Eash suddenly stopped.
His eyes were fixed on that old photograph. Just then-
A faint voice echoed inside his head.
" let me get him something light to eat."
-His mother's thoughts.
"Three... two... one..."
Eash closed his eyes, took a quick breath, and hurriedly placed the photo back under the showcase. He touched Ena's neck and grab her . the cat was still staring curiously.
He quicker opened the lab door and went inside. As soon as he pressed the elevator button, it started going up.
"1.746 minutes!"-According to his calculations, that's how long until his mother's footsteps would reach his room.
As the elevator stopped right beneath his room, he leapt up into his room in a flash. He collapsed on his bed and closed his eyes.
His heartbeat gradually returned to normal. His brainwaves calmed.
Just then, a soft knock on the door.
-"Eash?"
-"Hmm... come in, Mom."
His mother entered, placing a small tray on the table-on it were some toast, a cup of soup, and a few biscuits.
-"I figured you wouldn't feel like eating dinner... so I brought you something light."
-"Thanks."
She smiled a little. Then, just before leaving, she paused at the door and said,
-"Oh right, about that university invitation... do you want to go there?"
Eash thought for a moment. Though he already decided. He said,
-"I'll think about it, Mom."
She left. The door closed with a soft click.
Eash closed his eyes. It was much late night. He wasn't feeling hungry.
So just gave the foods to Ena for eat. He dropped onto the bed, and within moments, he fell asleep...
___________
A New Morning.
Eash's eyes slowly opened.
He found himself lying on a long rope swing-soft as cotton. A strange serenity surrounded him. He noticed the swing was tied to the branch of a giant tree, and beside it stood a small wooden two-story house built in the tree.
Around him, the leaves were bright green, dancing in a gentle breeze. A fragrance of unknown flowers floated through the air-Eash had never smelled anything like it. The sky was half-covered in clouds, and sunbeams occasionally filtered through the leaves, touching his face.
The air was warmly cool, wrapped in a calm chill.
Next to the swing was a small wooden table. On it were various fruits of different colors and shapes-yellow, red, green, purple-none of which he recognized. They looked beautiful, almost dreamlike in color.
As Eash tried to sit up, the swing made a soft chiming sound.
That sound seemed to trigger some kind of magic.
A middle-aged woman rushed out from the house. She wore a long, light green dress, her face kind and her eyes full of care.
-"Arush! You're awake? How are you feeling now?"
Eash froze.
Arush? But I'm Eash!
But the surprising thing was, he could understand her language perfectly... and could even respond.
-"I'm okay."
Then he stopped. Is this... another language?
It wasn't his native tongue! And yet, he understood everything. Oddly, he couldn't hear anyone's thoughts. Strange.
The woman continued,
-"So, where did you go yesterday? Everyone thought the people from Riyana village might have done something to you!"
Eash remained silent. He couldn't answer. No explanation came to him.
He got down from the swing and said,
-"I'm going for a walk."
The woman smiled warmly.
-"Yes, of course. Some sunlight will be good for you."
Eash stepped outside slowly.
All around were dense trees, birds chirping, and distant voices faintly heard. The sun-and-shade path was lined with small canals, and colorful clothes were drying on the banks.
Ox-carts moved slowly along the road. In the distance, a bamboo bridge crossed over a gurgling mountain stream.
Children played in an open field-their laughter blended into the breeze like a melody.
This village, this environment... it couldn't possibly belong to the 30th century.
Eash stood still. He closed his eyes in the gentle breeze.
It felt like-this was real, and everything else was a dream spun in a single breath.
Eash walked.
Beneath his feet was a dusty village path, flanked by trees and bushes. The air was filled with the calls of unknown birds and the rustling of leaves. He walked slowly-leaving behind the wooden treehouse.
After walking quite a distance, he arrived at the bank of a narrow river.
The water was clear, flowing gently. Sunlight reflected off the surface, creating little golden streaks.
Eash looked into the water... and was startled.
In the reflection, he didn't see himself-but a different face.
A young boy, maybe 10 or 12 years old.
Eyes: brown-not his usual blue.
Hair: thick black-not his electric blue.
Clothes: a strange outfit, a blend of blue and green, completely unfamiliar to Eash.
He whispered,
-"So... this is Arush."
Suddenly...
-"Arush!"
A soft voice floated through the air.
Eash-or maybe now, Arush-turned his head.
On the other side of the river stood a girl.
Her skin was a soft milky-rose. Her eyes misty, like water hidden in fog. Thick, long black lashes, and hair flowing to her feet-swaying gently in the breeze.
She wore a light silk dress in white, fluttering along the grass with the wind.
The girl stood at the edge of the forest, across the river.
On her face was a strange, peaceful smile.
Her voice floated again-this time closer, yet still like a memory from a faraway past...
-"Arush, it's so good to see you. How have you been?
Where were you for the last two days?
After I walked you home that day, I couldn't find you anywhere."
Eash-Arush-just stared at her.
His heart suddenly began pounding hard.
He couldn't speak. He just stared at the girl.
This feeling, this moment-was beyond anything he could comprehend...
To be continued...