"A garden..."
I was stunned by what I saw and confused about where I was, so I stumbled to the ground. A leaf came down onto my head. It was from a maple tree in front of me. The garden was massive — a big maple tree with many types of flowers surrounding it.
"Young lady! Are you okay? Why are you on the ground?"
A beautiful woman helped me up and wiped the back of my dress. This scenery felt familiar, even though I had never been here before.
I glanced at the woman who helped me. She smiled. I looked around — the garden was full of flowers more than any other plants. I looked at her again and tilted my head.
"Excuse me... but..."
"Yes, my lady?"
She answered quickly. Why is she calling me "young lady"? Am I a noble or something? That's funny.
"Who are you?"
The woman froze, unable to respond. Her body trembled. Maybe she was just cold? The breeze was cool, after all.
"W-what do you mean, my lady? I'm your lady-in-waiting! Glen!"
Glen..? Her name sounded familiar. I felt like I'd read it or heard it somewhere. Maybe someone else had the same name? Yeah, that's must be it.
I saw a tear fall from her eyes while her body trembled.
"Are you cold? Why are you trembling? Can you please tell me where I am?"
The woman suddenly hugged me, and I couldn't understand why. Is she that cold she needs a hug?
"Wahh!! Let's go into the manor! We need to let the master know about this!"
I was surprised by what she said. Manor? Wow, this lady must be really rich if she has a manor instead of a house. Won't hurt to go with her, right?
…
I was sitting on a luxurious couch, completely stunned by how big this house was. Everything inside looked expensive. It was my first time seeing things like this. They served tea instead of juice or coffee. Rich people, huh. How did I even get here?
While I was sipping the tea they gave me, the woman was talking with a tall, handsome man — probably in his 30s — and a beautiful woman about the same age. I stopped drinking when I saw them approaching me with sad expressions.
The man kneeled in front of me, and I panicked. Why was he kneeling? Did I do something wrong? I looked at the woman behind him. She seemed worried.
The man suddenly grabbed both my hands, startling me.
"Our girl, what's my name?"
He looked like he was waiting for my answer, but I had no idea.
"Ray?"
Yep. I made it up. I didn't know his name, so I just guessed. Maybe I was right?
Then the man started crying and whining. I was startled again.
The woman beside him caressed his shoulder while sobbing. He stood up and let go of my hands.
Maybe I guessed wrong. He didn't have to cry, though. Is he a crybaby or something? Is his name such a big deal?
I was left alone in the room. Are they not worried I might steal something? Maybe they're so rich they wouldn't care if a few things went missing.
I kept sipping my tea, relaxing and enjoying my time in the room. Who knew when I'd experience this again?
Five minutes later, the door opened. There were a lot more people this time. I got scared. I thought maybe they were kidnapping me. Is this some new method of kidnapping girls? Let them into a house and serve them tea?
My thoughts disappeared when one guy started doing something — checking my body, maybe?
"Don't worry, honey, he's a doctor."
The beautiful woman reassured me. But why was a doctor checking me? Were they scared I had a virus or something?
"Young lady, can I ask you a few questions?"
"Sure..."
The doctor smiled and started asking questions that were hard to answer.
"Master said you said his name incorrectly."
I nodded.
"But you see that beautiful woman there? Our lady? Do you know her name?"
"Amanda?"
Made it up again. It was kind of funny seeing their reactions. The beautiful woman covered her mouth and looked away. The doctor asked again.
"How about, what day is today?"
"Sunday..."
"What's your name?"
"Sali..."
The doctor seemed surprised by my answer. He smiled at me, then at the people behind him. He stood up, and they all followed him out of the room.
The door wasn't fully closed, so I could hear them talking.
"So how is she?"
That was the voice of the man who kneeled in front of me.
"The young lady only remembered her nickname."
That was the doctor.
"I think she has amnesia..."
Amnesia? Were they talking about me? No way. No damn way I have amnesia.
I heard people sobbing outside the room. I noticed a beautiful mirror beside the window. I stood up and walked toward it, then stopped when I saw an unfamiliar reflection.
A beautiful woman. Ginger-colored hair, emerald green eyes, fair skin, perfect features.
That's when the memory hit me.
Sulistina.
She was standing in front of me — in the mirror.
I'm... her?