The New me

Reading novels before, I had a little knowledge on fictional transmigrations. The leads on the story would often be on a body of younger or same age person with their memories intact and shall also acquire their new body's memory. If that's the case then how come when I came I received nothing and now a portion of my memory was lost? Let's not even talk about this body's state. At least in novels, they were assassins, doctors, scientists and any other figures and they'll use their knowledge to rule the ancient era. How come a civilian like me ended up in this situation? Shouldn't I be like the others who went inside their favorite computer games?

I could only let out a breath and descend downstairs.

Mother had waited a little bit more than necessary so I entertained her a by answering all her questions.

"You asked for an off on the very same day, why? Are you unwell?" She began our question and answer portion.

I chewed first and swallowed my food before responding. "No, I'm fine mom but sorry for that. Heather's brother got into an accident and she needed me by her side as her support."

She nodded. "I see. I remember Heather but I can't seem to have seen her brother. Well, it's not that important. How was he?"

"He was severely injured, broken bone, concussions, punctured lungs…He was truly miserable…" I said as the image of the lively young man came to mind.

"Don't make that face, darling. Let's be grateful he still has a breath and will open his eyes one of these days. I'm sure." Mother said after seeing me frown.

"Yeah.." I said weakly. I'm also hoping for that to happen and wanted it soon.

Mother put down her utensils and asked, "Darling, tell me honestly. You and that child aren't…..together right?"

I blinked in response then said, "Mom, how can you mistake my concern for a younger brother to love?" It was ridiculous. I was having a serious moment while she was only thinking of such things.

"Now, now. Don't get mad. I just wanted clear answers. And see? You lost your frown. Let's make that now into a smile." She said as she drew a 'u' shape with her fingers.

It wasn't the best way to make someone smile but at least she's trying so I complied. "See, I'm smiling." I told her as I copied what she did and drew a 'u' shape above my curved lips.

"Then I hope that your smile stays with you. Don't you ever lose your positivity." She told me as she carefully looked at my face.

We keep chatting during our meals and she told me just inform her if I needed more day offs. I did not think it was necessary so I told her "no more".

I spent some time more downstairs before going back to my room. I've already slept this afternoon so I thought it'll be hard for me to catch my sleep this evening. Slowly, my eyelids droop and my body relaxed.

Tlock

Tlock

I hear something dripping. I tried finding where the sound was or what was it but all I can see was darkness. I walked forward and somehow my visions much clearer. I opened my eyes wider to see big trees around me. I turned and walk a few steps to know where I am. Then I saw a shadow ran past me. She was running through a forest as she anxiously keeps hiding behind the big trees. There was a deathly silence around. I followed her and even tried calling out to her but she seemed not to hear me. I saw her hand holding something and as I slowly walk to reach her, she faded into thin air.

Surprised, I turned around to find her when I noticed that my surroundings were different from before. I tried to look for the girl but she was gone along with the trees. Space kept getting darker until I stopped. It was a little dark but I can sense that I was in a room. I heard a door creaked but I wasn't sure if it was opened or closed. I instinctively walked back then without notice I fell down

.

I jerked and woke up. I breathed heavily as I sat down in my bed. I hugged my knees and stared forward blankly. It wasn't until my alarm rang that my senses woke up entirely.

'What is this nightmare?'

'That forest…'

Looking back, I was twenty-six when one of my colleagues invited me to do hiking activities. I was having doubts if I can come and complete the trail with him but he encouraged me more to try. I went with his group who were in different fields and they supported me all throughout. They have an experienced hiker with them and there was also a doctor. We made a vow to do it a biannual event. I started as a beginner then eventually listed as an intermediate hiker. We tried different trails going to different mountains but I don't recall having seen such forest.

I rubbed my forehead and felt some pain in my mind.

I checked the time and got up to prepare for a new day. Since I said that I won't need another day off then I have to be diligent and go to work. After putting on clean clothes I sent Heather a message. We were already in the middle of the conversation when I realized how involved I am in this life.

"Good morning, did you get any sleep?"

Heather: "Yes, checked into a hotel nearby."

"Good to know that, how about your brother? How is he now?"

Heather: "Though he's still unconscious they put him into a single room now. The number of visitors and visiting hours is strictly implemented."

"I'll visit later after my work if it's okay."

Heather: "Okay, thank you and just message me when you're here."

"Sure."

I wanted to say 'No need to say thanks, we're friends' but I was hesitant and scared that once I honestly let go of those words I would not be able to get back. I was afraid that the old 'Iris' shall forever be forgotten and will now only live as faux 'Iris' of this place. How can I just forget all those years I've lived? the memories I've made? After all, I too have my own life.

Sigh.

This is vexing. Now I'm like having an identity crisis and a split personality.