Aries House

The gate of my house is already open, and that car is indeed parked in the courtyard. Suddenly, my legs can't run right in, and I hesitate in front of the door. I am tormented by the questions within me. What if Andermis doesn't want to see me? What if he comes back with another woman? There are so many things that make me hesitate right now. This is what I long for, but why am I afraid to face it?

I slowly walk, as if giving myself more time to think. I walk past the car, the empty backseat still bearing the traces of dried blood. Two drivers stand outside, conversing in Irish accents, of which being a girl from the South, I can only catch bits and pieces. But I don't intend to stand there and chat with them. I glide past the two like a shadow, brushing off the greetings of the servants. I don't want to be seen as impolite, but I need to truly focus when it happens.

I stand in front of the door, holding my breath. I close my eyes, creating a quiet void to listen to the beating of my heart. I gently open the door. A familiar silhouette stands in front of the stairs, so firm, so beautiful, appearing before my eyes. For a moment, I don't think it's true, or I convince myself that it's someone else. But when he turns his face to the side, those jawline and cheekbones sculpted like a statue, I know I'm not mistaken. It's my Andermis!

Like a volcanic eruption, all emotions surge from deep within me, and I hurriedly open the door and run to him. Andermis turns around upon hearing the sound of my footsteps echoing from the floor. Seeing me, his face is suddenly filled with utmost surprise. His eyebrows furrow, and his mouth hangs open as if in disbelief. But I hardly care about his reaction. I don't even notice if anyone else is standing beside us. I only see Andermis, all alone there. I want him, desperately!

I embrace his neck, pulling him closer and kiss those lips. Oh! I almost forget what it feels like to be kissed! I think I no longer have a chance to immerse myself in love, think it deserts me. This taste remains intact even after three years. Oh! I remember it dreadfully! I can never forget the flavour on my tongue! Like a precious elixir, I suddenly feel immortal!

It's only after a while that I reluctantly let him go, with an unsatisfied expression on my face. I don't want to stop, but I can't continue indefinitely. I'm afraid that if I let him go, Andermis will leave, and I will have to return to my empty chamber. I release him from my embrace. I look up to gaze at the familiar face that I fall in love with. His face still retains that familiar feeling, but it becomes more hardened and mature. I guess the war changes him somewhat. My hand caresses his face gently, my eyes have been moist since when, and this voice becomes choked with emotion:

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

"I long for you every day, praying that you come back... And you truly return!"

But my joy quickly fades when Andermis doesn't appear excited or moved. He just stands there, looking at me with an awkward and bewildered expression. I slowly let go of his hand, with a heart full of cracks ready to burst, once again. I ask in anguish:

"You're not happy to see me?"

"No, Fiona," Andermis stutters. "It's not that... it's just..."

I place my hand on my chest to console my heavily wounded heart, as well as to regain my composure. I can no longer feel love when I stand close to him. All that is creeping within my flesh, or my emptiness, is mere awkwardness. Neither of us can say anything at once. Three years have passed, and upon meeting again, we unintentionally become strangers at some point.

I encapsulate the sob and roll it inward. Reluctantly, I force a smile, with eyes still shimmering like a layer of water, gazing at that familiar yet unfamiliar face, and ask:

"Are you well?"

"Unlike my other comrades, I am well and at peace," Andermis politely replies. "It's surprising that I'm still alive. You have no idea how terrifying everything is out there."

"I hear it on the radio every day and see it every day on the returning soldiers' vehicles..." I shake my head in response.

The conversation seems to reach a dead end as neither of us knows what else to say. We both stand there, indifferent, like statues frozen in time. After a while, I realise something is amiss with his return and inquire:

"If you are unharmed and at peace, why were you allowed to come back? What about Augustin? Isn't he returning with you?"

Andermis bites his lip as if a guilty child trying to hide something from its mother but being discovered. At this moment, a new and growing emotion emerges from within: worry. Something definite has happened, and judging by Andermis' expression, I am certain it is not good news. I clench my palms tightly and hold my breath. In my mind, prayers from sacred scriptures suddenly rush forth.

"Fiona..." Andermis speaks hesitantly. "I think you need to go upstairs and meet him..."