I'm running down a dark, narrow hallway while that monster chases me. Its roars echo like in an empty room. When it catches me, it starts tearing every part of my body with its claws. It crushes my bones and devours my flesh. I'm screaming, but I can't hear my own cries. Everything around me fades away.

  I don't know what's happening until I feel the need to open my eyes.

  The beast's roar is soon replaced by the wind brushing against the walls and the birds singing. I'm in a small room. A haze covers my vision, and I can barely make out my surroundings.

  I try to get up, but it feels like a steamroller ran over me. My neck burns when I try to turn my head.

  The sun's rays filtering through the window collide with dust particles, and from outside, I can smell a floral scent. I look down and see my bare torso, except for the bandages covering me, stained with reddish-brown.

  "Shit..." I spit out. "Where am I?"

  My ribs press against my lungs when I speak.

  I'm lying on a straw mattress that creaks every time I move, not to mention the itchiness of the sheet.

  I shift my eyes and see a nightstand next to the bed. On top rests a clay bowl with water and a rag dripping over the edge.

  I survived somehow, but I'm not sure it was for the best. Whoever saved me, I doubt they'll be satisfied with just words of thanks.

  If I could stand, I'd leave right now.

  While I'm lost in my thoughts, I can hear the echo of footsteps approaching from the other side of the room. In the doorway appears a young woman with brown hair and olive skin.

  When she sees me awake, her eyes widen, and she walks toward me at a speed that scares me.

  She starts talking to me, but her tongue forms words I can't understand. She leans in a bit and touches my forehead with the back of her hand, sighing in relief. She babbles sentences I don't understand again.

  Damn, did I hit my head?

  "Excuse me?" I blink several times. "What did you say?"

  The girl raises an eyebrow and keeps talking to me, but it's useless.

  Her voice is soft. Almost melodic.

  "Narel siroth, ae linel..."

  She stares at me, waiting for a response. I can only shrug.

  "What's your name...?" I ask, holding back a cough.

  A grimace forms on her face, and her eyebrows drop.

  We look at each other without saying anything, confused.

  It's clear I'd just waste my time trying to communicate with words, and I think she knows it too. She immediately touches my shoulder, asking for permission with a gesture.

  Even though she lifts me carefully, my back cracks. Gently, she unties the knots of the bandages, and the fabric peels off my skin like tape. I grit my teeth to hold back the pain.

  After wetting the wool rag, she starts cleaning off the dried blood.

  I shake my head and sigh. Staring at the ceiling, I wait for someone to come out of nowhere and explain what's happening. Anything to make sense of this surreal scene.

  After cleaning me and changing the bandages, the girl lays me back down on the bed. My bones still ache, even though nothing's broken.

  She says goodbye with a smile and words that, obviously, I don't understand.

  Hours passed, and all I could do was stare at the ceiling and count the cracks to distract myself from the annoying stings in my limbs. I'd rather have a mosquito buzzing near my ear than endure more of this.

  At least I could squash the mosquito.

  Thinking about everything that's happened also helped me ignore my aches. A little. But I still can't find the logic behind all this. So many questions. Each one more absurd than the last. And no answers.

  This is all a dream. It has to be. My real body is lying in a hospital bed while my mind wanders through nonexistent scenarios to keep me alive. Of all the ideas I've had, this is the most sensible.

  If I ever wake up from the coma, the hospital bill will finish me off.

  Whether it's real or not, at least here no one knows who I am.

  I startle when the girl enters my field of vision and covers the window with a wooden shutter. I was so lost in thought that I hadn't noticed her presence. When she closes the window, the atmosphere turns dark, gloomy. Only the glow of some candles on the nightstand dispels the darkness covering this room.

  There's no lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. No wires. Nothing.

  The young woman speaks to me again, but I just respond with a smile. She leaves the room, and I'm alone. Again.

  It's impossible not to squirm when I feel ants biting the scratches on my arms. I'd like sandpaper to scratch myself.

  After a couple of minutes, she reappears, holding a tray. She walks toward me, careful not to trip.

  A smell of cooked vegetables invades me.

  She sets the plate of soup on the table and helps me sit up. She does it carefully, but I feel the fabric on my chest getting damp. Plus, my muscles sting when she grabs me. I'm as stiff as a wooden puppet.

  She fills a wooden ladle and blows gently to cool it. The steam rises to her forehead, beading it with a bit of sweat.

  I'm hungry, but I'm not sure about eating. So much kindness from her... it's so strange. Everything.

  No one does this for free, and if I take a sip of that soup, I'll damn myself even more.

  I turn my mouth away when she brings the spoon close. Though my common sense wants to refuse, my guts twist like eels.

  She pulls the utensil away when she sees my reaction, but after a few moments, I accept her food. The warmth of the meal makes the cold in my body disappear. The happiness is so great that I almost forget the cut on my chest reopened.

  I keep eating. The heat brings back some life, but the door bursts open. For a few instants, I thought it was... that creature.

  I hit my head against the wall before realizing it's a man with gray hair and marked dark circles entering the room. His walk is slow, but the weight of his leather boots makes the floor vibrate.

  He starts chatting with the young woman, and soon his tired eyes point in my direction. He can't hide a grimace of disgust when he finishes analyzing me.

  He's annoyed. The girl lowers her chin when reprimanded by the man's harsh, raspy voice. Even though I'd like to do something, I can't. I shrink in my spot while stroking my head to ease the pain.

  I don't understand a word, but I know she's apologizing.

  Another figure appears after a while. A thin, tall teenager with a face similar to the girl's. He looks at me with a mocking gesture while raising an eyebrow.

  They're arguing about what to do with me. I feel a knot in my throat when I hear their incomprehensible complaints. At first, I wanted to find people to help me, but now I just want to leave.

  I raise my hand to intervene, like a student in class. Pointing to my torso and feet, I try to explain that I need my clothes back. No one can understand me, no matter how hard I try. The brother just chuckles, and the father clicks his tongue before leaving.

  This is bullshit... I say to myself.

  I look down and exhale a sigh. The girl just stands there, with her lips downturned and no sparkle in her eyes.

  She leaves after a few moments too, leaving me the plate of food. The soup didn't taste the same after that.

  The sun has gone down.

  I couldn't sleep thinking about all the problems I might have caused this family. I don't know their situation, and I don't know what they had to sacrifice to save me. If I leave here, things would be easier for them.

  But... I don't know where to go. It also terrifies me to be in a place where I can't communicate at all. When I look at the window, everything looks so black and silent.

  Lying like that without doing anything. Just with my head. It was something I didn't like experiencing when I lived in my trailer. At least the ocean waves and the noise of ships at the docks helped dampen that feeling. And when none of that was there, I'd go out to the streets and walk until I was sure that once I got home, I'd fall asleep quickly from exhaustion.

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  Now none of that exists.

  I shook my head and tried not to go back to those old habits. When I felt everyone in the house was already asleep, I pushed aside the sheets and stood up. I wanted to look for my things and then disappear, but as soon as my heels touched the floor, the weight of my body collapsed onto my knees, and I fell with a thud. I bit my tongue so my groans of pain wouldn't wake anyone. If my fall hadn't already.

  When the pain subsided a bit, I got back into bed with effort and cursed under my breath.

  First, I need to regain my strength if I want to leave.

  Just have to be patient.

  ◇◇◇

  After several days, my body recovered at a surprising pace. It wasn't just the girl's care, but also the strange liquid she made me drink. A viscous, salty beverage. One sip was enough to lessen the pain in my body, but it also induced sleep.

  However, my learning was also abnormally fast. I can't explain it, but little by little, I could understand her when she spoke. At first, the repeated words were greetings. Then I understood loose phrases. Now I understand everything.

  I feel like... I've always known how to speak this language, I just didn't remember it. I want to make sense of it, but I really can't.

  I've kept pretending to be mute. Until now. I'm going to try talking to her for the first time, but I'm not sure how to start a conversation with her, or if the words will come out fluently. But it's worth a try.

  I've also wanted to get out of this bed and explore outside. From the window, I've only been able to see vast valleys and small houses. I want to know what kind of rural village I'm stuck in.

  The wind moves the red fabric curtains, and the flower scent is stronger. I feel like I have enough energy to walk without collapsing, but my body is still bruised.

  I swallow when I hear the girl's footsteps approaching the room. I still don't know what to say to her. Even though her father and brother spend most of the day out of the house, since I've been here, one of them appears from time to time to check that everything is in order.

  Not just with her, I also have to speak to the homeowner, and since I could understand them, I know he has a certain disdain for me.

  The door opens, and the young woman enters, wearing a mustard-colored dress and white apron.

  "Good morning," she greets, smiling.

  I sit on the edge of the bed. I say nothing.

  "I brought you some bread with butter and freshly milked milk," she says, about to set the tray on the table, "then I'll come back to pick it up."

  "Th-thanks..." I clear my throat.

  My voice rusty after several days without speaking.

  How strange I sound when I express myself in this language, like I'm singing.

  She startles for half a second, juggling not to drop things. But the ceramic jug wasn't lucky.

  I should have waited until she set everything down. Now I have nothing to drink.

  "Can you speak?" she asks, mouth agape.

  "Yes..." I touch the back of my neck with my palm. "A little. Thanks for taking care of me." I nod.

  The young woman crouches to wipe the floor.

  "You surprised me... why didn't you speak before?" she raises an eyebrow.

  I don't know how to explain without sounding crazy, because I don't even understand it myself.

  "Because..." I look at the ceiling, "because only now can I understand what you're saying."

  I bite my tongue and furrow my brow. I should have said something better.

  "Really?" she stands up. "Well, it's true that before you spoke in a strange language..."

  I sigh and smile halfway.

  "Hey, can you give me back my things? I need to talk to your dad."

  Upon hearing my question, her face pales. A little.

  "Your things? Well..." she averts her gaze, and her temples sweat. "I'll go look for them. Give me a moment."

  She leaves taking long strides.

  I bite hard to tear off a piece of dry bread. Now that I have nothing to drink, I have to moisten it in my mouth to swallow.

  The butter is lighter than I usually remember. In general, all the food tastes flatter to me. Maybe because my palate is only used to dubious-quality Chinese food and burgers with fries.

  But at least it's healthy. The last time I ate something nutritious was... I don't remember.

  The young woman returns, exhausted. A drop of sweat falls down her flushed cheek.

  "Here," she pants, "I... I forgot where I had stored it."

  "Thanks..."

  I don't understand her behavior, but at least I've recovered the little I have.

  My shirt has regained its original color. I'm grateful not to have that bloodstain that's not mine anymore...

  I check my pants carefully. The few things I brought with me, like a coin and my expired metro pass, are still here.

  I feel like something's missing, but I can't remember what.

  "Excuse me, can I ask you something?" she hides her hands behind her back.

  "Sure."

  "Are you a noble from another country?"

  I leave the pants on my lap and look at her for a second, raising an eyebrow.

  "No. I'm not a noble..." I grit my teeth. "Would that be good or bad?"

  She shakes both hands. Quickly.

  "No, no. It's not that. It's just that the fabric of your pants is a unique material," she says, pointing with her finger.

  I exhale a sigh and relax my jaw.

  "Thanks. But it's really not a big deal."

  Something I bought on discount years ago impresses her. I almost laugh.

  "I see."

  I stand up with effort. My calves tired as if I'd exercised.

  "By the way," I press my lips, "I'd like to talk to your dad. Where can I see him?"

  "He's in the field," she points with her gaze, "if you want, I can take you to him."

  "Please."

  She leaves the room and waits outside. After getting dressed, we go down to the first floor. The wood creaks a bit under my feet. When we reach the living room, a stew smell suddenly invades me. Inside a stone oven hangs an iron pot. The fire was put out recently.

  The living room is big enough for an oak table.

  Four chairs. One empty since I arrived. I still haven't met that person.

  When she opens the door, a white light hurts my eyes, and my head throbs for a second. I can't help but cover my sight with my hand, and after blinking several times to adjust to this brightness, the landscape leaves me speechless.

  Mountains that touch the sky and vast green meadows that reach the horizon. Scattered cabins on one side of the path.

  "Incredible..." I murmur.

  She touches my shoulder, snapping me out of the trance.

  "Is something wrong?" she asks. Her blue pupils shine in the sun.

  "No, no... Let's go."

  As we move away from the door, I see in their yard a large tree surrounded by yellow flowers. Its branches brush against the thatched roof. Now I know where that scent I smelled every morning comes from.

  We approach a low gray stone wall, and I stop my steps. I squint to focus better on the small creature in front of me. A small bird, with colorful feathers and a long tail, perches calmly while cleaning its plumage. But I don't understand why it has a horn on its head.

  "Hey..." the girl shakes my arm, "are you okay?"

  "Oh, sorry," I shake my head. "I'm still a bit dazed. Let's continue."

  The air doesn't stink of smoke. There are no poles with tangled wires. No engine noise. I can only hear the wind moving the grass.

  I don't know what to do with so much silence.

  Some people greet us when they see us pass, but if I pay attention, I realize the gesture is for her.

  "By the way," I stop walking. "What's your name?"

  Only now do I realize something obvious.

  "Limara," she covers a giggle with her hand. "I thought you'd never ask me that. And what's yours?"

  "Ethan. Ethan Nicholas." I extend my hand.

  She accepts the greeting by gently squeezing my palm.

  "Is Nicholas your last name?" she raises an eyebrow.

  "No. It's my middle name."

  "Okay..."

  Limara wrinkles her forehead, and her look is strange. She lets go of my hand.

  She turns around and continues walking, without telling me to follow. I do it anyway, but I keep my distance.

  Every time I answer something, it seems out of place, and I don't understand why. I want to ask her, demand explanations, but I'd only make things worse.

  The wheat fields stretch out like a golden blanket. As we cross the path, my body freezes when I see the back of a man tilling the soil.

  "Hi, Dad," Limara speaks first. "Look who came with me."

  Her father turns to look at me and barely reacts to my presence.

  I swallow and tense my throat.

  "Good morning, sir," I extend my hand to shake his. "My name is Ethan. Nice to meet you."

  His lack of emotional response now turns into mild surprise and unease.

  "Weren't you mute?"

  I lower my hand.

  "Thank you for taking care of me..." I say after a while. "Is there anything I can do to make up for it?"

  The wind blows strongly. Dry leaves fly over us.

  "Yes, there is," he says sternly. "The healer wasn't cheap, and it was thanks to his infusions that you can stand."

  "Dad..." his daughter whispers.

  I look down and stay silent. I have no money to pay him. Nothing.

  A thin silhouette emerges from among the crops. A bit taller than the man.

  "I see the sleeping beauty woke up," he says between laughs.

  Dropping his work tool, the boy stands next to his father.

  "Hey, I was going to keep that..." he says, pointing to my boots and jeans.

  "Shut up, Darel!" she exclaims. Slow and deliberate.

  The man observes me closely. I can't hold his gaze.

  "Young man, first I want to know something," he says at last.

  "Tell me."

  "What were you doing alone in the forest? Looking for death?"

  A question I didn't think would come so soon. Telling the truth doesn't seem best, but I don't know how to explain it otherwise.

  "No... just," I look at my shoes and hold my breath, "I appeared in the middle of the forest, and I don't know how it happened."

  No one speaks. I can only hear my heartbeat.

  "I was at home, and suddenly I woke up here," I continue explaining. "I know it doesn't make sense, but it's true."

  If I say the real reason for my awakening, things would get complicated.

  "Yeah, and I'm the king's son," Darel mocks. "It's true. This man is just taking care of me until my dad recognizes me."

  I furrow my brow, and a twisted grimace escapes me. I stop when I realize his father is looking at me.

  "Please, believe me, I..." the air escapes me, "I'm from the United States. I don't know if you've heard of that country."

  The man shakes his head and closes his eyes.

  "Are we in a village in Europe? Maybe?" my heart beats harder.

  "We're in Cold Waters. Not in 'Europe,'" he emphasizes. "Listen, Ethan, you're only still alive because my daughter insisted on not leaving you in that state. Nothing more. Suddenly you appear saying you appeared in the forest and don't know how."

  I avert my gaze; people in the field watch us.

  "If it were up to me, I'd hand you over to the guards," he continues. "But the city is far away, and I doubt anyone would come just because a man says crazy things."

  I blow out hard. Of all those present, I'm the one most shocked by this event.

  "Sorry, really," I raise my hands. "But I don't understand it either! Out of nowhere, I woke up in a forest. I was lost and didn't know what to do, and suddenly a monster comes out about to kill me."

  I lean on my knees. The words cut as they come out.

  "I don't know why I'm here! And the truth is, when I woke up in your house, I wasn't happy to know I was still alive." Sweat drips down my chin. "My previous life was bad... but I'm still breathing."

  I straighten up again.

  "I just want to repay the favor somehow, please..." I shake my arms. "Then I'll leave."

  My throat tightens, and my chest hurts when I breathe. I couldn't help spitting out those words. I spoke too much, but it's too late.

  I keep insisting on paying this debt somehow, but if they didn't want me here from the start, it'd be best to leave now.

  I look at the man in front of me. He says nothing. His straight eyebrows and serious gaze.

  When he sees third parties approaching us while asking about what happened, he calms them with a gesture of his hand.

  "Alright..." he says after a while. "If what you say is true, I suppose you've had a bad time." He extends his hand. "I'm André."

  I squeeze his palm firmly and smile a little.

  I sigh slowly, and my heart calms. My legs wobble.

  "I have to go," he says, "but I'll think of something you can do."

  Father and son leave, disappearing into the golden wheat. I'm left alone with Limara, looking at the mountains on the horizon. I think, after all, they won't kick me out. For now.

  "Sorry about before," I sigh, "I got a bit worked up."

  "Don't worry," she touches my shoulder. "It must be awful to wake up in a place you don't know."

  "By the way," I point with my gaze to her brother's back, "are you the older one?"

  "No. It's Darel."

  The two siblings aren't that young. I think they're old enough to be in high school, and yet, one behaves like a kindergarten kid.

  I hope I don't go crazy in the short time I'll stay in this place.

  After all... if being here is really a new opportunity that someone or something gave me, I don't know what to do with it.