Lady Devil - Chapter 28

#28

“Someone who was so indifferent to household matters came every day, every day! Visiting frequently to ask about the young lady’s well-being. No, not just daily! They came in person several times a day, to the point where I felt guilty for not having good news to report.”

Griselda continued speaking without pause.

“This morning, they even brought flowers. To use for medicine, and to float the remaining stems in a vase. How did they know valerian was a medicinal flower…! No, no. This isn’t the time for that! I’m so flustered. Please wait. I’ll be away for just a moment, a very brief moment. I’ll be right back.”

After spilling her long-suppressed feelings like rapid gunfire, she bowed several times to the air and hurriedly left the room.

The sound of people being called and leaving outside the bedroom seemed like a distant wind. Only my world remained as calm as a lake bathed in mellow twilight. I want to see you. Shallow ripples rose on the flat, dazed surface. It was a bit amusing. Even after waking from sleep of unknown duration, that this ailing heart could still conjure such emotion, Johannes.

I want to hear your voice.

I want to face you.

I want to embrace your gaze.

I miss you.

Like tiny bubbles rising from ancient ruins in deep waters, I thought of him.

Griselda returned. She went straight to the wardrobe and brought out several outer garments. She carefully raised my body, as weak as water grass, dressed me in several layers, tightly fastened the front, then laid me back down neatly. She placed a fresh damp cloth on my forehead. How strange. Griselda, sitting at my bedside, peered into the vase and spoke.

“To think they brought a whole bunch of flowers not yet in season. I wonder if they found some blooming in the shade, unaware of the season. It’s a good thing for you, young lady.”

She seemed to be looking at the valerian she said was floating in the water. Only then could I smell the subtle floral scent permeating the entire room. Having been buried in it all day without realizing, I hadn’t noticed the pleasant fragrance. I felt newly grateful to Johannes.

For it was a time when I didn’t yet know that nothing is as frightening as a slowly encroaching calamity.

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