Throft, Earth, Macedonia, Seven personalities.
These were the thoughts running through Alexander's head, and for what felt like three days, they were the only things he could focus on.
After tiring out the first time just from talking and falling into a deep sleep, it had been the sweet aroma of porridge that finally stirred Alexander awake.
Presented with Ma's cooking, Alexander had been wary of the meal, but he didn't even get the chance to refuse before the woman threatened him.
"Do you want me to feed you?"
She might have meant well, but Alexander wasn't particularly pleased by the thought of lying in bed and being spoon-fed by a stern old lady.
Worse were her words:
"Alex, you need to eat more. You need strength. Don't you want to grow up big and strong?"
Sure, he had been placed in the body of a teen, but Alexander was a veteran commander in heart and mind. The old woman's kind behaviour felt embarrassing to him.
Back then, he had been cautious about her food. But now, he heartily emptied his bowl while grinding his brain with questions.
"My god, look how red you are. I can see Ma's food is perfectly doing its job," Barth laughed as he came to Alexander's side and picked up the empty bowl.
"I'm feeling strong now. Can I go out?"
It had only been three days, but pushing his palms against the ground, Alexander could feel that he was capable of standing up.
He could test his strength and move around now, but he still remembered the multiple warnings from the old lady and decided it was best to listen to her.
"I'll go inform Ma," Barth said, looking at Alexander with squinted eyes, surprised at how polite and respectful he was being.
Alexander noticed and understood the old man's look but said nothing. Perhaps Barth had expected him to be restless and more stubborn, but Alexander saw no reason for that.
While he was still unclear and a little doubtful about the couple's story, being so genuinely cared for in this period of extreme weakness was something Alexander deeply appreciated.
Unless one had been in a position of need, they would never understand the value of benevolence.
Watching the old man depart, Alexander lowered his gaze to his hands, which were now a big step up from how they looked days ago.
He absentmindedly wiggled his fingers, then brought his right hand to his forehead, rubbing it as a headache suddenly arose, and rapidly intensified.
As his head throbbed, a storm of memories that weren't his own rushed into his mind, threatening to send it into chaos.
Veins threatened to pop on his forehead, but thankfully, by the time the door opened again, the pain had faded and his face had regained its calm.
Barth and Ma walked into the room, their pace dictated by Ma's slow movements. It was only when they got close that Alexander looked up at them.
"Hello."
"You've just barely gotten some strength and you want to go out? Don't you have any idea what it takes for the body to properly heal?"
"I just want to go outside. I'm burning with curiosity about where I am. I won't do anything straining, Pa can watch me."
"Hmmm," Ma snorted at the mention of her husband.
Using her stick, the old woman slowly brought herself to her knee, then took Alexander's arm and felt his wrist.
Alexander had seen a few doctors at work in his previous life, but he'd never had any interest in medicine.
"My previous life, huh…"
Ma closed her eyes as she examined Alexander's wrist. Then she brought a hand to his forehead and closed her eyes again.
"The skin is a bit tense. Did the headache return?"
"No. I've been good today," Alexander lied.
Ma nodded. Then, after studying his lean body for a few more seconds, she stood.
"You're okay to go. But don't stray too far, and make sure you always keep Pa in sight, okay?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"Such a good boy," Ma couldn't help but say at Alexander's politeness, reaching out and pulling at his cheek.
The situation felt strange to Alexander, but he managed a smile. His expression made Ma suddenly remember something.
"Barth, make sure you keep the girls away from him."
"Sure," the old man muttered weakly.
It took a while, but Ma finally departed. Watching her leave, Alexander couldn't help but compare her current self to the one in his memories.
The woman hadn't changed.
Two days ago, Alexander had been hit with a strong headache at night. He had called for help, thinking he was about to lose his life. But during that painful moment, memories from a past that included Ma, Barth, and the village had rushed into his head.
From that day on, at random intervals, Alexander received clusters of memories. And using his better judgment, he decided to keep this fact to himself.