He gritted his teeth, face red with anger.
That look, I knew it all too well, it was the same expression he wore whenever he trashed me. I swallowed my breath, i couldn't give up. Not now.
He charged at me, like a bull chasing a red cloth while i ran around like a rat about to be devoured by a cat, still clutching the ring as tight as I could. I wanted to just run out of the house, but i needed answers.
The chase continued, like prey being hunted by its predator. In the heat of the moment, i tripped. It was the same table I had stumbled upon. I let out a scream of pain, gently rubbing the affected area. As I looked up, father was right before my eyes. An evil smile appeared on his face.
"Time up," he said.
Unwilling to give up, i held the ring as tight as possible. The struggle began. It was a tug of war between father and daughter. An inhumane strength came upon me, a kind of strength that no 16-year-old girl should possess.
Why are you so strong? , I've beat you many times before and this time will be no different.
As the struggle went on, he suddenly tried to pull his hands out.
Blood?", how did blood get on my palm? I quickly scanned my hands, the blood wasn't mine. I looked up to see blood dripping from father's hand. I must have bruised he's finger with the ring.
So even father is capable of getting injured.
His eyes filled with rage, the room was silent except from the sound of his angry breath and blood dripping from the ring.
The ring was emitting a bright glow, what it means? I don't know
Now he was charging at me fast, his fist clenched tightly.The light from ring became brighter and brighter, he was about to hit me when the light shone at it's brightest, blinding us both for a second.
I opened my eyes again and he was gone.
Where did father go?
This isn't the house so, Where am I?
How did I even get here?
This must be the rings doing.
The ring was still in my hands but the glow had stopped.
"People!", There are so many people.
This doesn't look like the forest, so what is this place and who are all this people?
I tried to ask where i was, but it seemed like no one could see or hear me.
Standing there I screamed , "Can anyone hear me?" but no reply.
I wandered around like a ghost, people just walked by without noticing me.
That voice, I know that till voice. I ran to where the voice was coming from.
Is that dad? It is, isn't it, just not the one i knew now, but the one i had seen in the pictures.
I went closer, trying to get his attention, but just like the rest, he couldn't see or hear me. Everyone else was quiet and repeated the same motion over and over. It was only his voice i could hear, and only his movements were different. It was just like the visions i had before.
Are these dad's memories?
Everything was in black and white, except from father. The whole place seemed to be divided into rooms. Each room contained a different memory. He was indeed a happy man, a kind one at that. Just like the documents stated he was a successful bakery owner, a rich one at that. He was a loving, kind, and gentle person. A handsome man with brown hair and ocean blue eyes. A good build and a welcoming smile. A lot of ladies at the time yearned to be his bride, but he would just say, The right one will come.
I was determined to find out what happened in my dad's past.
Eric's POV
Looks like it's time to close up for the day. Boy am i tired.
I'll lock the gate the door then head home,
Is someone crying?
I went outside to find a beautiful young lady, black hair and brown eyes, a slender beauty dressed in rags. She sat there near the trash bins in tears; her stomach rumbled in hunger.
I couldn't just leave her like that, so i walked up to her and offered to help her out.
Excuse me, what are you doing by the trash and why are you crying.
The girl flinched.
Sorry, am I bothering you, I'll leave .
No, no, I just want to know what's wrong.
You really don't have to worry, I'll leave.
Her stomach rumbled loudly.
I was about to close for the day but no customer leaves my bakery hungry.
Customer? No, no, you are mistaken sir, I can't possibly afford anything.
Don't worry it's on the house.
Why would you offer to give a stranger free food. You would be at a loss.
Well, I don't think I need to gain anything to help others out.
But, but, I.
Enough talk, get inside.
She was hesitant but she eventually gave in.I served her some bread, and other pastries. She ate in a quick but civilized manner, even wiping her mouth when she was done.
Uhm, thank you, I'm sorry I don't have anything
repay your kindness.
That's OK, if you really want to repay me, how about you tell me why a beautiful lady such as yourself was crying by the trash bin.
She was silent for a while.
That's because I have no where to go.
What? And why would that be?
I'm sorry I can't give you the details. I should probably take my leave.
Where to?
I'll figure something out.
Now, I can't have that happen.
I know how about you come with me.
With you?
Yes to my house, I'll help you figure something out.
I can't possibly do that, you've helped me enough. I wouldn't want to burden you unnecessarily.
I insist, besides you won't stay for free.
I don't have any thing of value on me, how could I possibly pay you?
Like I said we'll figure it out. Where are my manners.
"I'm Eric, and you are? she hesitated,
"Anastasia."
"Well, it's a lovely name."