Remembering you

Chapter 1:

Sunlight peered through the gap between the curtains as to remind me that it's already daytime. The sound of the wind chimes are faint but sweet as the autumn breeze gently caressed me to arise from deep slumber.

"Another day in 'paradise'. Wonder what the day has in store... For the prisoner in the island." such is my first thought in this 'lovely' day.

As I rummage through the sheets, I stretched, yawned and sighed. "I wonder, how is he right now? Do I cross his mind just as much as I dream about him each night?" this whispered prayer escaped my lips.

My eyes searched around the room, hoping for answers. Any would do, a sign, a glimpse, any fragment of a memory of him would provide temporary bliss to this once beating heart of mine.

As I struggle to start my reclusive life, who knew that the sound of a fallen box would shatter my once peaceful life in this prison island of mine?

"Hey, be careful with that!" a man's voice was heard as I sneak a peak through my bedroom curtains.

"Don't be so grumpy. It's just a bunch of clothes." whined another voice as he nonchalantly walked into the house next door leaving a trail of laughter behind.

"Cut him some slack, Lay. Just help me with these boxes." said a familiar voice.

Wait.

A familiar voice?

I searched for the source of this seemingly recognisable voice.

"But Baekhyun!" Lay complained.

"Just help me with the boxes and then we're done." As the man wearing a cap smiled and placed a hand on Lay's shoulder.

"Strange... I could've sworn I heard a familiar sound." I shook my head in disbelief as I feel my ears are playing tricks with me.

Flipping through the screen, I see messages from eonni and Dr. Yoon. Several texts, compliments from the clients and instructions to remember to eat on time were from eonni. Coupled with Dr. Yoon's random "How are you?" and "Eat", like they haven't nagged me enough about food already.

How could they expect me to have an actual appetite when all I can think about is him? The pain in my heart trumps over whatever hunger I feel. But if I don't eat, then they'll take away what little shred of freedom I have left.

"How to eat when there's no food?" I must live and breathe sarcasm with this kind of attitude, as I searched around the cabinets and the fridge.

"Looks like it's water for me then..." as I drank my fill then proceed to lounge outside the patio to soak up the remaining sunlight of the day.

With my back to the house next door, I ease myself into my seat to contemplate my life 3 months prior to my imprisonment on Jeju Island.

*beep beep beep* bounced to the walls in this dimly lit room.

Pain. Pain is all I feel right now.

"Why is it so hard to move?" as my left hand tried to reach my forehead only to notice it being wrapped with bandages.

"Finally, you're awake!" eonni woke up and slowly caressing my cheek.

"How are you feeling? Do you want me to call the doctor?" I can see the panic and worry take over her usually calm demeanor.

"What date is it?" while using what little strength I have to sit up properly.

"August 3" as eonni checked her mobile calendar.

"No seriously Eonni. Don't joke with me. We both know I just got off the plane a little while ago." I laughed as I finally found a comfortable position to at this creaking hospital bed.

"Lyra? What date do you think it is?" Eonni looked puzzled as she awaits for my answer.

"I dunno, maybe February 3? Since my flight to Korea was on February 2 then maybe I've been unconscious for a day." I said as I looked at the raindrops trailing down the hospital window.

"Strange. Does it usually rain in February here in Korea?" I looked at Eonni, her hands clasped over her heart with tears running down her cheeks.

"Why Eonni? What's wrong?"
Something doesn't feel right.

Why does my heart ache? Like something important is missing.

"Tell me what's wrong!"
Panic slowly coursing through my veins.

"You don't remember, do you?"
Eonni wiped her tears as hse tried to compose herself.

"Remember what? What did I forget?" my voice cracked as I tried to look for some sort of answer in her face.

She shook her and reached a decision.

A decision I never knew I've come to regret.

"It's better this way. Just forget. The last 6 months. Forget it all to start anew."

The phone rang to bring me back to this cold harsh present I have come to know.

<Eonni calling... >

Here we go again...