Dream (2)

In this big mansion, only the servants fill the space. I was reminded of how my old mother commented on a TV series, "What's the use of such big home if you can't even have time and appreciate it? All they do is go out." Then old father would tell her, "Then why don't you be the director?" And that is the start of their fight.

I went down as I was starving and like yesterday, my parents were still out. They aren't minors and they had business to attend to but I can't help but think that they are becoming neglectful. They only have one child and she has impairments so the least they could do is set aside time for her.

After eating, I purposely stayed in the living room and wait for them. One, two hours passed and they haven't come home. A kind maid advised me to go get some sleep upstairs and if I want, I can have them wake me up if my parents arrived home. I smiled and said my thanks but did not persist in waiting. I'd better sleep now; they aren't my real parents anyway.

I miss my parents. Is father living well?

Closing my door, I went again to check the box. It's a black simple wooden box painted with flower irises. I thought it was logical to buy it since it has a connection with my name at the same time it was gifted to the old me. But my name was derived from 'iris' of the eyes. Old mother had learned that it controls the diameter and size of the pupil and thus the amount of light reaching the retina.

She said she wanted me to view my surroundings clearly and learn from the ways of the world. She even joked that if I had a brother or sister then he or she will be named called 'sclera' which is basically the whites of the eye and I did not have the littlest interest on asking her why.

After gazing at the box I asked myself 'then will it only have an effect if given as a gift?' but I am only assuming things since the beginning. There was no definite answer as I have no clue how I did appear in here.

I held the box as I thought, 'What did I do when Saffron gave it to me again?'. I remember opening it but it was empty. Then the words she said...I opened my eyes as I had a sudden realization: I need to find that bracelet? Or I need to wait another year before acquiring it? This is a pure headache.

I want to cry.

I immediately put the box on the bedside table and lay weakly on my bed.

"I'll just sleep for now."

I tossed and turned until I was finally comfortable with my position and fell asleep. I opened my eyes to see big trees around me. I turned and walk a few steps to know where I am. Then I saw a shadow ran past me. She was running through a forest as she anxiously keeps hiding behind the big trees. There was a deathly silence around. The forest was a little dark so I can't see much but the girl continued to run despite all that. I was following her and even tried calling her but she seemed not to hear. Something's dripping from her as her hand held on to an item then something rang as she turned around.

I also turned and noticed that my surroundings were different from before. I tried to look for the girl but she was gone along with the trees. It was a little dark but I can sense that I was in a room. I heard a door creaked but I wasn't sure if it was opened or closed. I instinctively walked back then without notice I fell down.

I heard a sound and followed where it was. I was woken up by my alarm.

Just what is happening? It's been the same as before. No, not even the same. There's something new this time. Does that mean that if I sleep the next day I'll get three dreams? Weird.

Knock. Knock.

Someone outside knocked on my door. I knew already that it was my maid so I waited for her to come inside. She was calling "Miss" softly as she walks in closer. She smiled when she saw me. She did not seem to see me gripping my sheets tightly as she said, "Miss, your mother asked me to get you. She wants to eat breakfast with you." I just replied blankly with a short 'sure' then she went out.

After a few minutes, someone came in again. It was a different maid than the first as she carefully reminded me that mother had been waiting for me for over 20 minutes. I thought it was a lie but when I checked the clock, it's true that time had gone quickly. I told her to tell mother that I'll be there after five minutes.

"Good morning mom," I said as I peck her cheeks.

"Good morning darling, sit down," She said in greeting.

I sat on the nearest seat and wait what she'll tell me.

"Darling" she began. "This is just what I and your father think; maybe it wasn't the best for you to go to work? We know that things were tough during the past days. We were thinking that it's best for you to go abroad and just have a long vacation. Take a break and relax. What do you say?"

"Mom, don't you think that being near my family can give me the greatest sense of security and comfort?" I asked in reply. Slowly, I can't be the 'Iris' of this world anymore. There's a lot that happened with me, my relationship with people here and that strange dream. My true self was showing.

My mother was startled but she quickly composed herself, "My child, that's not what we mean but I see. I understand. Then how about going to your grandparents' home? They'd love to have you there." she suggested.

If I went there then where's the guarantee that I can go back to my old self? I woke up in here so I better stay.

"Mom, I understand where are you coming but I am okay. I won't let those things affect me as a person or even my work. Have a little faith in me?" I said in earnest. If they think that I was badly affected because of the incident with Lily then they're wrong. "As for my grandparents, I'll visit them another time."

Mother let out a breath then agreed. We finished our breakfast in silence then she went out to work. Without delay, I also prepared myself for another day at work.