Chapter 33: (Aaira's pov)
6 August, 2025.

The following days felt like a surreal blur, each one blending into the next with a strange mix of comfort and unease. It had been six days since I'd started living in Ian's home.

I had tried my best to maintain a polite distance from Ian, not wanting to give him the wrong signals. I was married, and he knew it now. But even with this knowledge, there was an underlying tension in our interactions.

It wasn't that Ian was unkind or intrusive-quite the opposite, in fact. He was considerate and respectful, always making sure I had everything I needed. Yet, there was a certain awkwardness, making our conversations stilted.

Each morning, I would wake up to the sounds of the house stirring to life. The soft hum of the magical machine that would wash the clothes itself, the clinking of dishes in the kitchen, and the gentle murmur of voices as Ian and Azura started their day.

I would lie in bed for a few moments, gathering the strength to face another day away from Jungkook and Aimin. The ache of missing them was a constant companion.

Azura was a bright spot in my days. Her boundless energy and innocent curiosity were a welcome distraction from my own thoughts. She would often burst into my room in the mornings, her face lit up with excitement as she clutched her stuffed kitten.

I couldn't help but smile at her antics. She reminded me so much of Aimin, and the bittersweet pang of missing him would resurface every time I saw her. I took care of my wound on the shoulder too.

Ian, for his part, was unfailingly polite. He would greet me each morning with a gentle smile, asking if I had slept well and if there was anything I needed. Our interactions were cordial but brief, both of us seemingly aware of the unspoken boundaries between us.

I was grateful for his kindness, but I also felt a growing sense of awkwardness. There were moments when our conversations would falter, and an uncomfortable silence would settle between us.

The night was still, the house cloaked in a comforting quietness. Azura had insisted on sleeping in my room. Her small body snuggled close to mine, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. She reminded me so much of Aimin. I wish I had Aimin with me too.

Azura: Aaira, sleep here.

Her voice was small, and I had no heart to deny her. I smiled weakly, nodding my agreement.

Aaira: Alright, Azura. You can stay here.

As we settled into bed, Azura fidgeted with something small and rectangular in her hand. The same thing that scared me that day, which has my photo in it too. She caught my curious gaze and her face lit up with excitement.

Aaira: What are you playing with ?

Azura: Phone!

Aaira: What is it ?

Azura: You, no know ?

I shook my head as no, as she held up the device, its sleek, black screen reflecting the dim light of the bedside lamp. My heart pounded in my chest. I had never heard of these strange devices from the stories people in the 1800s told, but seeing one in real life was different, it's like a magic.

Aaira: A phone?

Azura: Yes! Can call, play games, watch videos!

The concept seemed alien to me. A device that could do all those things? I stared at it, my curiosity piqued but also filled with trepidation. She was giggling when she mentioned the name games, I could never imagine playing games in this small rectangular thing.

Azura: Here, I'll show.

She turned on the device, the screen lighting up with a soft glow, I was scared but I tried not to show it. She navigated it with ease, her small fingers swiping and tapping confidently.

Azura: Look, you unlock it. swipe here.

She demonstrated, and the screen changed to show various icons and pictures. I watched in awe, my mind struggling to comprehend how it all worked.

Azura: And this you call someone. See this little thing?

Aaira: This Little picture?

Azura: It's for the phone. You just tap it and then you can dial a number.

I watched as she tapped the icon, revealing a keypad, I was really confused. She pressed a few numbers, then quickly canceled the call before it went through.

Azura: And if you want to talk to someone, you press this green button.

The simplicity of her explanation was at odds with the complexity of the device. My fingers trembled slightly as I reached out to touch the screen, what if it just exploded ?

Aaira: This is...amazing.

Azura beamed at my reaction, clearly pleased with herself. Now she was proud of her own self, giggling loudly.

Azura: You can even take pictures and send them to people!

She demonstrated, holding the phone up and snapping a picture of the two of us, I was scared how could this be possible? It was really so alien, It was not like a mirror, The picture froze on the screen. As the image appeared instantly on the screen, and I gasped at the clarity and detail. How was this possible? It takes me days to draw Jungkook, or hours to Jungkook to sketch me, it was so out concept to me.

Aaira: How does it do that?

Azura: It's like magic, right? But it's not.

I nodded, though the explanation did little to quell my amazement. The idea of capturing moments instantly, of communicating with someone far away, seemed like pure magic to me. I wish I could have done it with Jungkook, Aimin, and the rest of my family.

Azura: Here, Aaira. You try.

She handed me the phone, and I took it hesitantly. The device felt cool and smooth in my hand, and I tentatively tapped the screen. The icons responded to my touch, and I felt a small thrill of accomplishment.

Azura: You're doing it!

My hand slightly trembled, but she held my hand tightly to make it firm.

Azura: Now, if you want to call someone, you just tap the green icon.

I followed her instructions, pressing the green icon. The keypad appeared, and I looked at it, feeling a mix of fear and determination. What was Jungkook's number ? Does Jungkook even had a number ? I was confused, but he was the first and the last person I wanted to dial to.

Aaira: What number should I dial?

Azura thought for a moment. I wish she knew Jungkook's number.

Azura: How about Daddy's number? You can call him and say goodnight.

She recited Ian's number, and I carefully tapped each digit, my heart racing. Once I had entered the number, I hesitated, my finger hovering over the green button. I didn't wanted to call him, but i wanted to learn it incase Jungkook ever call me, how would I be able to pick up the phone ?

Azura: Go on, press it.

I took a deep breath and pressed the button. The phone made a strange ringing sound, and I held it to my ear, my heart pounding. After a few rings, Ian's voice came through, sounding slightly muffled but clear. How in the hell was it possible?

I still can't believe it ? I looked here and there in the whole room, trying to figure out where was Ian ? I quickly peeked under the bed but he was not there, I just took a deep breath, before taking at look back at that magical thing. I wish I could gift one of these to Jungkook this year on his birthday.

Ian: Hello, Azura?

I was shocked, so shocked, still this concept was too unreal to me, I just stared at the screen with wide eyes, on the other side he kept talking but I was too frightened to respond.

Ian: Azura, are you alright?

Azura: Daddy, me good, talk Aaira now.

She quickly shake my arm.

Azura: Aaira, say something!

Aaira: Hi, um, Ian. It's... It's Aaira.

There was a pause, more of a gasp, then Ian's voice filled with warmth, his voice was raspy. It was as if he was already sleeping and i disturbed it.

Ian: Aaira! This is a surprise. How are you?

Aaira: I'm fine. Azura is teaching me how to use a phone.

Ian: Wait what ? You don't know how to use a phone.

I shook my head in hope he would see it, Azura lightly slap her forehead and shouted.

Azura: Aaira ! This no video call. Daddy can't see you.

She snatched the phone from my hand as she pressed some more icons on it, Ian quickly shouted from the other side.

Ian: Azura, No!

Azura: Daddy, Shh! I'm a teacher.

She sighed.

Azura: Call me, Azura ma'am.

Ian: Azura ma'am please...

Azura: Silence ! Im teaching.

She quickly turned her head towards me as the screen was once again like a mirror, What was this now, suddenly the screen shifted and I saw Ian laying on his bed. He was shirtless. I quickly looked down.

Azura: This is video call. Now you can nod.

I give her an awkward smile, before nodding again, but not looking at the screen this time.

Ian: What is it Aaira ?

He said as he shifted himself deeper into his blanket, I was grateful he did. His voice was comforting. I had made my first phone call. I was happy yet I was disappointed that it was not for Jungkook.

Aaira: I just wanted to say goodnight.

Ian: Goodnight, Aaira. And goodnight to Azura too.

Azura giggled beside me, clearly pleased with herself. I smiled, feeling a bit more confident. She proudly smiled as she passed a flying kiss at the screen, Ian was engrossed with her cuteness as well.

Aaira: Goodnight, Ian.

Azura was about to hang up the phone, but I stopped her, as i looked at Ian before giving him a soft smile, I said.

Aaira: Ian, Goodbye.

He smiled back and said.

Ian: See you tomorrow.

I knew he wouldn't see me tomorrow, neither would Azura. I couldn't stay here for any longer, the guilt of living here might kill me alive. So I just nodded in response, couldn't say anything further. We ended the call, and I handed the phone back to Azura. She looked at me with pride in her eyes. She quickly stood on the bed and started jumping.

Azura: You did it, Aaira! Your first call!

I laughed softly, feeling a sense of wonder and achievement. The phone, which had seemed so strange and intimidating, was now a source of connection, somehow.

Azura: I'm a proud teacher now ! Yay!

Aaira: Thank you, Azura. You're a great teacher.

Azura beamed, snuggling close to me.

Azura: Daddy says, I'm smart.

Aaira: He's right. You are very smart.

As we settled into bed, I couldn't help but think about how much the world had changed since my time. The phone was just one of many marvels, and I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about learning more. But I had no time, I can't stay here forever, no matter what i had to go back to my world, and for that I had to find the medium. I can't just always sit here and do nothing.

Azura: Tomorrow, I'll show you more things on the phone.

Aaira: I'd like that.

I started to lull Azura to sleep, humming a soft tune my mother used to sing to me. Her small body relaxed against mine, and soon her breathing grew steady and even. When I was sure she was deeply asleep, I gently eased myself out of bed, making sure not to wake her.

I moved toward a small table in the corner of the room, my thoughts racing. I knew I couldn't stay here any longer. The guilt and longing for Jungkook and Aimin were too overwhelming. I had to find a way back to them, to my own world, no matter the cost.

Quietly, I picked up Azura's bag from the corner and started searching for paper and a feather with ink, but I found neither. Instead, I found an assortment of strange items, including a pack of crayons. I hesitated, then grabbed a sheet of paper and a blue crayon. It would have to do.

I sat at the table, the dim light from the bedside lamp casting a soft glow over the room. Taking a deep breath, I began to write:

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Dear Ian and Azura,

Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. You've given me a place of refuge when I needed it the most, and for that, I am deeply grateful. However, I cannot stay any longer. I have a family who needs me, and I must find my way back to them.

I would forever and ever be thankful, that you saved me from dangers without gaining or expecting any profit from it. I'm grateful for everything you've ever done for me. I really enjoyed being here with Azura, but trust me, I can't live with the pain and guilt of being a burden on you, and staying away from my own husband and child.

I hope you grow her really well, which I know you absolutely would, she really reminds me so much of my own son. I'm going to miss Azura but this can't be the reason for me staying here any longer. If I don't leave now, i might die internally with the Suffocation of betraying my own family.

Azura, Is a gem. She's really a good girl, she's sweet, and innocent. I hope she never loses her innocence, and I hope the world be great to her. I hope she always brings happiness in your life and you become her proud daddy.

I hope, You never find me again, so please don't look for me either, I can't live here any longer, Ian. I'm genuinely very sorry, you've always been kind, and I'm leaving like cowards, when you both are sleeping.

I'll find my way on my own, I hope you understand this was the only right thing I could have done for now. Right now, I can only tell you that, Im happy that you find me on the road that day, i get to meet Azura. But don't look for me anymore.

No matter how many times i be thankful to you, or to Azura, it's never going to be enough, I hope you hear stories about me again, though it might seem ridiculous to you now, but I hope you understand in future, who I really were.

Hope it is a good story, not a bad one, with a bad ending....

Don't let Azura cry for me, and tell her that I went to my own family. Even if by any chance, I didn't, please assume that's I did. And that I'm happy, with my husband, my child, and my people, from where I belong to.

I wish you and I never meet again.

Tell Azura that, I Love her. Azura, you are a wonderful, bright girl. Keep learning and exploring the world with the same curiosity and enthusiasm you have shown me. Ian, thank you for your understanding and respect. You'll be a good friend to me always.

If I could, I would tell me family about you, surely. Only if I had that much of a courage. Thank you for trusting me not the old couple. Don't go there and ask for me, you wouldn't find me there either.

I may have sounded rude, and I'm genuinely sorry for that, but I have my reasons to say those words. Please take care of Azura and yourself.

Goodbye.

With gratitude,
Jeon Aaira.

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I folded the note carefully and placed it on the table where Ian would find it in the morning. I took one last look at Azura, sleeping peacefully in the bed. My heart ached, knowing I was leaving her behind, but I had to go.

I quietly walked to the bathroom, closing the door softly behind me. The small room was dimly lit by the glow of the bedside lamp filtering in from the bedroom. I turned on the tap, letting the cool water run over my hands before splashing some on my face, trying to clear my thoughts.

Carefully, I unbuttoned my shirt and took a look at my shoulder in the mirror. The wound had improved significantly since I had first treated it, but the edges were still raw and tender. I gingerly touched the area around it, wincing slightly. It was healing, but slowly. If I wasn't careful, the delicate skin could easily break open and start bleeding again.

I cleaned the wound gently, dabbing at it with a damp cloth. The cool water soothed the burning sensation, and I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I needed to be strong, not just for myself, but for Jungkook and Aimin. They were my motivation, my reason to keep pushing forward.

After ensuring the wound was as clean as possible, I wrapped it carefully with fresh bandages. Satisfied, I buttoned my shirt back up and took one last look at myself in the mirror. The person staring back at me looked determined, but there was a flicker of fear in her eyes. I couldn't let that fear control me. I had to be brave.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom, my mind set on the journey ahead. It was time to leave, to find my way back to the life and people I loved. With one last look around the room, I quietly slipped out into the night, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As I walked out, I remembered my house wasn't too far from Jungkook's. It must be somewhere here, I thought. If I start walking now, I might find it by evening. I set off into the early morning.

***
7 August, 2025.

I walked freely, the cool morning air refreshing against my skin. The streets were eerily silent, and I could hear nothing but the rhythmic sound of my footsteps echoing through the deserted roads. I had walked for what felt like hours, each step bringing me closer to the past.

His house was in the middle of a forest, and to my luck there was a forest, but stepping in it seemed like the biggest danger, can I just step in and find his house without being confronted by any dangerous species? It was around six in the morning, the sky beginning to lighten with the first hints of dawn.

I decided to sit bybthe road for some moments, as I was already too tired. I remember there was another way, I simple road that lead to our house, I decided to search for it. Still being around somewhere near the forest.

Time has changed so much. Jungkook's house existed 200 years ago, but now, the landscape was different, altered by the relentless march of progress. I walked and walked, the sense of familiarity fading with each step. Doubt started creeping in as I realized I might never find it. But I couldn't stop.

Hours passed, and my feet grew weary. The hope that had fueled my journey began to wane, replaced by a gnawing despair. I felt lost, both in time and in place, it was hard to accept that his house didn't exist, when my parents house did.

I decided to move inside the forest to make sure our house was not there, I don't know what and why I was doing, I kept walking in the dark woods, I am not even sure if this is the same forest as our mansion's, I was tired of continuous walking, and through the haze of my exhaustion, I saw it. An old big palace, covered in dust, standing eerily against the dark evening sky. It looked almost horrible, neglected and worn by the years.

I didn't know where I had been walking or what routes I had taken to get here, but I was grateful beyond words that I had found it. The mansion was a ghost of its former self, a relic from another time, just like me.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stood before it, my breath catching in my throat. This was it. This will be the place where I will start my search for Jungkook and Aimin. I took a deep breath, mustering the last of my strength, and stepped forward.

The front gate was rusted, creaking horribly as I pushed it open. The garden, once meticulously maintained, was now overgrown with wild weeds and tangled vines. I made my way up the cracked pathway to the front door, the wood weathered and splintered.

I paused for a moment, my hand resting on the doorknob. This was it, the moment that could change everything. With a mix of trepidation and hope, I turned the knob and pushed the door open, stepping into the dimly lit foyer. Dust motes danced in the pale light filtering through the grimy windows.

Inside, the mansion was a time capsule, frozen in a moment long past. The furniture was covered in dust and cobwebs, but the layout was familiar. My heart ached with nostalgia as I walked through the rooms, each one a poignant reminder of the life I had once known.

As I stepped into what used to be the grand living room, my eyes were immediately drawn to a series of paintings adorning the walls. They were large, ornate frames, their golden edges now tarnished and dull, but still holding a glimmer of their former opulence.

Each painting was a portrait, capturing the essence of the people I once called family. There was Jungkook's family, my in-laws, their faces forever frozen in expressions of grace and dignity.

Jungkook's father, stern yet kind, and his mother, her eyes full of wisdom, looked down at me from their gilded frames. My heart clenched as I saw our children among the paintings, their innocent faces a poignant reminder of happier times.

Aimin was there too, a young boy who looked exactly like his father, his bright eyes full of curiosity and mischief. The artist had captured his essence perfectly, right down to the slight tilt of his head that was so characteristic of him.

But there were other faces as well, unfamiliar and enigmatic. These new faces, perhaps descendants or distant relatives, added an element of mystery to the gallery. Some were young and vibrant, others old and solemn, their identities lost to time.

Each frame, despite its age, held a piece of my family's past, future, and present. It was an emotional moment, cause these frames were, a connection to the life I once lived. As I moved from painting to painting, this was a museum of my lost worldml.

I had no idea what I would find here or where to begin my search, but I knew I had to try. I was in the right place, and that was a start. Taking a deep breath, I set about exploring the mansion, hoping against hope that it held the key to reuniting me with Jungkook and Aimin.

Before I could reach the seventh floor, the floor where Jungkook and I had shared so many memories-where we had lived together, made our child, cried together, laughed together, and slept together-a hand suddenly clamped over my mouth, pressing a handkerchief against my face.

The scent of chemicals filled my nostrils, and I fought desperately to resist, trying to scream, but the sound was muffled by the cloth. From the corner of my eye, I saw a figure in the garden shouting, asking who was there, but my voice was trapped in my throat.

Panic surged through me as I recognized the old man's cruel, twisted face in the dim light. His grip was strong, unyielding, and I struggled against him, my arms flailing and my feet kicking. My heart pounded wildly as I realized I was losing consciousness.

The edges of my vision blurred, and a heavy lethargy began to spread through my body. My strength waned, and my movements slowed until I could no longer fight back. Desperation and fear gripped me, but I was powerless to call for help.

The shouts from the garden grew faint, distant, as if they were coming from another world. My thoughts scattered, my body went limp, and the last thing I remembered was the old man's sinister grin before everything went black, plunging me into a void of nothingness.

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"As I looked at the frames of our future, yet the past and watched our child growing into someone like you, pride filled my heart, yet the fear of never sharing those moments with you was a deep, painful ache."

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