Chapter 6

"You're awake! He's awake. Come down now!" screamed a voice. Lux's eyes moved around, looking at the place he was in. Footsteps descended toward him, but Lux didn't pay much attention, trying to drift back to sleep.

"Are you sure he's awake?" a man's voice questioned.

"Yes, I'm sure. I saw his eyes open, even if just a bit," Delia replied.

"Alright, I trust you," the man said.

As Lux attempted to sit up, a wave of pain shot through his body, eliciting a loud scream.

"Oh no!" Delia rushed to his aid.

"Don't sit up so quickly. It's still healing," she said softly.

"Alright, alright. And who's that?" Lux asked, looking up at a tall blonde man.

"I told you, it's my brother," Delia smiled.

Lux was taken aback. 'I only thought he would be a few years older—' Before he could finish his thought, the man spoke.

"My name is Ciaran, 21. I'm guessing you're my sister's friend. She found you on the ground while picking fruits and asked for my help. Even for a small man, you're heavy," Ciaran introduced himself.

"Hello, I'm Lux, 23. Thank you for your help," Lux replied.

Ciaran looked at his sister. "Friend? You're being friends with a 23 year old? Delia, are you joking?"

Delia rolled her eyes at her brother. "I had to lie or you would just left him dead."

Ciaran ignored his sister, turning back to Lux.

"That blindfold of yours. Can you take it off? I tried earlier, but it was like part of your skin," Ciaran said, curious.

"Yes, I can. I'm just not used to showing my face to people. I only reveal it to those I trust," Lux said, but the words come out of nowhere on it own.

"Who wants tea?" Delia suggested, breaking the silence.

Lux smiled and responded, "Sure."

They all sat down around Lux and began talking while Delia baked cookies.

"Why did you say 'yes' when you're still injured?" Ciaran asked.

"Well, she reminded me of someone. But I don't know who…" Lux frowned.

"Do you remember anything else?" Ciaran inquired.

"No, just that I've never been outside before," Lux replied.

Delia finished making cookie dough, and it was baking in the oven. She joined them at the sofa.

"What do you want for dinner?" she asked Lux. "It's your turn to choose. It's a family tradition."

Lux thought for a moment. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe you guys choose? Or porridge. Is that alright?"

"Alright, I'll get the rice. You prepare the pots," Ciaran said, standing up. "I guess I'm cooking."

"Yes!! I'm free for tonight!" Delia exclaimed before running into the kitchen.

"You go rest, not upstairs, just on the sofa," Ciaran instructed Lux before leaving.

Lux thought, 'Why can't I go upstairs? Well, it's their problem.'

Suddenly, a scream echoed from the upstairs room. Despite the pain, Lux got up to investigate.

He found Delia attempting to kill a cockroach with scissors. Afterward, she noticed Lux.

"Oh, did you come up here because I screamed?" Delia asked.

"Yeah, I got a bit worried. Sorry," Lux replied.

"It's alright. Wait…" Delia noticed blood on Lux's shirt. "Is it still painful?"

"It's just a bit of blood. It isn't bad," Lux assured her.

"Alright, remember to wear extra or get a blanket if it gets too cold. Fall is coming around," Delia advised before leaving.

Lux remained silent, gazing at the dolls in Delia's room. He picked them up, finding them oddly familiar.

"You play too?" Delia asked, amazed to see Lux holding the dolls. "Can you play with me?"

"Sure," Lux said with a smile, unable to resist her happiness, and sat down playing with her.