31-Mr. Rune Nightmare

Helanie:

I don't remember waking up to such happiness before. My mother had a radiant smile on her lips as she gently roused me from sleep.

"Your dad and I have been waiting for you at the breakfast table. He made your favorite banana pancakes," she said, walking over to the large closet to pick out a dress for me. But something felt off.

Her face.

Why did she look like a stranger? I couldn't recall ever seeing this face before, but deep inside, I knew this was supposed to be my mother.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, likely noticing me lost in thought.

"Did you change your hairstyle or makeup?" I asked as I got out of bed, moving toward her and cupping her face in my hands.

Her smile was so warm and comforting. Yet, the strange feeling of not recognizing her face was unsettling. She was so loving and kind, and I didn't want to hurt her feelings by asking anything foolish.