02: Silent Acts
1222 Words
I walked side by side with Lara through the cobblestone streets of the bustling market. The air was filled with the chatter of merchants, the clink of coins exchanging hands, and the savory aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the sweetness of ripe fruits. I had my arms crossed, occasionally glancing at the lively stalls, but my mind was elsewhere.
Lara, ever attentive, broke the silence. "Miss Rhodes, I've been wondering... Do you remember anything about the accident? Anything at all?"
I sighed, my fingers brushing against the fabric of my dress. "I've tried. But it's all... blank. Just flashes of lights and the feeling of falling. Sometimes, I wonder if I'll ever piece it all together."
Lara's eyes softened. "And how does it feel? Not remembering anything, I mean."
I paused mid-step, my expression thoughtful. "It's like trying to grab smoke with your hands. Frustrating and... unsettling. But at the same time, I feel like there's something important I need to remember. Something that's just out of reach."
Lara reached out and gave my shoulder a reassuring pat. "We'll figure it out together, Miss Rhodes. You don't have to face this alone."
I smiled faintly. "Thank you, Lara. You've been like a sister to me, even if I can't fully remember it."
As we continued our walk, an elderly woman with a brightly adorned stall called out to us. Her voice was cheerful and inviting. "Oh, young ladies! Come and see my special beauty products! They'll bring out the radiance in your skin like nothing else!"
I hesitated but found myself drawn to the woman's warmth. Lara and I approached the stall, where colorful jars and bottles were neatly arranged.
The elderly woman leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with pride. "This cream here? Made from the finest rose petals! And this oil? It'll make your hair shine like the morning sun!"
I chuckled, amused by the woman's enthusiasm. "You certainly know how to capture attention."
"Oh, my dear," the woman said with a wink, "beauty deserves the finest care. And you, young lady, are already a vision."
Before I could respond, a sudden commotion erupted. A shadow darted past me, and the weight of my bag was abruptly yanked from my shoulder. Startled, I gasped, realizing my bag had been stolen.
"Stop! Thief!" Lara shouted, her voice cutting through the market's hum.
The thief, a wiry man, bolted down the street with my bag clutched tightly. The crowd parted, some shouting in alarm, while others merely watched in shock.
Just then, a tall, imposing figure appeared. A general in a crisp uniform, his cape billowing behind him as he strode into view. Without a moment's hesitation, he sprang into action.
In mere moments, he caught up with the thief, grabbing him by the collar and wrenching the bag from his grasp. The thief squirmed, but the general's grip was unyielding.
Lara and I rushed over, hearts pounding. The general turned to face us, his expression calm but stern as he handed the bag back to me.
I clutched my bag tightly, relief washing over me as I looked at the general. "Thank you," I said earnestly, my voice warm and genuine. "I really don't know what I would've done if you hadn't stopped him."
The general handed me the bag without a word, his cold gaze fixed ahead as if my gratitude didn't matter. He gave a curt nod, his grip on the thief firm, and turned to leave, his silence lingering like a heavy curtain between us.
...
I blinked, momentarily stunned. "Wait... that's it? Not even 'you're welcome'?" I murmured, more to myself than anyone else. My brows furrowed slightly, and I tilted my head, watching his retreating figure.
Lara leaned closer, a grin tugging at her lips. "Miss Rhodes, I don't think he's the chatty type."
"I can see that," I replied, my tone tinged with disbelief. I shook my head lightly. "I mean, I thanked him... Isn't it common courtesy to say something back?"
The general didn't turn around, didn't pause, didn't acknowledge my words at all. He just kept walking, dragging the thief behind him with unwavering focus.
I sighed, letting my arms fall to my sides. "Well, fine. If he doesn't want to say anything, I won't push it. At least he caught the thief." I gave a small, resigned shrug.
Lara chuckled, stepping beside me. "You sound more amused than upset."
I smirked faintly. "Oh, I'm not upset. Just... surprised. But whatever his reasons, I'm still thankful. That's what matters, right?"
As we resumed our walk toward the market, I cast one last glance in the general's direction, my curiosity lingering despite myself.
...
As Lara and I continued our walk through the bustling market, we stopped at a flower stall filled with vibrant blooms. Lara was admiring a bouquet of daisies when I suddenly noticed a familiar figure at the far end of the market-the general.
He was speaking to a merchant, his imposing presence standing out amidst the crowd. The thief was nowhere to be seen, likely already handed over to the authorities. I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity about the man who had saved my belongings but refused to utter a single word to me.
"Lara," I whispered, tugging at her sleeve. "Is that him?"
Lara followed my gaze and smirked. "It is. Are you planning to thank him again?"
I crossed my arms. "Not exactly. I'm not crazy, why would I?"
Without waiting for a response, I approached the general, weaving through the crowd.
"There she goes again, she said she won't say it again," Lara murmured to herself.
As I reached him, I called out lightly, "General!"
He turned, his expression impassive as his cold eyes met mine.
I offered a polite smile, though there was a teasing glint in my eyes. "You know, I never got the chance to properly thank you. Again. And maybe ask if you've ever heard of saying 'you're welcome'?"
The general raised an eyebrow, his face remaining stoic. He didn't respond, and the silence stretched just long enough to make me shift slightly on my feet.
"Well, I see we're sticking to tradition," I said with a small laugh, trying to mask my slight discomfort. "You're consistent, I'll give you that."
Before I could say more, a nearby commotion drew our attention. A young girl had tripped, spilling a basket of fruit onto the ground. Without a word, the general moved swiftly to help her, picking up the scattered fruit and handing it back with a nod.
I watched, intrigued. "He doesn't talk, but he sure acts," I murmured to Lara, who had caught up by now.
When the general returned, I stepped aside to let him pass, my curiosity growing. "You know," I said lightly, "I don't even know your name. Should I just keep calling you 'General'?"
He paused for the briefest moment, then resumed walking without so much as a glance back.
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. "He's impossible," I said. "Look at him go, see?? Next time I see him, I swear i will not start a conversation with him again."
I rolled my eyes. As we turned back toward the flower stall, I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder.
- Writer
