A Cure for the Blind

Chapter 3 - Our Blood, Corrupted

Chapter Three

Our Blood, Corrupted

The sun was rising behind them, lazily, even though it shared no warmth. Victor and Ethel stood, side by side, in front of the door of the small, but obviously comfortable, house. It looked like a home. Next to the door, on a small stone engulfed by the wall, it could be read -LaFontaine. Three children passed through them, running and laughing.

This small, quiet and quaint little town seemed much more pleasant than the environment they both grew up in. Victor couldn't help but feel glad, almost relieved, for their little sister seemed to have gotten better fortunes than them. A sad but beautiful sound was breathing out of the small house. It was an enchanting music, almost hypnotizing - the soft whispers of a violin.

"It's sublime," Ethel whispered.

Victor stepped closer to the door and knocked. The music stopped instantly and, in its stead, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard. Soon, the door was opened and, standing at the entrance, stood a graceful young woman, clad in a long, humble dress. She looked younger than Victor and shorter than both of them. Her skin was the same pale tone as her siblings, her hair the same raven color, long and straight and carefully combed. The most striking physical difference between them would have to be the eyes - hers were alluring and bright, a stunning shade of green. Victor couldn't help but feel slightly shaken, for he wasn't expecting her to resemble their mother in such a way.

Her eyes were not the only difference between her and her older brother and sister, though. Victor could feel it. Her smile was genuine and pure, if a bit shy, and she emanated life and radiance. She looked innocent, cheerful and delicate. Selina couldn'tfeelmore different to her siblings.

"Good morning." She timidly smiled at them, her voice gentle but energetic. "Can I help you?"

Victor understood that she didn't recognize them. "Selina..."

Her face turned to one of confusion. "Excuse me, do I know you?" Her tone was careful.

"Oh, my dear Selina!" Ethel quickly walked to the younger girl and grabbed her cheeks. "You've grown into such a beautiful young woman."

"Who are you?" She carefully walked backwards, away from Ethel. "How do you know me?"

Ethel shamelessly walked into the house and sat comfortably on the closest couch, like it was something she naturally did, every single day, smiling wide. "Sweetie, we've known you since you were born." She then changed her attention to her nails, as if this was the most casual of occasions. "I used to comb your hair one hundred times before we went to bed." She pointed at Victor. "He used to put lizards and spiders in our most beloved dolls."

Selina immediately understood and, as a result, her eyes widened and her hands flew to her mouth, caught in the shock of such unexpected news. Victor slowly entered the room as well, closing the door behind him.

"Ethel?" she whispered and the oldest woman nodded. Then she looked at Victor, as if looking for confirmation. "Victor?" He smiled at her in confirmation. Selina felt a rush of many things getting to her at that moment, but the strongest was definitely happiness. She ran to her brother and hugged him with as much strength as her slender arms possessed. He looked surprised at her reaction, clumsily trying to return the gesture, but looking as if he had no idea how to do it properly.

"I've waited so long for you to find me." She removed her face from his shoulder to stare him in the eyes. "I never lost hope of seeing the two of you again."

She then let go of her slightly awkward brother and turned to her sister. Ethel already stood there with open arms, awaiting Selina with the most joyous of smiles. "I missed you so much," Selina spoke against Ethel's neck. When she finally let go, she was radiant, with a smile as warm and wide as she could give. "I can't believe we're together again, the three of us. It feels like such a good dream!" She took a long breath, as if to calm herself, before excitedly speaking again, "We have so much to talk about! I want to know everything that happened to you throughout these years. Please, sit, make yourselves at home. I'll get us something to drink and eat, you must be hungry and tired and-"