Summer's Frost

Chapter 18

       After an awkward, silent moment of what's-his-face hiding his face in his hands, he got up and left. Later, I heard arguing voices getting closer to my door.

       "-- not their fault!"

       "How is it not? They did this! They did something! Maybe not on purpose, but they did it! Now what are we supposed to do?"

A moment of silence.

       "I don't know."

       The doors opened and in stepped What's-His-Name-One and What's-His-Name-Two. They stood in my doorway, but didn't say anything. What's-His-Name-One was staring at me as if I'd just murdered his puppy.

       "Can I at least get up now? This stupid bed is getting uncomfortable."

       "Come on," What's-His-Name-One grunted before turning and striding out the door. I think I'll just call them One and Two.

       As we walked through the castle, One pressed about what I do remember.

       "It's all faint. I have little glimpses, the way you remember small parts of your toddler years. I remember my friend smiling at me, the glimpse of a boy's face, the forest, falling, fainting somewhere surrounded by grass, anger, a long trip. This castle is like a distant memory.... I know there is a king, a prince, and a princess. I don't recall a queen. I don't remember seeing them or where I met them, I just know. Then someone else, who was with me throughout most of this, who I'm assuming to be you." By now, we're outside.

       "That's a lot better than nothing. I can work with that. I'd rather have you remember the broad outlook and no details than nothing at all."

       I get defensive at his tone. "None of this is my fault! I'm sorry I don't remember who you guys are, but don't you think I'm feeling just as frustrated? Weeks of my life are missing from my memory!"

       His face softens. "You're right, I'm sorry--"

       I hold up my hand, and he stops. I don't know why, but I don't want him talking, distracting me. I feel something. Not quite pain, but a tenseness in my body. There's something nearby. How do I know this?

       I remember my mom always told me to go with my gut. Right now, my gut is tugging to the left. My head snaps in that direction, and I'm rewarded with the sight of a figure dressed in light robes to blend with the snow.

       Somehow, I just know. "Him," I point, getting One and Two's attention. As soon as One sees him, he tenses. Then he runs, straight towards the man.

       But the man is gone.

      One looks around, confused. 

       "What just happened?" Two asks.

       "Let's go." Without explanation, One guides me back inside.

       "Why? Who was that?" I asked.

       "I don't quite know, but I have a bad feeling"

       He doesn't talk to me until we get back to my room, and even then, he only says goodbye and leaves me with Two.

       I awkwardly pat my sides. "So.... what's your name again?"

       He crosses his arms and leans against the wall next to the door. "Jack."

       "How do I know you, Jack?"

       He thinks for a moment, contemplating something. "We're.... friends."