"So, uh, Dad," I start, trying to sound casual. "What's going on? How did I... how did I get here?"
My father exchanges a look with Molly, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. Something is definitely off, and I am not sure I am ready for the truth.
He passes me a cup of warm milk, his eyes locked on Molly, who just nods silently.
"Is everything alright, son?" Dad asks, his voice laced with concern. "I understand you're still confused about getting accepted to both Harvard and Oxford but you've been behaving strangely for the past week."
Harvard AND Oxford? That's impossible! There must have been some mistake. Yes, I was one of the smart ones in my past life but I quit college to pay off the debts. How come I am suddenly accepted to colleges, I wanted to attend in my past life?
I glance at Molly, who is staring blankly into space, her eyes filled with worry and something I can't really recognise. When I turn back to Dad, I see the same concern written all over his face. My chest tightens.
I don't want to worry them, not when they seem so fragile.
"I-I'm sorry, Dad," I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to make you worry about me."
Molly's soft voice cuts through the silence, her lips trembling. "Is something wrong, young master? You can tell us."
I sigh, trying to gauge their reactions. "I... I don't know if you'd believe me if I said... I don't remember anything."
If I play dumb, they might leave me alone. It's safer this way. Both for them and me...
Dad's eyes slightly widen, and Molly's face turns pale. "W-what do you mean?" He asks with a hint of curiosity in his voice.
I laugh, the sound hollow even to my own ears. "I remember who you are, Dad... and everything about myself. It's just... everything else is fuzzy." I trail off, hoping they won't press me further.
The silence that follows is oppressive, heavy with unspoken questions. My heart pounds in my chest, threatening to jump out from my ribcage as I wait for their response.
Molly's face lights up with realisation as she connects the dots. "Is that why you looked at me like you never saw me before?" She asks, her eyes brightening with excitement.
"Y-Yeah..." I stammer from shock. I thought I was hiding it well! Is she secretly a Goddess or something?
"I knew something was off the moment, you didn't greet me like you usually do!" She shouts and quickly covers her mouth.
"Sorry..." "It's alright," my father replies and a warm smile spreads across his face. "Though try to keep your excitement for yourself next time?" She nods eagerly, her eyes glowing from happiness.
Dad clears his throat as he turns his attention back to me. "Alright, I gotta get to work. Cecil, we'll talk later today, okay? Put your thoughts in order and feel free to reach out if you need anything."
I nod, and he heads out. Molly gives me a 'I was right' look before following him.
The moment they close the front door, I'm left alone. I turn around and head to my room.
I push the door open, and my eyes scan the space. It looks the same as before but I can't help noticing something has changed. As if someone were here while I was gone.
Then I see it. A piece of paper lying on my desk.
I walk over and pick it up, only to realise it's not just a piece of paper. It's a letter from god knows who.
"Hey Cecil,
Congrats on getting into the same college as me! Your dad mentioned it last time he was visiting. If you need any tips or want to grab coffee sometime, I'm here. Oh, and if the dorms are packed, hit me up. We can figure something out together.
Later, K"
I stare at the letter, my mind racing. Who wrote this? Do I even know this person? I try to place the handwriting... nothing.
I flop onto the bed, letter crunched in my hand. Who is this person?! Why do they sound so... familiar?
I sit there, staring at the letter, trying to find any memory with this 'K' but it's like trying to grasp smoke.
I sit there and think as the silence of my room envelops me.
I freeze as a familiar female voice cuts through the silence and I soon realise who it belongs to.
"Hi, Cecil. I am sorry, I was busy with work and I couldn't talk to you before since you were with your father and that girl. I figured out that it would be pretty suspicious if you started talking to yourself out of nowhere."
"Aethera?" What's going on? And how the hell is she talking to me in my head?
"Yes, it's me. I knew that there was something useful about the connection that was created the moment I saved you but I didn't definitely expect this..."
"How come you can talk to me in my mind? And what is the connection that you're talking about?"
"I knew why I liked you since I saw you for the first time!" She giggles softly before she continues. "Apparently, Celestians create this connection with each person they save. It is usually used to stop these people from using their powers for evil, but that's not your case."
"Then what's my case?" I ask her curiously.
"How about I show you myself?"
"You... could do that?"
"Of course."
A simple light blue bracelet appears out of the thin air, just like Aethera's scales before. I grab it and hold it in my hand.
"What should I do with this?"
"Put it on your hand and think of me. If it works correctly, you should be able to stand beside me in a few seconds."
I do as she said and recall the image of her in my head. The familiar golden glow envelops me and I feel my body and soul leaving this space.
I close my eyes, feeling everything changing as the glow intensifies. It's warm envelops me and just like last time, it takes me into a completely different place.
Not sure if I am just being paranoid, but I really hope nothing will go missing during the time I am gone. It is really starting to scare me...