Seeing his downcast face reminded me of Jonathan (my dear younger brother). He looked just as dejected when he was scolded. I quietly whispered to Liam, “Don’t be too hard on him. He is your brother, after all.”
“But he called you…”
“Yes, he called me ‘sister-in-law.’ It was refreshing. I’m used to being called Mrs. Moore.”
Theodore Moore’s eyes sparkled. He must have thought I was fully committed to a future with Liam. His hands were up, and his eyes were twinkling, making me feel a bit uneasy. It would be easier to just send them both away and get some sleep.
“By the way, Mr. William Schofield Moore, you seem to have forgotten something.”
Liam flinched and glanced at me nervously. Yes, it’s scary being called by your full name, isn’t it? Makes you wonder what you did wrong.
“Your assistant desperately needs rest.”
Don’t forget the excuse you used.
Realising my point, Liam finally untangled his arms from their crossed position.
Then he started ushering his brother out of the room. His quick action was commendable. Liam, half out the door, popped his head back in.
“Jane, may I come wake you up for dinner?”
“…Yes, please.”
He smiled obediently. It seemed he liked the word ‘please.’
“Then have a peaceful rest, my dear assistant.”
He winked lightly, ensuring his brother wouldn’t see. The gesture made my face flush.
The sound of the door closing finally allowed me to lie down on the bed. Exhaustion took over, and sleep quickly followed. I heard the sound of waves.
＊ ＊ ＊
I heard singing.
It felt distant, as if it came from afar, yet it also seemed to echo inside my head, as if it was right next to me. Listening closely, I realised it wasn’t singing but the sound of waves. The sound of waves crashing and breaking.
That’s it. This place is… the sea.
Recognizing this, my body felt as if it was floating in the water. I didn’t worry about sinking because the saltwater’s density was high enough to keep me afloat. It felt comforting, almost natural.
I enjoyed that sensation for a while before opening my eyes. The warm liquid around me signalled I had returned to ‘that place.’
Familiar darkness, a black sea, and a faint pearly glow visible in the distance.
The space seemed to expand endlessly yet felt very confined. It was an incomprehensible principle, but living here, I had long since realised that ‘understanding’ wasn’t always good. I had a rough idea why people say knowing too much is not beneficial.
“…”
I remember hearing that the human subconscious is vast and what the brain can do is a mystery. Whether this was a landscape inside my head or a connection to some… space, I didn’t know, but it seemed necessary to think about how I could be connected to such a place.
“…Ah.”
My voice echoed dully, as if filled with water. The sound didn’t escape my body, resonating in place before dissipating.
I stood up. The very black liquid swirled around my ankles.
Maybe the gravity here is strong. Moments ago, I felt like I could float at any moment, but now my body felt heavy.
It seemed like I was constantly sinking, but there was a bottom. Having a floor was good. It meant I could predict where I would end up. Conversely, if there was no bottom, it meant endless sinking, with no idea whether it would take seconds or minutes to reach a black void.
‘Can we not be afraid?’
A small sound grew into a tone and then into words.
Sound…
“Who….”
The sound of waves returned.
The waves from the black liquid sea, the horizon indistinguishable from the darkness, reached me. It was becoming clearer, stronger.
Is this a beach?
A voice answered at that moment.
「It could be, or not.」
It was the first time I heard this voice. It sounded like dozens of voices speaking at once. It was beautiful, like a song or a chorus.
“M-my thoughts….”
You’re reading my thoughts.
「Of course. We are unconsciously connected right now.」
Was it a child? A teenager? An adult? The age and gender were indiscernible. The voice laughed. It felt familiar, addressing me in a friendly manner. I stayed silent, trying to think of nothing while staring into the darkness.
The voice asked again.
「Is my talking unpleasant? Should I stay quiet like before?」
“Like before?”
「Quietly watching your hardships.」
“No, that’s not necessary.”
The voice laughed again. It was hard to tell where it was coming from since it echoed from all directions. If it came from one place, it would feel more like a conversation. It felt like listening to a divine revelation.
I can’t just ask, ‘Are you a god?’ right? Gods aren’t supposed to be this irresponsible. Shouldn’t they create light and new life with omnipotence?
Even my constant grumbling seemed to be noticed. The voice, merging into one, started coming from a spot just ahead. It was quite gentle.
「Forgive me for not showing myself. We are not deeply synchronised yet.」
“Synchronized?”
「Not close enough, you could say?」
So, we haven’t built enough rapport.
“I understand, sort of.”
「But I believe I can help you someday.」
I muttered, glad to hear that.
Am I meeting a system? My mind keeps thinking in a fantasy way, probably due to recent experiences. I used to be a realistic person, and now I’m becoming so unrealistic!
「Jane.」
The voice said. I heard a gentle splash nearby. Ripples reached me. The same entity that sent ripples before, it was them for sure.
Ah, they are nearby.
I took a step and walked slowly in that direction. No matter how far I walked, the water remained shallow. It felt like an endless shallow beach.
“Keep talking.”
The voice hummed lightly, saying various things, guiding me to its location. The song sounded familiar, though I was hearing it for the first time. Sad and beautiful….
When the voice was very close, it stopped.
I reached out into the darkness.
After a moment, a clear-skinned hand rested on mine. It glowed faintly even in the dark. The touch was warm.
The voice spoke like a song.
「Hello. I’m El.」
“Hello. I’m…”
I hesitated. I’m Jane? But that wasn’t my name. This face wasn’t mine either.
Laughter followed. The voice added,
「Be careful. You are very noticeable.」
＊ ＊ ＊
Be careful? I was about to ask when I woke up suddenly.
I opened my eyes to see Liam Moore’s face right in front of me. My heart almost leaped out of my mouth. I grabbed my chest and let out a short yelp, and Liam, startled, fell off the bed with a thud.
“Are you okay?!”
I asked in a high-pitched voice.
Liam, sprawled on the floor, propped himself up on the bed with a groan. He waved a hand.
“I’m fine, I’m fine…”
Why was he like this? Unless he wanted to give someone a heart attack!
Liam mumbled an apology.
“Sorry, you were sleeping so deeply…”
Who wakes someone up with a shock like that? My sleep was completely gone. My mind cleared instantly.
“I almost died of fright!”
Liam Moore widened his eyes and then chuckled. I patted my head. My heart was still pounding. I got out of bed without any time to feel drowsy.
“What-what time is it? How long have I been asleep?”
Liam found a hairpin nearby and handed it to me.
“Ten to six. I came to wake you because dinner is being prepared.”
“What time is dinner?”
“6:30. We still have about 40 minutes. Want help getting ready?”
He watched as I fixed my hair, then approached and tucked my hair behind my ear. I was trying to look neat, but he was pulling out stray hairs.
“Don’t be too formal, my parents will feel more comfortable that way.”
Ah, I see.