Unravelling The Mystery

I woke up with a start, feeling a bit more energized. Slowly, I took in my surroundings. I was in a spacious room with beautiful decorations. The space was spotless, well-arranged, and felt very homely.

The thought of home brought a pang to my heart, and memories started to flow in. I remembered my birthday and then the strangers, but after that, my memory became hazy.

Deciding to rise and explore, I stood up carefully. My legs nearly gave out, so I braced myself against the headboard. Taking small, cautious steps, I felt like I hadn’t walked in ages.

As I surveyed the room, I noticed it was decorated with flowers and several trees. Pictures of people, presumably from the same family line, adorned the walls. I studied them until I reached the first photo, which appeared to be the oldest.

It was the picture of a very beautiful woman. So beautiful, in fact, that the beauty of the others in the frames seemed small and insignificant in comparison. When I looked closer, a strange sense of familiarity washed over me. I couldn’t place it, but I felt like I had met her before. But that couldn’t be possible. The photo seemed ancient, and there was no way I had met her. I tried to remember, but it felt like a piece of a puzzle was missing.

After a while, I stopped trying to force the memory. I reasoned that I would remember when the time was right. Maybe my brain was too tired to focus on it, although it felt so close, just out of reach.

I continued my exploration. I checked the bathroom, and it was by far the most elegant and beautiful bathroom I had ever seen. Then again, I’d never seen anything like this back at The Home, where the bathrooms were basic and shared.

Next, I checked the closet. It was a walk-in closet, filled with elegant and expensive clothes. Whoever lived here must be incredibly wealthy. I dreamily touched the soft fabrics of the beautiful gowns, then moved on to the trousers and shorts, which also looked pricey. There was an entire section of neatly arranged tops and sweaters, each one more luxurious than the last.

It was every girl’s dream. I had only ever seen such things in movies, and even that felt unbelievable. It was as if I were living a dream.

Eventually, I returned to the room, feeling the exhaustion finally catch up with me. I decided to lie down on the king-sized bed. It was so comfy! I loved this room, but it felt beyond my league. I had learned to get by without many comforts.

Just as I started dozing off, my stomach growled loudly. I flushed red, mortified. What if someone had been in here? The growl echoed in the quiet room, and I felt incredibly embarrassed.

My body was desperate for food. I loved eating, and food was very important to me. I debated what to do, but the hunger was undeniable. I didn’t know anyone here or where I was, but my stomach won the argument. I decided to venture out and find food.

As I got out of bed, the door opened, startling me.

In came the lady I’d seen with the strangers. Seeing her made me realize the room must belong to her. She must have let me stay here for a few hours, and maybe soon I’d be taken to regular quarters.

She looked very surprised. Shock was evident on her face. "You’re awake already? Oh my gosh, I’m so surprised!" she exclaimed.

I wondered why she was surprised. I had just been sleeping, right? My anxiety grew. Maybe I had overslept. Maybe they were angry with me, but I couldn’t find any trace of anger in her expression.

She seemed to notice my confusion because her next words shocked me more than her surprise at seeing me awake.

"You’ve been out of it for two weeks!"

Two weeks? That couldn’t be right. I thought to myself. But the lady continued, saying they had been worried about whether or not I would wake up.

Instinctively, I blurted out, "I’m hungry." Just as I spoke, my stomach growled again—louder this time! I blushed hard, wishing the floor could swallow me up.

The lady laughed, and my blush deepened.

She finally introduced herself as Gabby. She was kind and warm, telling me to take a shower and change, and she’d escort me to get some food. I hesitated. Was I supposed to use the bathroom in this room? And what would I change into?

I was currently wearing a gown, and honestly, I was starting to smell. No, scratch that—I *really* smelled! The gown was no longer an option. As if reading my mind, Gabby told me I was free to use the bathroom and find a change of clothes in the closet.

I was about to thank her when she shocked me again. She said all the things in the room were mine. I sat there, staring at her, completely stunned. Was this a dream? I couldn’t believe it.

Gabby nodded toward the bathroom, and I walked toward it, still in a daze.

When it finally sank in, I couldn’t help but let out an exaggerated, girly squeal. Even if this wasn’t real, I allowed myself to think it was. I enjoyed the shower and took my time picking out an outfit from the heavenly closet. I chose high-waisted black soft jeans, a dark grey hoodie, and white sneakers.

I felt amazing. It wasn’t until my stomach growled loudly again that I remembered I was hungry.

I quickly left the closet and found Gabby.

She smiled at my outfit, and I could tell she approved. Her compliment made me feel even better. I sheepishly thanked her, then reminded her of the food.

Wow, I thought to myself. Hunger really can make you familiar with a total stranger. But Gabby didn’t feel like a stranger. There was this odd connection I couldn’t explain, though I didn’t comment on it.

Finally, we left to find food, and I couldn’t help but feel excited.