The Lost Fan

Chapter One

Chapter One

“Are you decided to leave the house?” Jaime asked. “Yeah, my decision’s final. I’m going to start to living alone. You don’t have to worry that much. Besides, mom and dad already agreed about this plan of mine.” Aberdeen answered Jaime. “But Aberdeen –,” “Brother, please? This is also for my work. I need to focus on writing my new novel, and I’ll start with a new environment,” she cut-off what Jaime is about to say.

The siblings are in the balcony, discussing about Aberdeen’s plan to move out from their home and live alone in the countryside to start her new work as a writer. Jaime is trying to change her mind about leaving and just continue to do her new work in their home, but she is determined to move out.

 Her brother sighed in defeat, “Fine. I guess no one can change your mind now.” “We’re just worried about you living alone, you know that right? We don’t want that thing to happen again to you, when you live on your own,” he continued. Aberdeen looked at her worried brother and said, “I will be fine, okay?”

“Aside from that, it has been years since it happened. I don’t even remember what exactly happened that time,” she continued with a little laugh. “You have to promise me one thing, Aberdeen,” Jaime paused. “Promise me you’ll visit us here every month,” he stated. “Silly, of course I’ll visit you guys! It’s just a drive away from my new place,” Aberdeen answered as she went close to her brother to give him a hug. Jaime hugged her back while saying, “Take care of yourself we won’t be there for you now when you get sick.” Aberdeen let go from the hug and nodded with a smile to her brother.

Aberdeen moved to her new home days after the talk with her brother. There is nothing much to do since her things were moved first and settled before her moving in. The new house is in a small subdivision located in the countryside, two-hour drive away from the city. She also liked the area because most of the establishments are just a minute away. “Eilidh did a good work finding me a place,” she thought to herself.

In the afternoon, lost in her thoughts while resting, the doorbell suddenly rang. Aberdeen went to check who came, and there she saw Eilidh her best friend standing outside, she immediately opened the door to welcome her.

“Deen! How’s your new home my dear friend?” Eilidh greeted as she hugged her. She instantly went to her house after hearing from Aberdeen that she moved today. “I love it, Eilidh!” answering her question. “But I thought you switched duties with your workmate today in the clinic?” Aberdeen asked after.

Eilidh is a veterinary doctor, she is supposed to be on duty at the clinic today as she is filling in for her co-doctor who took a leave of absence. That is why Aberdeen is surprised to see her today, in the afternoon at it. Eilidh answered, “I was! But he came in for his duty today, saying his prior plan got cancelled so he just decided to go to work, then I went straight here to check on you.” She continued jokingly, “So that answers your question, milady.” Aberdeen laughed at her remark. “Silly, I’m just surprised to know that you directly went here from your work,” she answered.

An hour passed while the two are catching up with the recent happenings in their life. Eilidh got up from the couch, “Actually, there’s another reason for you to love your new place Deen.”

“There’s more?” Aberdeen asked puzzled. “Yes! Let’s go to the park. I know you’ll love what you’re about to see,” Eilidh replied.

They both headed to the park, Eilidh leading the way. Aberdeen who’s pondering what Eilidh will show her still followed her. As they arrived at the park, people are everywhere since it was nearing sunset. Aberdeen asks herself, how long do they still need to walk to her that surprise?

“We’re here,” Eilidh announced.

Aberdeen was captivated by what she saw, in front of her is a mini forest.

“Wow,” she exclaimed. “It’s wonderful! This place will help me with my writing. The green surroundings calms and relaxes me,” she continued.

“Thank you for showing me this place, Lidh.” She hugged her as cannot contain the excitement. “You are always welcome, Deen. Seems you really loved the place since you called me Lidh. You rarely call me with that name unless you’re this excited,” Eilidh said laughing at the last part.

“There are also some animals that was seen here, like rabbits and squirrels,” she told her. “Really? That’s more reason to like it here,” Aberdeen answered. They sat there for minutes to rest.

“It’s getting dark now. Let’s head back, you can come again here in the next days, since you live near,” Eilidh stated.

“Sure. Have dinner in my place Lidh, I’ll cook for you,” she told her. “Serve me your best dish then,” she replied as they both head back.

As they walk back, Aberdeen noticed a café. “I didn’t notice this café earlier on the way to the park,” she told Eilidh. “Oh, this is my first time seeing this too. Maybe it just opened recently,” Eilidh replied. “I guess I’ll check that place sometime if it is a good place for work,” Aberdeen said as they walk again.

Inside the café was a man sitting. He was astonished by what he saw from the outside, “Did I just saw her or it is only another person?”

“What am I even thinking, it’s been years since last I saw her” he thought to himself.