Forbidden Heat

Reiner – Is Someone There?

“Is something the matter, Miss?” Laura asked.

“No…the cake tastes ok…” I replied before I turned to where I thought she was standing and smiled a

little at her.

“Should I continue to serve these for other days as well then?” Laura asked and I could hear the hope

and joy in her voice.

“…Yes. Thank you, Laura,” I replied, trying to make my voice sound warm.

In the end, I noticed that Laura never got around to telling me where she got the cake from. However,

that didn’t matter anymore…

…

That night, I couldn’t sleep at all and whenever I drifted off into sleep, I would dream. The dream was

one that I’ve had countless times before since Reiner left the mansion. I was somewhere that I didn’t

know, and the sun was setting. Everything around me was dyed in a warm orange light from the setting

sun. In my dream, I would feel like I was desperately searching for him.

Then, I would catch a glimpse of his back but when I followed him, he would get further and further

away. No matter what I did or how fast I ran, I couldn’t catch up to him. I called out his name, but he

didn’t hear me and not once did he ever turn around. The dream always ended the same way with him

finally disappearing from my sight completely. I have lost him.

I wouldn’t call it a straight-out nightmare, but it clearly wasn’t a pleasant dream for me to be having on

repeat. As time went by, that dream appeared less and less frequently so it came as a bit of a surprise

for me to have that dream now. Perhaps the cake and its familiar taste triggered some more memories

that I shared with Reiner and caused me to dream that dream.

Ever since a few days ago, I’ve had a nagging feeling at the back of my mind, but I couldn’t quite figure

out what it was that was causing it. Many incidents had me feeling weird and there were instances

when I felt like someone was close by and watching me. However, whenever I called out, no one would

reply. It all made me think that I was just imagining things and that was what I believed at first but lately,

some things are just telling me that perhaps there really was someone there.

On the other hand, it could just be that I’ve spent too long in the hospital with my eyes covered that I

was just losing it. Regardless, my curiosity was getting the better of me and the truth was, even if I got

it wrong, it wasn’t like I had anything to lose.

However, if by some small chance or some big miracle that I was right, wouldn’t that just change my

life…like forever?

I didn’t dare hope that he was back because he most likely wasn’t…but…

Even if it wasn’t him and it was just his ghost, I was still determined to meet him.

…

“Laura,” I said softly, knowing that she was nearby.

“Yes, Miss Natalia,” Laura replied immediately.

I heard her come closer to me and I could feel her presence next to my hospital bed. Sorry for the

trouble, Laura, but I really need you to be away from me for a while.

“There’s something important that I would like you to pick up for me from one of my favorite boutiques.

Just go there and tell them that you’re here to pick up something that I ordered around a month ago.

I’m sure the sales assistant will understand immediately,” I instructed.

“When do you want me to go, Miss?” Laura asked in her sweet voice.

“Now would be good. Don’t worry, I won’t be needing your help so you can take your time. It would be

good for you to take some rest occasionally too,” I said smoothly.

“Are you sure, Miss?” Laura asked, hesitantly.

“Of course. I’m feeling a little sleepy so after you head out, I’ll probably just take a nap. Don’t worry,” Inovelbin

said reassuringly.

Laura was quiet for a moment as if she was pondering my instructions; however, soon she gave me a

favorable reply.

“I’ve got it, Miss. I will do as you’ve instructed. I’ll be back sometime in the afternoon then,” Laura said.

“Thank you very much, Laura. Oh, by the way, can you get me a mug of warm water before you

leave?” I said as I turned to smiled at her.

“Of course, Miss. Please wait just a moment,” Laura said obediently.

She returned and placed a mug of warm water into my hands just as I had requested. Then she left the

room. I heard Laura leave the room, closing the door behind her.

Now, I was alone, or I was supposed to be. The room was completely silent and all I could hear was

the rapid beating of my own heart. If calling out to the ghost, won’t get him to respond to me, then I’ve

got to do something else.

Now…what shall I do?

Maybe this is all in my head, but I’ve got to do something before I really lose it. I squeezed the mug

tightly in my hand before I brought it to my lips and began sipping its warm content. Drawing in a deep

breath, I steadied my resolve and reminded myself that I didn’t have anything to lose from this if I was

wrong. Well, perhaps a mug…

Slowly, I moved my arm to the side so that the mug that I was holding was away from the bed. Then

without warning, I let go of the mug.

There was a loud crashing sound when the mug hit the floor and broke. The loud sound breaking the

peaceful and quiet atmosphere in the room. While enveloped in darkness, I tried my best to listen and

to sense if there was someone in the room and if that person had reacted to the broken mug.

I wasn’t sure that I heard it, but I guess I must have felt it. The presence of someone standing close to

my bed where I had dropped the mug. If I reach my hand out now, will I touch something that’s not just

thin air?

--To be continued…