Chapter 16 - Elemental Creatures: The First Encounter

Amelia's POV 

Resting in the backseat, I let the beauty of nature pass by my eyes as I try to make sense of the strange pull that an old house had on me. It felt as if someone was calling out to me, and I couldn't resist the urge to listen. It wasn't just curiosity that drove me, but a deep longing, a feeling of emptiness that I often find myself grappling with when I'm alone and searching.

Despite the hardships I've endured and the battles I've fought on my own, I still yearn for love to envelop me in any form, at any time, in any situation. Love has always been my driving force, even when Dave broke my heart and my mother left me. Initially, I believed that when my mother passed away, love became meaningless because she wouldn't be able to feel it.

But when Dave chose to leave me while I was still carrying our child, it became evident that this kind of death is a choice. He had options, yet he chose to abandon me and our unborn child. I, too, had a choice - whether to hold onto him despite the suffocating grip of our relationship or to choose freedom. I chose to love myself and my daughter, to stand up for myself because I knew my mother would be proud of me.

I chose to let go of Dave, to let my feelings for him die so that I could be reborn, so that I could love again.

Yet, when I see couples in the park or old couples at the cinema, or even complete families enjoying their time together, I can't help but wonder if I would have been like them if I had stayed with Dave despite my inner turmoil. Would I have been happier if I had chosen to have a complete family even though I felt incomplete inside? Will I ever find true love when I'm struggling to love myself?

I shake my head, close my eyes, and affirm to myself that one day, when I am whole and have built a strong foundation of self-love, I will be ready to share it with someone who deserves it.

And then Martin came into my life, and everything changed. I never expected love to be so instantaneous, so silly. I tried convincing myself that it was just lust whenever I felt Martin's lips on mine. I couldn't explain the rush of emotions and the intimate moments we shared, which I had longed for.

But one thing is certain - what happened between us was not just lust. It was a blend of sadness, longing, and brokenness that transformed into a giving and sharing of love. It was a magical, unforgettable experience between two souls unafraid to expose their deepest feelings. It was dauntless, spontaneous, and surreal.

 - - - - - 

Gela decides to switch places with Raya and takes the wheel after noticing Raya's yawns.

In a low-pitched voice, Gela finally opens up to Amelia, "I can't forget what happened when you suddenly stepped out of the house, Amelia. It was as if you heard something compelling you to cross the street. Do you remember? Because when you were in the middle of the road, a red sedan hit you..." (Gela trembles) "But then, you vanished. I panicked, but the house agent assured us, 'Your friend is safe,' and we just accepted it."

Raya interjects defensively while grabbing a tissue to sneeze, "And I... I don't know what happened next. After the agent said that, everything seemed to stop. The next thing we knew, you were lying in front of the house's door, like an ordinary sleeping beauty. It was as if nothing had happened at all."

Raya continued, her voice filled with concern, "We noticed you were sleeping, but then we heard you moaning and mumbling some words. Please, Amelia, tell us what really happened when you crossed the street and suddenly disappeared."

Gela raised her voice, her tone even more worried, "We're here for you, Amelia. We want to understand."

Amelia closed her eyes, allowing her mind to transport her back to the moment she saw the red sedan pass by.

Nestor, a respected elder in town, discovered her lying near the side of the road. The elemental creatures cautiously approached Amelia, their curiosity piqued by the presence of a human. These small, four-legged creatures with brown fur on their faces and bodies gently lifted Amelia and placed her in an old black hammock suspended between two towering Mabolo trees.

Suddenly, a loud screech from the same red sedan jolted Amelia awake. She rubbed her right eye, yawned, and noticed Nestor by her side, slowly sweeping the yard. Her gaze wandered to a vacant lot with a river behind it, captivated by a Mabolo fruit descending gracefully to the ground.

Nestor interrupted her thoughts, introducing himself while offering a hairy Mabolo fruit in his hand. In a hoarse voice, he said, "It's a pleasure to meet such a beautiful human like you. My name is Nestor, and I have been the caretaker of this lot for many years. Every creature in this land is dear to me; they are my family." He smiled shyly.

Amelia was taken aback but managed to speak in a calm voice, "I don't mean to disrespect you, but I can't accept gifts from strangers. Can you please tell me where I am? Who put me in this hammock?"

"It was them," Nestor replied, gesturing towards the little people playing with animals around them.

Amelia's jaw dropped, and she stammered, "What? This is incredible."

With a troubled expression, Nestor took a bite of the fruit, slowly chewing as he circled Amelia. "Have you heard about the recent beast attacks in the city? If the lord relinquishes his position, it will all come to an end. His tribe may lose their pride, but humans will benefit."

Confusion clouded Amelia's face as Nestor offered her tea once again. Unconsciously, she took the small clay mug and asked, "I don't understand. What tribe and beasts are you referring to? And who is this lord that needs to give up his position?"

Amelia chuckled with a hint of disbelief, "Are we in a parallel universe or a different dimension? Your stories sound quite absurd."

Nestor maintained his convincing smile and replied, "Indeed, my dear. This world is filled with absurdity, complexity, and mysteries. Even our life stories can be unbelievable. But you, Amelia, have carried the weight of the world on your shoulders with grace and resilience. Do you know why? It's because of love. Love is what keeps this world going, even when things become tough and overwhelming."

Amelia's brows furrowed as Nestor's words sank in. She looked at him with tear-filled eyes and whispered, "Nestor... How do you know my life story? Is there a mirror here that allows you to see people from my world, like in the movies? If you possess magical powers, can you make my life easier?"

Overwhelmed by exhaustion and pain, Amelia bowed her head and sobbed, "I'm so tired of living in this harsh world. I wish love could save me from all this pain."

Nestor's voice lowered as he whispered, "The answers you seek lie within that house by the stream. The prophecy must be fulfilled, a rule must be broken. Humans and elemental creatures must learn to share this world." Amelia nodded, wiping away her tears, and walked towards the door of the mansion, her heart filled with both trepidation and hope.

Nestor and the other creatures suddenly disappeared, leaving Enya casting a sharp look at Amelia.