Chapter 2
1202 Words
...Lucia...
Gasping, I blinked several times before realizing—
I had another dream.
And this time… in the library?
I quickly gathered my things, stacking the books I had borrowed before returning them to their shelves. My eyes widened when I checked the clock.
8:00 PM.
“s**t,” I muttered under my breath. “How did I fall asleep in the corner of the library? Mom’s going to be worried.”
I offered a sheepish smile to the librarian, whose eyes widened in surprise.
“I thought you’d already left, Lucy!” she called after me.
I tapped my wrist to signal I was late. “Bye, Maria!”
Clutching my bag, I dashed out to my car, pulling my phone to my ear.
Click.
“Lucia, where are you?!”
I winced at the volume of my mother’s voice on the other end. “Sorry, Mom. I was at the library and didn’t realize that—”
“I should have known,” she cut in before I could finish. “Are you on your way home, or do you need more time to read?” Her tone was sharp, tired of my excuses.
I knew she wanted me to live a “real” life, to have friends and be normal. But I couldn’t. I was too awkward, too different. Talking to people always made me feel like I was on the verge of humiliating myself.
“It’s fine. I’m already on my way,” I sighed.
“See you at home, then.”
I started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. Most people could drive and talk on the phone. Not me. I was too smart to risk crashing because of distraction.
And then, as I drove…
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I missed you, Lucia...
Come back...
I need you...
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The words from my dream whispered through my mind. The same man. The same voice. The same place.
The forest. The massive castle.
I knew it. I’d seen it before. But where?
Was it from a book?
No. I was certain I’d seen it with my own eyes. Somewhere real.
HOOONNNNNKKKK!!
I jerked my hands on the steering wheel and blinked—realizing the light had turned green. The driver behind me honked again.
“Crap,” I muttered and quickly pressed on the gas.
I needed to stop daydreaming. Especially while driving.
Relief flooded through me as I pulled into the driveway and parked beside my mom’s car.
“I’m home!” I called as I stepped inside.
Mom was curled up on the couch watching House. I plopped down beside her, resting my head on her shoulder.
“Don’t scare me like that again. I was so worried, Lucia,” she said softly.
“Sorry, Mom.”
She stroked my hair gently. “Text me next time if you plan to stay late, okay?”
“I will,” I murmured.
“Good. Now go take a shower—you stink,” she teased, laughing when I rolled my eyes and stood to leave.
As I headed upstairs, I heard her phone ring.
“Laura Windham speaking,” she answered.
Then—
“WHAT?!”
I froze mid-step, heart lurching.
“Mom?” I dropped my bag and ran back down the stairs. “What’s wrong? Who was that?”
She stood frozen, phone still to her ear, tears beginning to fall.
“Mom?”
“Oh, Lusy…” she whispered, choking back sobs.
I grabbed her hands. “Mom, talk to me. What happened?”
She took a breath, voice trembling. “It was the police. They found your grandmother... she’s gone.”
“What?” I gasped. “What do you mean?”
“They found her dead… at home.” She cried harder, and I wrapped my arms around her.
My grandmother.
The woman who, when I was thirteen, suddenly called and forbade me from ever visiting her again. She never gave a reason. Just insisted I stay away from her hometown.
My mom had tried to understand, but Grandma never explained.
Now, she was gone.
“We need to go,” Mom whispered. “But… you were never supposed to—”
“Mom,” I cut her off, eyes burning. “She was my grandmother. I have to go.”
She hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. “You’re right. I’ll arrange everything and notify my office and your school.”
She stood, phone in hand, and I ran upstairs to pack.
I shoved my clothes into the large suitcase we used for family trips—back when we still took them.
Back when my dad still lived with us.
Back before his mistress became his wife.
I heard Mom downstairs, on the phone with the airline. By the time the taxi pulled into the driveway, we were ready.
The flight to Dublin passed in a blur. I stared out the window the entire time.
It was the first time I truly remembered going to Dingle.
From Dublin, we took a two-hour bus ride through the rolling hills of Ireland. When I commented on how far away Grandma’s hometown was, my mom only gave me a sad smile.
At the bus station, we picked up a rental car—a station wagon my mom had booked in advance.
As we loaded our luggage into the back seat, the driver smiled at us. “Dingle’s a beautiful little town. First time visiting?”
Mom shook her head. “My mother lived here,” she said shortly.
As they chatted, I slipped on my headphones and opened a book, letting their conversation fade.
But I guess I was more tired than I thought. Within minutes, my eyes grew heavy.
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You're here…
Lucia, you're back…
My Lucia…
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“Lucia!”
My mother’s voice jolted me awake.
“We’re here,” she said, already stepping out of the car.
I blinked and followed her, stepping down onto the gravel drive.
My eyes lifted toward the house.
A quaint Victorian cottage, with a flower garden on one side and—
There.
Just beyond it…
The forest.
“Oh my God…” I whispered, pressing a hand to my mouth.
It was the forest from my dreams.
The exact one.
“Is it possible?” I breathed.
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Luciaaa...
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The wind whispered again, clearer than ever.
My heart pounded in my chest.
They were calling my name.
“Lucia?” Mom called, pulling me from the trance.
“Come, we need to go inside.”
I nodded silently, casting one last glance at the forest before hurrying toward the house.
A cold gust of wind wrapped around me, making me shiver.
I hugged my arms tightly to my chest and stepped inside.
What is this place?
It felt alive.
Like something was watching me.
Like the wind itself knew my name.
If only I knew…
That someone had been watching me.
From the moment I crossed the sea.
From the moment I stepped into the town of Dingle.
He knew I was coming.
And this time...
He wouldn't let me go.
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"Welcome back, Lucia...
My Lucia."
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- Writer
