Forget-Me-Not

The train rumbled on through the night, its rhythmic motion failing to lull me into slumber.

Despite the late hour, sleep eluded me, and my mind became a battleground for intrusive thoughts I desperately wished to avoid. They came unbidden, like unwelcome guests crashing a quiet gathering, refusing to be turned away.

Amidst this internal chaos, a flicker of solace appeared in the form of a delicate fragrance that permeated my compartment—an enchanting aroma that transported me to a realm of tranquillity.

It was the scent of Agarbati, a fragrance that held a special place in my heart.

Previously, I made the request to train stewardess to burn one in my room.

Soon the midnight hour faded to greet the arrival of dawn, but Sleep Goddess refused to grant me her embrace.

Peering out of the window, I observed a gentle transformation unfolding before me.

The darkness of the night gradually surrendered to the soft embrace of delicate rays of light that pierced through the horizon, a symbolic reminder that even the darkest of nights eventually succumb to the promise of a new day.

As per the daily weather report, the temperature outside the train had significantly dropped , even though it's currently summer.

Well,.. there was hardly any issue inside the train, since it was a luxury express ,but the scenery did change as I started seeing snowy mountains through the window.

Apparently, Noah's home is located in hilly areas.

Naturally the temperature near the hills remains chilly, doesn't matter summer or winter.

Frostfall Province. Noah's home.

It was where he was born and grew up, and the very soil that witnessed his growth and development. However, his life's journey took him thousands of kilometers away to the bustling city of Krenada.

After the death of Noah's parents, he spent his childhood under the care of his aunt and uncle, Ethan Moonshade and Ava Moonshade.

Although Ethan and Ava were not Noah's biological relatives, they stepped up in taking care of him after the loss of his parents.

Ethan Moonshade—the guy was actually a close friend of Noah's father.

Soon the train stopped and an announcement was made through the speakers: "Attention, passengers. We are pleased to inform you that we have reached Frostfall Province, our final destination. We hope you had a delightful journey..."

Along with the announcement, a train stewardess entered my luxurious compartment to assist me with the necessary formalities.

When I stepped off the train, I was greeted by the cold air and a subtle shift in the scent surrounding me. The lighting had changed, and I could sense a gentle chill that sent a shiver down my spine.

Taking a deep breath, I hurriedly made my way towards the outskirts of the station where a line of taxis awaited.

Promptly paying for a taxi, I informed the driver of my destination, saying, "To Tranquil Meadows please. "

***

Through the car window, my gaze fell upon rows of picturesque half-timber houses, their charming facades aligned with precision. The sight was reminiscent of a delightful painting brought to life.

Eventually, the car came to a gentle halt at a designated location, and I bid farewell to the taxi driver.

As I stepped out onto the pavement, my attention was instantly captivated by the house directly before me—a quaint, two-story bungalow that exuded an inviting aura.

In a sensory tableau, wisps of smoke gracefully rose from the chimney, hinting at the warmth contained within the cozy abode.

With anticipation welling within, I swiftly unlatched the gate and went inside. Right before me, adorned with pride, stood a name plate bearing the inscription "Moonshade residency ."

This was it. Noah's home.

Bzzt!— I pressed the doorbell, patiently waiting for a response.

After a brief pause, sounds of mechanical screwing emerged from the other side of the door.

Click—krrrrk— The wooden door creaked open, revealing a towering man standing at 6 feet tall. His deep blue eyes and black hair captivated my attention.

"Ah... Noah", he uttered, his gaze sweeping over me before a warm smile graced his lips. "You've arrived. Come inside", he beckoned, extending his arm with an inviting gesture.

The delectable scent of freshly baked pie permeated the air, reaching the depth of my nostrils and instantly causing my mouth to water. Its enticing aroma extended all the way to the doorway, as if enticing me further into the embrace of the house.

Uncertainty lingered within me as I pondered how to properly greet him.

The dynamics between the previous Noah and Uncle Ethan remained a mystery to me, despite the fragments of memories that I had 'inherited' from previous Noah Grey.

I wasn't the original Noah Grey of this world, I couldn't claim full possession of his experiences and relationships.

"H-hey, Uncle Ethan. How are things?" I stammered, my words an attempt to bridge the gap between past and present as I stepped into the unfamiliar-familiar abode.

"Ah, life's good as always", Uncle Ethan responded with a slight chuckle. "But look at you—seems like you've been hitting the gym hard. Do they serve extra portions at the Academy?" he teased, a joke that sailed over my head, lost in the intricacies of my own unique journey.

Considering the fraile state of the previous Noah and the diligent efforts Nano had invested in rebuilding me over the past months, it was only natural for me to appear more physically robust, even if I didn't fully comprehend the humor behind Uncle Ethan's comment.

Dud-dud-dud-dud! —The sound of small footsteps scurrying across the wooden floor filled the air as a young boy with black hair and blue eyes came running towards me. He reached up and hugged my leg, due to the height difference, and exclaimed, "Brother! You've returned!"

I crouched down to his level and affectionately ruffled his hair, sporting a warm smile. "How have you been, Jr O'Niel?" I asked cheerfully.

Jr O'Niel, or something similar, happened to be the name of a cartoon superhero that Lucas Moonshade, the youngest member of the Moonshade family, adored.

Leaning in, he couldn't conceal his anticipation as he inquired with child-like innocence, "Did you bring something for me?" His attempt to mask his excitement was futile, a sparkle dancing in his eyes, yearning for a glimpse of a surprise that awaited him.

"Um... er," I stumbled over my words, "I didn't..." Before I could complete my response, a commanding yet melodious feminine voice broke through the air like a crashing wave. "Lucas! Go and complete your homework. Don't disturb your brother, he has come from a long way," Aunt Ava's voice dripped with a combination of sternness and concern, her laser-like gaze penetrating the room.

With a swiftness akin to a startled woodland creature, Jr O'Niel scurried back to his designated spot, well aware of the consequences of enlisting in any mischief.

"This boy is seriously spoiled!" Aunt Ava muttered in an exasperated tone, clearly fed up with his antics. However, just as quickly as her irritation surfaced, she expertly shifted gears, her countenance transforming into one of warm cheerfulness as she turned her attention back to me.

"Noah! You look positively grown up!" Aunt Ava exclaimed, her hands reaching out from both sides to clasp mine. "It's only been six months, and you look so different! Arcanum Academy certainly lives up to its reputation."

Caught off guard by her sudden display of affection, I flashed a nervous smile. Searching for a suitable response, I blurted out the first quirky line that came to mind, one borrowed from a movie I once watched. "You also appear more stunning than usual. Have you mysteriously begun aging in reverse?"

Her laughter filled the room as we engaged in light conversation, attempting to bridge the gap and find common ground.

"So, where are Seraphina and Sabrina?" I inquired, curious about the whereabouts of the twin sisters.

Uncle Ethan's smile wavered slightly, revealing a flicker of nervousness in his eyes, as he responded, "I believe they will be back tomorrow." The subtle tension in his voice hinted at the strained relationship that existed between Noah and the twin sisters.

Living in a conservative society like Frossfall Province, the notoriety associated with being the sisters of someone with Noah's tainted reputation added further obstacles to fostering a healthy bond between siblings. The ripple effects, similar to a cascade of falling dominos, created a challenging dynamic within the family.

As time passed I found myself at my room.

I changed my previous attire to long, black shrugs, resembling a coat, while a crisp white inner shirt and fitted black painted jeans completed the look.

After refreshing myself and changing my cloths I spent myself in the warm embrace of Noah's family, their presence almost tricking me into believing they were my own.

Noah's parents exuded a genuine warmth, their kindness permeating the air as we spent the afternoon savoring the delectable pie lovingly baked by Aunt Ava.

The hands of time slipped away unnoticed, swept up in the joyful company of this family—a precious experience I had yearned for during the long months I spent in the academy.

...

It was afternoon and I observed Ethan Moonshade donning an attire which more suited for outdoors.

"Are you going somewhere?" I asked.

"I am visiting their grave," Ethan replied, his voice carrying a tinge of melancholy. Pausing momentarily, he added, "Would you like to come?"

At those words, my heart quickened its rhythm, and my eyes dilated in response.

In an instant, it became abundantly clear whose grave he was referring to.

Without uttering a single word, I simply nodded.

***

After some time, I found myself strolling into the hallowed grounds of Sacred Sleep – the cemetery, which happened to be just a few blocks away from my home.

In my hands were cemetery flowers of Forget-me-nots.

The grass which should have been vibrant green, appeared yellow, almost lifeless, and the land seemed barren.

As if joining forces with the grey clouds blanketing the once bright sun, the wind howled in a mournful symphony, as if beckoning me towards death's embrace.

Death had long been my constant companion, a somber thread woven throughout my existence.

Surprisingly, my mind remained blissfully empty, shielded from the usual unsettling thoughts that haunted my consciousness—a strange respite in the face of these solemn surroundings.

Before I had a chance to fully grasp the weight of my surroundings, I found myself standing before two tombstones.

The marble, slate grey granite of the gravesites refused to reflect any semblance of light.

Grey... a color that not only marked their final resting place but also happened to be my last name. It seemed as though some twisted strings of fate interconnected us all, binding us in a silent dance.

The names engraved on the tombstones read: Aurelius Grey and Aradhya Grey.