Esperanza
Rion couldn’t offer anything more, so Milan only discussed how to go about the funeral. He didn’t want to talk about it with Florence, as she was the victim of the person. Even if he knew Corey was correct about the assumptions, he couldn’t bring himself to feign care and affection toward a mother who fed them to a monster.
When they walked out of the morgue, Milan glanced at Owen. “That must have sucked: just standing there and watching people talk like you’re not around. Sorry, I got caught up in something important.”
“You don’t have to check in on me.” Owen chuckled and walked with the newcomer. “How’s your memory of Lasair, Milan? You have been away for a very long time. Twenty-two years, was it? Do you find any significant changes you’re interested in?”
“I guess… it’s that Clifford family. There was nothing like them when I was here.” Milan hummed. “I was a child, but I do hear resounding names when they’re popular.”
Owen nodded. He then reached out to tap Milan’s shoulder. When they both stopped, Owen gestured to the signal tower that was higher than the one distributing power to the houses. “They came here and built that ten years ago. Martin Sheppard originally came to hunt for treasures, but the people worshiped him like a god when he brought the Internet with him. Then his family moved in.”
Milan eyed the sophisticated signal tower. It was indeed made to withstand thunderstorms and hurricanes. However, it couldn’t get its signal to punch through whenever they happened.
To be honest, he could sympathize with the people liking them for building such a thing there. It was just that it sounded like something was wrong with that devotion.
He then glanced at Owen. “How about that Lasair and his bride? I don’t think I ever heard about that being discussed by the people when I was here. Did they not talk about it early on?”
“They rarely spoke about the brides and the deity of the island, Lasair. After all, he only asks for a bride every thirty years.” Owen continued staring at the signal tower. “Esperanza Clifford was chosen last year, and the ritual hadn’t been done so yet.”
“I don’t know if it has been going on for a long time, but I figure no one wants to be sacrificed to some entity.” Milan hummed. “What would happen if Lasair didn’t get a bride?”
Owen didn’t answer outright as if thinking. Milan turned to him and saw him stroking his chin. Then the tall man answered, “They said the island will turn against the people. However, as it is, humans and livestock are dying left and right. It seemed Lasair is retaliating this way for now. Soon, he might cast calamities upon the island.”
Milan scrunched his face. “I wish I can already get Florence out by then. I mean, it’s best if that doesn’t happen, but I doubt I can just get everyone out. The people here had been isolated. With the Internet or none, they already have practices and niches. Like exotic plants, they’d just die out there in the open.”
A small smile curled Owen’s lips. “Then does that mean Milan can make Florence bloom where you will take her? Exotic plants do like specific soil.”
“…I’ll rebuild her world. She won’t have to live in fear and solitude soon.”
Milan massaged his head. “I also need her to undergo therapy and surgery, probably. Can you believe it? Mom left her with an ugly parting gift. I have to fix that.”
He then turned to the path toward the Registry Office. “I still have to deal with a lot more things. Thanks for coming with me to the morgue. It’s better to go around with a companion.”
“Why limit my company to the morgue? I have nothing to do in the day. I don’t mind following you around.” Owen tilted his head.
“I would love that, but I’m imposing too much on a stranger. I can do things on my own.” Milan laughed before taking out his smartphone. “Though, if I run into trouble, I’ll call you first thing. Can I have your number at least?”
Owen took out his old-fashioned phone as well. They exchanged numbers, and Milan bid goodbye to the tall man. However, Owen only watched Milan until his image vanished into the crowd. He looked down at the old phone and stared at the numbers.
He pocketed the phone. “I should ask how to make use of this device.”
…
Milan was also on his phone while waiting at the Registry Office to work on the needed documents. He was staring at Owen’s phone number and imagining all the possible conversations they would have. Even if his instincts caused him to panic at the touch, Milan figured Owen was still a kind person. However, he would bolt at the first sign of danger.
“I’m okay! You don’t have to worry all that much!”
At the loud voice of a woman coming from the side, Milan darted a gaze at the two women who stopped in the middle of the empty reception. His seat was next to the misplaced pillar, so it was hard to spot from where they came. Not that he wanted to be seen by them, either.
“Anne, please. Stop yelling here.” The other woman with the princess was her mother. She then reached into her tote bag and reached out a bottle of water toward her. “Here, drink some water to calm down. Let’s talk properly—”
“I don’t need that!” Esperanza swatted the bottle and got the water spilled all over the floor. “You have no idea what I’m going through! Stop trying to act like you’re my mother!”
Esperanza stormed away from the lobby, but she caught sight of Milan in the corner of her eye. She then growled and stalked toward the other person in the lobby. Milan shook his head and got up from his seat to welcome a proper confrontation with the woman he regretted saving.
She then took a deep breath and puffed her full bosom. “You’re spying on us? How dare you. Not only did you injure my back and arms last night, but you’re also listening in to our—”
“Not my fault that you’re screaming like a bitch at your mother.”
“She’s not my mother!”
“Oh, sorry, my bad.” Milan huffed with a ridiculing smile. “I guess your real mom is so awful she got replaced that easily. I wonder what you got from her.”