Winter had turned to spring, yet Blythe still couldn't feel the sun's warmth. 

Even as she took a vacation to the seaside, the wind still made her shiver. 

Blythe had gone to her parents resting place in her old hometown. Even though their bodies were never found, Blythe made sure her parents had their mausoleum so she could place flowers and frequently visit. 

"Mom, did you know I still have that corset you gave me? It's in my wardrobe. It's obviously too small from how much I've grown, but it's my way of...remembering you. I remember your bedtime stories that we would always laugh at. I remember you giving me affirmations every morning" Tears began to blur her vision and they gracefully rolled down her cheeks. 

"Father, I still remember all the trinkets you would bring me when I was younger. I still have the music box, locket and hairpin. I always remember admiring the way you worked. All those papers and countless hours you stayed up just so you could provide for me and mom..." 

Suddenly the tears just wouldn't stop. They came rushing out like a flood. The sound of Blythe's sobs increased. She could tell because a man at another grave walked up to her and patted her on the back. 

"It's okay. I know that they're in a good place." The man said and he cracked a smile. He was wearing a hat and his head was slightly tilted downwards, so Blythe couldn't see his face. She continued to sob, yet felt a sudden rush of assurance. She wiped her tears and thanked the stranger, then left. 

—-

"Auntie Sel! I'm back home!" Blythe exclaimed as she kicked off her shoes and set down her trunk. She listened out for the old woman's gentle voice, but there was only silence in response. 

"Aunt Sel...?" Blythe called out again. She began to run up the stairs. She burst into the woman's room, only to find her asleep on her bed. 

"Oh Aunt Sel, you gave me a scare." She tapped her aunt to awake her, but she didn't even flinch. 

"Aunt Sel?" Blythe lifted the woman's eyelid. To her shock and horror, her eyes were lifeless. 

"Aunt Sel! No, no, no!!" She ran all the way to town to retrieve the medic. Blythe didn't even realize how cold the ground was, she just ran, hoping that what had just happened was a nightmare. 

But it wasn't. 

—-

"We are here today to celebrate the life of Selene Penny Page." After those words, Blythe had to excuse herself. She just didn't understand why she couldn't have a happy life. 

There were many things Blythe had to think about. But the main thing she couldn't get off of her mind was how the hell she was going to survive. She didn't know of any other family members and she didn't even know if they knew she existed. To make matters worse, Blythe couldn't get a job until she was 17, and she had just turned 16 years old. She decided she didn't want to think about it anymore. 

After the funeral, Blythe went right back to her house and got in her bed. Her mascara began to run down her face, which stained her white bedsheets. But it didn't matter to her. Many people knocked on her front door to give their condolences, but she didn't bother to answer the door. She just weeped. 

—

~3 days after the funeral~

Blythe was sure she hadn't eaten anything in a while. She was starving herself on purpose, but she just couldn't take it anymore. When she finally got the strength to get herself up out of bed, she almost collapsed from how hungry and dizzy she was. She wobbled down the wooden stairs, trying not to faint.

 Blythe instantly went to the cupboard and got a box of Klaumorah tea. Then went to the well to draw some water. Blythe grabbed the heavy black kettle and placed it on the stove. Once the water started boiling, she put 4 teabags inside the kettle. When the tea was finally done brewing, she chugged it and she instantly felt better. Her tongue went numb from how hot the water was, but Blythe didn't care. That was just the power of Klaumorah—it was the remedy for all sickness. 

There was a knock at the door. She sauntered over to door and opened it, but nobody was there. However, there was a letter on the doorstep. She read the name out loud. 

"Kinsley Royale III..." She opened the letter and read it, wondering just who Kinsley Royale was. 

(If you can't read the letter it says:

First I'd like to send my condolences about Selene. I know she meant a lot to you. Second, I have heard of your situation. Provasian youth are not allowed to live on their own until they are 20, and well, you're only 16 years of age. This is why I'd like to open my home up to you. I was one of your father's coworker. You may have heard of me. Does Kinsley Royale ring a bell? Maybe not. Anyways, me and you father were great friends and if I had only known of his troubles, I would not be sending you this letter today. But yet, here I am. I will not force you to do anything you do not wish, but if you'd like to stay at my manor then you may do so. Just send a letter to this address. I wish you the best Blythe.

- Kinsley Royale III) 

An invitation to live at some random guy's manor? She wanted to decline, but at the same time she had nowhere else to go. So, she wrote a letter back. 

After an exchange of more letters, Blythe was set to move into Royale Manor on April 17th. She didn't know what lied ahead, but she did know this was the start of a new chapter of her life. 

Spring was at its beginning, and Blythe miraculously could feel the sun's warmth. 

————

I had so much trouble writing this chapter, but I'm glad I was able to finish! 

6/7/24 ❤️