The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 62
Chapter 62
“…Yes, they’re… beautiful.”
My hand, having lost its purpose, retreated.
We walked for a while, the sound of water growing louder until the lake from yesterday came into view. Its tranquil surface shimmered, reflecting the spring sunlight. Mother looked down at me and smiled.
“My dear, have you ever ridden in a rowboat?”
Moments later, Mother stepped gracefully into a rowboat large enough for four and extended her hand to me.
“My dear, come aboard slowly.”
It was my first time in a boat, and I felt a flicker of fear. The unsteady surface felt strange beneath my feet. I momentarily panicked, but Mother’s firm grip helped me aboard.
This is amazing.
This wasn’t the time to be filled with wonder. My heart felt heavy, as if it might sink to the bottom of the lake, but my eyes, brimming with curiosity, darted around, taking everything in. The boat, freed from the dock, glided forward.
Wasn’t this something usually done by servants? But we were alone, and Mother, with practiced ease, effortlessly propelled the boat with the oars. The gentle splash of water and the rhythmic creak of the oars created a soothing melody.
“Tell me, what do you think of your first boat ride? Are you frightened?”
Mother’s voice, soft and gentle, blended harmoniously with the lake.
“No, I’m not afraid. And it’s… wonderful.”
The fresh scent of the clear lake water, mingled with the fragrance of the surrounding grass, filled the air. The vast expanse of water reflected the sunlight, scattering dazzling sparkles.
This was what they meant by translucent depths, by water mirroring the sky, embracing it. It felt like accessing the secrets of the world, secrets I had only been able to explore in books.
It was my first time seeing so much water, my first time floating in the middle of it. The words “wonderful” felt inadequate. I wanted to capture every detail—the light, the feel, the sounds, the smells—and hold them within my memory.
Caught up in the excitement, I leaned forward, peering down at the boat cutting through the water. My reflection, alight with fascination, stared back at me. Only then did I become aware of how I must appear.
…Stop acting like a child.
I straightened up, lowering my gaze, and nervously smoothed my skirt.
Sitting face to face, Mother must have seen everything.
I glanced at her. She tilted her head, a playful smile on her face, and released the oars. She extended a hand towards me.
“Would you like to try?”
“Me? Try… what?”
“Rowing. I’ll teach you.”
I searched her eyes, wondering if she was joking, but she seemed serious.
How can I row…?
What if I mishandled the oars and we both fell in? The horrifying image made me shake my head vehemently. But Mother was quicker. She took my hand and placed it on the oar.
“How can I row? We might both fall in…”
“Don’t worry, my dear. I’ll hold on.”
My hand, stiff with tension, rested on the oar as Mother guided it through the water.
It was heavier and more awkward than I expected.
But it’s moving forward.
Even though all I was doing was holding the oar, I felt a strange sense of control, as if I were steering the boat.
As we neared the center of the lake, a breeze picked up, whipping my loose hair around my face.
“Oh dear. I didn’t bring a hair tie. My dear, do you have one?”
“No, I don’t…”
Mother released my hand. I smiled awkwardly, trying to tame my hair, but again, she was quicker.
She tucked my hair behind my ears, smoothing it down. But the persistent wind quickly undid her efforts. Unlike me, her neatly styled hair remained perfectly in place.
“This won’t do. I’ll have to use my bracelet.”
A bracelet?
I wasn’t wearing any jewelry except my rings. Did she mean she would use her own bracelet to tie my hair?
What if it gets damaged?
I tried to decline, but she turned me around.
***
And so, I found myself entrusting my hair to Mother.
Emerging from the memory, I stared blankly ahead. The lake and the sky filled my vision. The sky stretched above, and below, the sky rested upon the surface of the lake.
I feel like I’ve been caught in a whirlwind these past two days.
In contrast to my turbulent thoughts, the surroundings were peaceful and serene. As Mother styled my hair, the wind subsided, leaving only a gentle, pleasant breeze. The boat became still, the sun warm against my cheeks.
It was surprisingly soothing to have someone tending to my hair. Her gentle touch, like a lullaby, made me drowsy. Just this morning, the mere thought of Mother had made my tongue feel thick with anxiety.
