The City of Ionia

A few days passed after my conversation with Owen.

My things were packed and ready to go—two suitcases filled with clothes and daggers that were safely sealed. I didn’t want anything to rip.

I waited outside for Owen. Today was the day. I was finally leaving Lyghtenberg.

I already quit my job. They questioned me—nothing too harsh, just curious as to why. I told them I was moving, which wasn’t a lie. I guess the manager was surprised.

I told the person at the front desk of my apartment complex my situation. Since I had already paid it off, he didn’t give me a difficult time. After a quick survey, I was good to go.

The sun beamed down. I used my hand to block its deadly rays. It looked like I was saluting to no one. Despite the sun’s brutality, it wasn’t hot. I wore black cargo pants perfectly fine without sweating.

To my right, a galloping horse with a covered wagon caught the attention of local civilians. A horse and wagon in Lyghtenberg were rare, considering the town wasn’t rich. It was something you would find in Clueknicks.

The craziest thing was that it stopped right in front of me.

“No way…”

Owen hopped out of the wagon with a smile. “Hi, Jill.”

I returned the greeting, stuttering in amazement.

“Aren’t these things costly?”

“What? A horse with an enclosed wagon? It’s only like… 25 golden outis coins.”

25?! Insane!

Only 25, also? Only? I guess the value of money differs from someone born into wealth.

“Here, let me help you with your stuff.”

“I got it.”

I carried both suitcases in each arm and flung them inside the wagon. A white exterior engulfed the inside, giving the riders complete privacy. The entrance and exit were the only things keeping it closed. The sturdy, wooden floor didn’t creak as I hopped in. I knocked on the seats before sitting. No cushion to sit on was displeasing, but it was not like I cared.

Owen hopped into the cabin after me and gave the driver directions. With a whip on the horse, we made a U-turn and began our journey.

I lived here for four years, and I accomplished nothing. I got a job, tried living a normal life, and sat at home all day. I didn’t go out, party during special events, or socialize.

I lay in bed all day, thoughts digging into my skin. I didn’t hate it here, but I didn’t enjoy it.

What did I do with my time? Nothing.

I didn’t chase my dream. Why? Was I scared? No. Hopeless? I didn’t think so. Did I not care anymore? That couldn’t be it. I thought about my dream every night. I pondered a lot while staring at the dark ceiling with the moonlight barely piercing through. Some thoughts were good, others not so much. After all, I wasted four years.

If I wasted four years here, why did my throat feel dry? Why did I care? Why was it so hard to look outside?

Oh.

That’s why.

We passed her apartment.

She helped, cherished, and loved me when I had no one. She was the one I relied on daily. I didn’t get a chance to tell her ‘goodbye.’

Why didn’t I say anything? She worked all day but was home at night. I could’ve gone then. Why didn’t I?

Was I scared of saying ‘goodbye?’

Who knew the last time I would see her? It could be years. Decades, even.

Someone shook me on my shoulder. “Jill…?”

“Y—Ya?”

“You’re crying.”

I buried my face into my palms, trying to control my jaded breath.

Four years. She treated me with care when no one else did; this is how I repay her—without even saying anything?

No. I couldn’t.

“Owen, stop the horse.”

He told the driver to pull over to the side.

I rushed through my stuff, moving everything that was packed carelessly.

Where is it? Where is—!

I grabbed what I was looking for and bolted out of the wagon.

“Give me some time, please.”

“Oh, okay.”

I ran as fast as I could and burst through the door. The man at the front calmly chewed on some plain white rice, questioning my rude entrance.

“Sorry.”

“Accepted. Just don’t do it again.”

I won’t be here to do it again, so don’t worry.

I skipped multiple steps on each flight of stairs until I reached the third floor. Her room was all the way down to the left.

She should be home right now. It’s a Sunday. She never worked Sundays. Before, she used to work every day and was overly exhausted. I convinced her to take a day off completely to rest up.

The importance of rest is equivalent to work. It took her a while to understand that, but I’m glad she did.

Here I was. Room 311.

“Here goes nothing.”

I lightly knocked on the door.

"Coming!" She acknowledged my knock on the other side with a muffled voice.

The door opened slowly.

“Jill? Well, isn’t this a surprise? C’mon in.”

I did just that.

In terms of interior design, her apartment was similar to mine. A kitchen to the left and right when entering, not a single plate on the counter or in the sink. Across the entrance, two twin beds rested beside the windows, allowing plenty of sunlight. In between the bed was a small crib for the baby that ran parallel to the wall. Miniature flowers and plants created a vibrant aura.

“It’s rare for you to show up unannounced,” she said.

Mia wore her blue and pink pajamas. Strange. It was past noon.

“Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“Never. Today is my day off, and I have nothing planned.”

I looked around once more and noticed something missing.

“Rein and Gabe aren’t here?”

“Gabe went to take Rein around in the park. It’s a nice day, and he needs some fresh air, so I booted him out and promoted him to baby duty. C’mon, take a seat. Do you want anything to drink? I have tea.”

I waved her off. “I’m good.”

I wasn’t hungry, nor did I want to drink anything.

“C’mon, I feel bad not giving you anything. Here, have a cranberry muffin.”

On second thought…

“I’ll gladly accept.”

Mia sat across the small, round table with a mug of tea that emitted steam. While she sipped in silence, I noticed something weird.

Her hair was a jumble of curls, some of which seemed to have a mind of their own. Strands were tangled like rope and seemed to go in every direction. I’d never seen her like this. She’d always have her hair tidy and ready to go.

Could it be that…

“Did you just wake up,” I asked.

“Eh?” she patted her frizzy hair a couple of times. “Yeah… like half an hour ago, heh. I went to bed close to two, so I’m still a bit tired.”

So that’s why she still had pajamas on.

“What were you doing up so late?”

She scratched her head with a daze and a slight chuckle. “Well… I got another job.”

I dropped the piece of my muffin.

“What?! Another job? You already have two.”

“Eh–heh. I know, I know. It’s not good for me, but I couldn’t refuse it. One of my coworkers at the salon hooked me up with a crazy job that pays really well. It’s another server job at a 24/7 bar. The shifts are kinda terrible, and when I say kind of, they’re pretty bad. From nine in the evening till one in the morning. Only for like two days a week, though. I get sooo much money in tips. I couldn’t refuse.”

“Mia…”

I was left speechless. The last thing I wanted was for her to work another job. Her body will soon not be able to handle it. Caring for her family and working constantly without getting a break is too much.

“Jill, remember how I said I wanted to open my own hair salon? I’m trying to work as much as possible and save as much as possible to do this. With this third job, I’ll probably have enough in three years rather than five or so.”

It wasn’t about that. I didn’t mind that she worked all these jobs. It was admirable. Her dedication to her goals was admirable.

I feared her body would break before she could pursue her dreams.

Ever since I met Mia, she spoke about this dream. It was the only thing she wanted. Working three jobs and taking care of an infant and little brother is going to destroy her. It’ll be too much for her to handle.

Especially if I was leaving town.

A kind soul like hers didn’t deserve to work non-stop.

“Mia, can I tell you something?”

“Hm? Sure, what is it?”

I hesitated. How should I say it? How should I explain myself? I couldn’t even look her in the eyes. Guilt flooded my body. She had cared for me all these years, and I struggled to open my mouth when it mattered the most.

“I…”

She tilted her innocent head.

“I… am leaving.”

“You’re not going to finish your muffin?”

“No, Mia,” I took a hard swallow. “I am leaving Lyghtenberg for good. I quit my job and moved my stuff out of my apartment. I’m going on a journey for myself.”

“What. You’re kidding, right?” Her voice quickly lowered.

“I wish I was.”

She laughed it off. “C’mon, don’t joke with me like that. You aren't anywhere. You’re just saying stuff to scare me.”

Her laugh died when she saw my straight face. I held no emotion—well, I showed no emotion. I was torn on the inside, wanting to cry, but I couldn’t appear weak to her.

“Mia, I’m going on a journey. I don’t know where, and I don’t know for how long, but I’m going. There are answers I need and have to find. I’m sorry.”

“So, a journey of self-discovery? Are you going to meditate in the mountains and achieve tranquility?”

Even at a moment like this, she didn’t lose her sense of humor. All I could do was smile and agree.

“Ya, something like that.”

She exchanged a smile. It wasn’t a smile of happiness but rather one that hid emptiness.

“If you come within three years, I’ll be here, waiting for you.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” I reached into my cardigan and plopped a brown bag tied with a golden strong.

“What is this?”

“A long time ago, a friend gave me this bag. It held 342 golden outis coins. I used some to buy my apartment and have sealed it ever since. Right now, the bag holds more than 300 golden outis coins. It should be enough to open a salon and buy an apartment.”

She was speechless. Her mouth didn’t move. She was frozen in spring. She glanced at the bag and me.

Her lips finally moved, but nothing came out. All she could do was shake her head.

“It’s yours, Mia,” I said, breaking the silence.

She finally spoke. “I can’t accept this. There’s no way I—”

“Mia. When I return from my journey, I will find your salon and get my haircut from you. I promise.”

Mia burst into tears that flew everywhere. She cried violently like a child. I got up and comforted her with a hug. Tears and snot hit my bare skin, but I didn’t care. I wanted to hold her like this forever.

“Jill… JIll!”

“I’m here.”

She returned the hug, falling off her chair.

“Visit my salon… please!”

“Of course I will.”

I tried my best to keep it together, sniffing and looking away, but I shed a tear or two in the end.

I’d been here longer than anticipated. Not that I minded, but I didn’t want to keep Owen waiting. Nevertheless, I wanted to be here longer. I wanted to be with her longer.

“I have to get going now, Mia.”

She collected herself and stood, wiping her messy face.

“This isn’t goodbye, right?” She asked, concerned.

“No, it’s more of a… see you later… type thing.”

She smiled whole-heartedly with snot and sticky tears covering her skin. “Well then, see you later.”

“Ya, see you later.”

I left and headed to the wagon that awaited me.

***

The ride was quiet. Owen attempted to have a conversation, but I brushed it off.

I didn’t want to speak. Thoughts of various things clouded my head. They weren’t going away.

The House with Answers.

Fate will bring me there inevitably. There’s no doubt about it.

When the time comes, history will not repeat itself.

I promised myself that no one would die by my mistakes or my stubbornness ever again.

No one will die. Period.

But that time would be for a while. There’s still much to learn. I have to be stronger and quicker with my moves and less hesitant in my decision-making.

I needed time to grow. Maybe it’s best that I waited for a while. Everything waits for its time. Even a rose doesn’t bloom before needing to, and even the sun doesn’t rise before needing to.

I’ll wait like a blooming rose, wait like the sun, wait for my time to go back. When I go back, my soul will not break. I promised myself that.

I will return to the House with Answers, find a way into the City of Ionia, and create the ideal world for all of us.

That was a given.