Dear Cassia,
It has only been four days, my friend, but so many things have happened. So many things.
I'm standing on the ruins of Pompeii. Yes, ruins of Pompeii.
I'm looking down Forum Street, where my sister and I last met. Moments ago this street is crowded with people, but now, it's just us scavengers......
I shall start from the beginning, Cassia, so I won't confuse you. When I last wrote in you, we were on the ships, if I remember correctly, so I'll continue from there.
The streets of Pompei were busy, just like the way Augusta described. Lady Lucia and I settled at her relative's mansion. Her Aunt, the dowager Lady Marianna, greeted us warmly even though she has never seen me before.
In the afternoon, Lady Lucia dismissed me to go out as she decided to attend a tea party with her aunt. It's rare for me to be free, so to make it remarkable, I went on to the streets and wandered through the markets.
"Pretty little accessories, " I remember myself commenting as I examined the fancy goods. "Augusta has always liked them" When a head poked out in front of me.
Cassia, do you know the feeling when you finally reunite with your family? Well that was what I felt. Augusta was there, her rosy cheeks and clear round eyes staring into mine! It was startling!
We were both shocked, how unexpected! Her Lady Martina wasn't around her, so we talked and talked until it was almost dusk. I told her about Lady Lucia, about Young Master, about how kind Madame is behind her solemn mask, also about how friendly Silverina is, with her straight hair and clear eyes. But most importantly, how much I missed her.
In return, Augusta told me about Lady Martina, Lord Martinus, how much she wished for my presence and also about a boy named Cyberus. What a rare name! She paid extra detail to this young man, who, as described, shares a similar tale as the two of us.
But, it doesn't matter anymore. Cassia, can you imagine? After all these months of separation is a short reunion followed by eternal separation. You have no idea how sorrowful I am right now.
Continuing on,
On 24th Augusta, 79AD, which is two days prior to today, the most, most, most dreadful event happened.
In the morning, just after Lady Lucia woke up, the ground started to shiver slightly. Lady Lucia earned a little headache due to that, but it got even worse after midday. We can see smoke emerging from Mount Vesuvius and slowly covering Pompeii.
The city of Pompeii was gloomy, which made Lady Lucia discontent. She refused to eat anymore after only a few mouthfuls.
At around mid-afternoon, Pompeii is completely out of sight, the choking smoke is starting to arrive in Herculaneum, too. The roofs are rattling and the sky seemed to be falling. Pieces of unknown objects fell into the markets and onto people's heads.
I had a bad feeling back then, and my prediction was right.
Oh, also, Lady Lucia and I arrived in Herculaneum that morning, around dawn.
When it was meant to be the glamorous dusk, dark clouds surrounded Herculaneum. Lady Lucia and I panicked. I worried for my darling little sister, and she worried for her kind Aunt. You can not imagine what was going on in Pompeii. We could hear people screaming, and between the black smoke, are shots of fire, which I assumed, was houses burning down.
Lightning followed the storm of rocks. Herculaneum was turning into hell.
none of the households had any appetite as endless debris fell onto us.
I knew that something needed to be done, so I tried to convince Lady Lucia. With some doubt, she agreed. I'm glad she trusted me.
So we tied pillows to our heads and ran onto the streets. I can still remember Lady Lucia's shocked expression when the wooden door creaked and sent dust flying.
The sight was horrifying, the whole sky was deadly black and rocks were falling from everywhere.
But besides that, the good part is, Lady Lucia and I proceeded out of Herculaneum just before it collapsed at roughly midnight.
Yesterday down, when the sun brightens the city once more, we were already in Neapolis, and near the horizon, we could see black waves of smoke burying Herculaneum with no mercy.
Lady Lucia decided to rest a day or two before going back home. So I decided to take this chance and walk over the ashes.
My eyes are still sore from the tears I've shed for the buried sisters and brothers. I just can't accept the fact that Pompeii, such a vivid and lively city, is now a silent city of death.
All these flourishing markets, gone, dead, buried. All these kind mothers and strong fathers, gone, dead, buried. The dogs and poultry, gone, dead, buried. All the households and servants, gone, dead, buried.
My loyal sister who stayed with her Lady Martina until the last second, Augusta,
gone,
dead,
buried.
YOU ARE READING
69 Short Stories
Kısa HikayeA collection of stories that are short and doesn't take long to read. Suitable for people who aren't in the mood of reading a super long novel. :) The number of words will be placed at the end of the title, usually around 1000 words each. As you ma...
