June 19, 2024
I was sleeping—or, let's say, I was trapped in a nightmare, a dream I could never escape anymore. A torture. A pain. I heard someone calling me, a familiar voice, someone shaking me. Suddenly, my eyes opened, and I saw Maria beside me, telling me to wake up. She stood there in her uniform.
"Ric, wake up already. It's 8 in the morning—aren't you running late?"
I was too tired and exhausted, but somehow, I managed to get up. It was my daily duty as a loyal servant of the Rosévet family. She was looking at me, but I didn't know what to say.
She asked me, "Another dream, huh?"
"Maybe. I don't know. I just see that moment every time I close my eyes. It's like a loop."
She turned around and started walking away, but before leaving, she said, "It's not a loop, Ric. It's the truth that haunts us—not just you."
I was stunned. It brought back memories from the past—a woman covered in wounds and blood, carrying another woman in her arms, and I was witnessing it with my own eyes. I asked Maria, "What do you mean? You're having the same dream?"
Maria said nothing. She just stood there, silent. Before leaving, she muttered, "Lucas and the master are waiting. Please hurry, Ric."
With that, she left, and I wondered what might happen if the past ever came back to life. Without wasting any more time, I started getting ready for the day. I got dressed and prepared for another day of pouring tea, accompanying Lilly on her walks in the garden—well, accompanying as her bodyguard, at least.
I made my way to Master Rosévet's office. As I knocked on the door for permission, the master said, "Come in, Ric." I was a little nervous because I was late, but who cares? It wasn't that big of a deal.
I entered the room and saw Maria and Lucas standing in front of the master's desk. Master Rosévet sat in his chair, holding his cigar. I said, "Good morning, Master. I'm sorry I'm late."
The master looked at me. "It's okay. Don't worry—we all get lazy sometimes."
Maria glanced at me and added, "Well, not lazy, Master. He was having a dream."
The master studied me. "A dream? I see. So, what was it about, Ric?"
Lucas stared at me with a silly grin. "I bet you were seeing a woman."
I couldn't believe him. Lucas was always the provoking one, but at least he was good when it came to tech. I said nothing and stood there as the three of them joked around.
Master Rosévet set down his cigar and motioned for us to settle down. "Now, now, it's time we get back to business. Ric—security status?"
I reported everything as usual. "We have everything under control, Master. The camp, hangar, and the lab too."
The master seemed satisfied with my report. He asked Maria about Lilly's protection and questioned Lucas about the supplies. They both reported their updates, and the master appeared content with our work.
Then, Master Rosévet stood up and walked to the window. We waited for his next order or task, but his next words left us shocked.
"I believe we might have some bad news. A ghost may have returned."
The dream. The flashback. The haunting memories rushed back into our minds—the night we could never forget.