into the bed, allowing a moment to be alone with his thoughts. Outside, the sky dimmed to a beautiful sunset, rose and pale blue blending faintly to form traces of violet, and a glorious round red sun lowered over the horizon, streaked with ribbons of bright orange, looking for all the world like tongues of fire. Felicia could probably capture all that on a canvas... Where did she go after her school in Octrurion? She probably moved house again, but where? Octrurion's famous for its prestigious business and management courses. If I were Feli, where would I go? He mulled over these thoughts until he heard a muffled shout from downstairs, "Oi West, Dinner!"

Further investigation revealed that the inexhaustible Gilbert had prepared a huge spread to celebrate "Gilbird XVI's One-Year Birthday and the Departure of the Awesome Me for Music School". They delved into pork knuckle, sausage, sauerkraut, bread and most importantly, Gilbert's Famous Gnocchi, washed down with an equally important bottle of beer each. Afterward, the three sat in armchairs in front of the fire, making small talk as they digested the feast. "So, ja, I'm gonna go back to Janir to pick up where I left off, then probably find a job. Teaching or something."

"You should not be trusted with children."

"Nah, kids love me!"

"Because you're one of them, that's why."

"Rude."

Germain chuckled as he watched the two bicker over everything and nothing. He could still remember the days there were four; their mother had moved out to be with someone else when Ludwig was only five and Gilbert, seven. He definitely respected her decision. "Not enough affection. Feels like a bloody boot camp in here." Those harsh words still drove knives into his heart, but he knew they were true. He was the kind that only displayed tough love, and rare affection when drunk. No woman could possibly tolerate that for long. He broke out of the memories and asked, "So, Ludwig, what are your plans regarding Felicia Vargas?". Met with an uncomfortable silence from the younger Beilschmidt, he continued, "I know how important she is to you. Your mother was the same, flighty albeit kind. She got me to chase her through three cities before she agreed to even date me! Just know that I will support you in your life choices, and will do all I can to help."