She watched Ericka closely as she and her childhood friend, Gerald, strolled through the dense forest. Chesca hesitated—unsure whether to reveal her true identity, that she wasn't Ruth, but Chesca.
I don't know if it's better to reveal it, or just keep it a secret until this trip is over, she thought, sighing as she followed the two ahead of her.
Growing up, she had no one she could truly call a friend. Their father forbade them from going out or speaking to other children. Her only companions had been her sisters. But now, under the guise of Ruth—even though it was a lie—she had found someone to talk to. A friend. Someone who made her laugh. Someone who, even temporarily, made her feel like she didn't have any problems. For a moment, she was happy.
Chesca clenched her fist at the thought.
"Ruth?" Ericka called out.
Chesca turned toward her, noticing the concern in Ericka's eyes. She smiled gently.
"Ah… I was just thinking about something," she said, hoping to ease her worry.
Ericka nodded. As they walked on, she scanned their surroundings. She couldn't ignore the unease creeping in—she knew exactly where they were heading.
She furrowed her brow and looked around again, confirming her suspicion.
I'm not mistaken. I know this place.
They continued walking. Chesca threw a glance at Gerald, who was chatting casually with Ericka. Anyone familiar with the forest would know: this path could lead to either their downfall—or their salvation.
Are they just leading us around for this outing? she wondered, silently following. The place haunted her; the memories refused to fade.
"Be careful here. There are traps—for animals," Gerald warned.
"Eh? There are animals living here too?" Ericka asked, surprised.
Chesca stayed quiet but observed everything closely.
No animals live here… because my father killed them all.
To her, the word "animal" had another meaning.
Fernan always told me—there are many lost animals here. But it's the people who are worse.
She clenched her fists.
"Oh, someone almost got into trouble here," Gerald added.
"Your classmate?" Ericka asked.
"No, just like you—an outsider. It was the first time I saw her."
They exchanged glances.
"Did you ask her name?" Ericka followed up.
Gerald thought for a moment. "Ah!" he suddenly exclaimed, remembering. "Thalia."
Chesca immediately caught the look Ericka shot at her.
"Thalia?" Ericka echoed.
Gerald nodded. "Do you know her?"
"There are a lot of Thalias around here."
"I think she lives over there," Gerald said, pointing.
Chesca furrowed her brow.
No one lives there, she said inwardly.
"Huh? Wasn't there someone living there before?" Ericka asked.
Gerald just smiled and chuckled.
"Well, when you left here as a kid, there were houses in that area," he replied.
Chesca's frown deepened. She knew this land. She knew it was owned.
"Who lives there?" Ericka asked.
Chesca continued listening as Gerald paused, thinking.
"Hmm? What was their last name again?" he muttered, crouching down. They all paused, waiting for him.
"Tejero—Tejero is the surname," he finally remembered.
Chesca swallowed. Her throat felt dry, so she cleared it, catching their attention.
"Sorry—my throat's a bit itchy," she said quickly.
"I also know the Tejero family," Gerald added.
The others nodded.
"Maybe she's there," he suggested.
They began walking toward the direction Gerald had pointed. Chesca's heart was racing. She wasn't ready to face Thalia again. The anxiety of their possible reunion—of what to say—gripped her.
The Tejero family… they were the ones who helped her escape death at the hands of her own father.
Fernan Tejero. That name burned in her memory. She also remembered Vincent Tejero—Vince—someone she grew close to. The realization that this might be the Tejero family's hideout shook her. Why was Thalia here, in this place they once called their nest?
She was lost in thought when they arrived in front of a small two-story house. The surroundings were quiet, the house almost inviting.
"Let's go home. No one's here," Ericka called out.
"Looks like it," Gerald agreed.
They were about to turn back when they came across a woman carrying a basin.
Chesca felt tears threaten to fall—she recognized her. Vince's eldest sister. The one who helped her when she was a broken, wounded escapee. The one who treated her injuries when her life had been on the brink.
Chesca wanted to embrace her, but she held back the flood of emotions.
The woman smiled warmly at them.
"Good day," Ericka greeted.
"Good day to you too." The woman's gaze drifted from one companion to the next, landing on Chesca. She stared at her for a long moment… then smiled gently.
Chesca smiled back, eyes full of unspoken emotion.