I'm home. Back in Penumbra.

My friends went their separate ways, saying goodbye to me before leaving.

Henry raised his eyebrow and asked, "What are you up to, Summer?".

"I have to go back, Henry. There's something I need to look for," I said, my voice filled with determination.

Henry looked at me for a long moment, considering his options.

Finally, he says, "I'll help you."

"You will?"

"Meet me tonight at the edge of the Winter forest."

He turned around to join Ingrid and Hailey.

"Wait!" I shouted.

"What's the matter?" he asked, confused.

"What do you mean by tonight? It's constantly both day and night here," I asked.

Time is confusing in Penumbra. Half of the island is always under the sun and the other half under the full moon. There are clocks but... What exactly does "tonight" mean? 

"Ah," realization dawned on Henry's face.

"Meet me when the clock hand is on the Winter quadrant, where 11 is supposed to be on a normal clock," he smiled before continuing, "You two better not be late,".

"What-"

He jogged ahead to catch up with Ingrid and Hailey before I could finish.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I laid in my bed next to the massive windows in my room, soaking up the sunlight and letting my thoughts run through my mind.

I had so many questions.

Who was she? The one who pushed me into the water.

Why can't I remember?

If Flamingo Florets were supposed to bring back our memories, why can't I remember anything?

Everyone in Corium had their memories returned to them, why not mine?

I don't remember anything from before mother sent me to Corium.

I don't have any memories from Penumbra.

I don't remember Winter.

Why?

I groaned as I curled up in bed, wishing all of this was just a dream.

I want to be normal again, without all of this nonsense. 

Me, Summer Seasons, keeper of Summer, daughter of Nature.

I have water powers. Gosh, I probably used to shoot fireballs for fun.

I chuckled at how ridiculous this was.

Knock knock.

"Come in," I moaned, annoyed that someone was here to interrupt my thoughts.

The door opened and Ramone walked in.

"Is everything alright, Ms. Seasons? I heard some rather distressful sounds," he asked.

He hesitated before coming closer.

"I miss being normal, Ramone. Life was so simple back then," I said.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Ms. Seasons. Is there anything I could help with to make you feel better?" he asked.

"Unless you have a way to make this all go away, then no."

He contemplated for a moment before walking towards my wooden closet at the far side of the room.

"What are you doing?" I sat up and asked.

"I have just the thing, Ms. Seasons!" he said enthusiastically as he moves my clothes out of the way to reveal a hidden compartment at the bottom of the closet. Its sides are charred as if someone used a blowtorch to trace out a square.

Yikes. Did I do that when I was a kid? I burnt my closet so I could hide some things?

He lifted the square up to reveal some odd-looking objects. I caught a glimpse of a few colorful beads, some photos, and a snow globe. I'd have to snoop through that later.

"How did you know about this?" I asked.

Ramone smiled and said, "I know everyone's secrets,".

"Did mother know about this?"

He mimed a motion as if zipping up his mouth.

"I also keep everyone's secrets."

Ramone continued to rummage through the hidden compartment until he said, "Aha! The Stealthy Feline,".

He handed me a pair of black cat eye glasses. It looked nothing out of the ordinary. Why would I hide this in there?

I widened my eyes and asked, "I used to be short-sighted?".

"Allow me to show you," he said as he put on the glasses.

Standing in front of me was a rather strange man. He had slick black hair, a curly mustache, and these emerald green eyes. He wore a dark red tuxedo with coattails that seemed to hover above the ground along with a pair of leather shoes with pointed ends. He had this pair of black cat eye glasses that made him look really odd. He looked vaguely familiar. Have I seen him before? No, I know it. I've definitely seen him before but I can't remember where. 

More importantly, what is he doing in my room?

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" I demanded.

The man smiled and gazed at me with those emerald green eyes.

"I need you to leave," I said.

The man took his glasses off and gave them to me.

"Ramone?" I asked.

Standing in front of me was Ramone. It was Ramone this whole time.

I feel so confused.

"People will only think that you look rather familiar when you wear these glasses. I may not be able to 'make all of this go away', Ms. Seasons, but I think a day out without anyone recognizing you may make you feel better," he explained.

"I can be normal for a day?" I asked.

He nodded and said, "Why not explore the towns instead of sulking in bed?".

A rush of excitement bubbled up in my chest. Exploring the biomes without anyone recognizing me sounds like a lot of fun. I can pretend to be normal, even for just a little while.

"That's really thoughtful of you, Ramone," I said.

He beamed and said, "I suggest you visit Clammie's in the Summer area, it was one of your favorite places to go,".

"Thank you, Ramone."

"Have fun, Ms. Seasons," he bowed and left the room.

I ran excitedly towards the full-length mirror and put on the glasses. I wonder if it will work on my reflection?

Standing in the mirror was a brunette with dark brown eyes that peered curiously at me. Her hair was in a side braid, covered in little daisies that contrasted with her brown hair. She wore an off-shoulder coral top and a light blue denim skirt with buttons in the shape of golden suns that ran down the middle. She had tan sandals with a golden sun on each ankle strap that went well with her slightly tanned skin. Her face was imperfect, with several sunspots on her skin and dark circles under her eyes. Despite that, she was attractive. Her skirt stopped mid-thigh and accentuated her long legs. The off-shoulder top looked flattering on her broad shoulders. She smiled warmly at me, her gaze hidden behind these cat eye glasses.

I shook my head and looked away.

I need to remember to avoid looking at my reflection while wearing these glasses. I almost lost myself back there.

I smoothed my skirt down and head out. I wonder what trouble I can get up to with these?