Lilia's Tale

Chapter 48: Aftermath

As my mind ventured back into my past, associating the burning town and the farm, I slowly felt increasingly exhausted. I had no hope to cling onto to keep pushing forward. All I could see was an empty void for a future, whether it be from death or lack of meaning and purpose.

I had fallen asleep unconsciously, waking up with a noticeable lack of energy. It seemed to be either morning or midday, so I forced myself to get off my bed and out of my room.

As I arrived into the main room, I was greeted with the smell of food, although it was recognizably that of soup. As I expected, Father was cooking, although his face showed his exhaustion was getting the best of him. His red eyes and dark rings were good indicators he likely cried overnight, and his slow and sluggish movements that he lacked energy.

I didn't want to interrupt him considering his state, so I simply went to sit at the table. To my surprise, even as I pushed back the chair, he did not notice me. I stared at him for a little longer before sitting down on the chair and waiting for the food to be ready.

While waiting, the thought of Father declining mental state made me curious on what he was thinking. Was he simply sad about Miyu's death? Did he even realize, or was he simply sad at the death count in general? How many people lived in that town to begin with?

Could he have realized just how bad our situation is, both as the likely only survivors of that tragedy, but also due to the lack of supply we will suffer from? Considering Father's intellect, it would be surprising if he didn't. Perhaps he has exhausted himself mentally like I did back when I was trying to find a solution to hide my wings?

I kept trying to figure out what was on his mind until a soup bowl was placed in front of me, snapping me back to my dulled senses. I looked up at Father and saw the same expression as I did from afar. Sorrow, pain and exhaustion. He moved away after giving me my food without a word, worrying me. However, I knew I wouldn't be able to help, and asking would only make it worse.

We ate in front of each other silently. The tasteless meal felt quite nostalgic, although the quality had downgraded severely. The taste wasn't just worse than usual, it was also significantly more bland, probably from a lack of ingredients.

As we were eating, I kept checking up on Father's face to try and notice any change, but it stayed consistent. By the time I had finished, whether it be breakfast or lunch, I had obtained no additional information. I was quite disheartened by it, but tried not to get discouraged. I stood up and grabbed my bowl, heading towards the kitchen to clean it.

"Stay here," Father suddenly said with a serious tone.

I looked at him, surprised at the sudden order. Yet, his expression was the same as it had been the whole time. I put the bowl back on the table, and sat back down onto the chair. Father hadn't finished his meal, so he wanted me to wait for him to finish, was what I assumed.

Once Father was done, he stood up and went to the kitchen himself to wash his bowl. I was confused as to why he didn't want me to do the same, but didn't comment as he came back and sat back down.

"We need to talk," he said with the same tone. "I...I'm not sure if you know, but Dorya burnt down."

"I am aware," I simply responded with a heavy mind and a pained voice.

"That means that we will have to move to another house soon. Unfortunately, nobody ever comes here, so I cannot send a letter to anyone, or make any arrangements for carriages. We will have to walk to another town."

"How far is the nearest town?"

"...About two days on foot."

"That's a lot of walking. Are you sure it's not best to try and catch a carriage that would normally go to Dorya and ask to be taken with them?"