Reborn- His Scarlett Moon

As I stood there, gazing at the enormous painting hung on the white wall, I was transfixed by the sight before me. The painting was of Ryan in a stunning medieval outfit, complete with a doublet and hose, his hair long and flowing down his back.

He stood tall and proud, gazing out with a confident expression on his face. Behind him, was an mountainous backdrop that looked ancient as well. It stretched out, with rolling hills and misty mountains in the distance. The colors were rich and vibrant, with deep blues and greens that seemed to come alive under the soft light.

As I looked closer, I noticed the intricate details in the painting. The folds of Ryan’s clothing were meticulously rendered, with each crease and fold captured in perfect detail. His shaft glinted in the light. Was it the light of the sun or the moon? Because the backdrop was vivid and clear but the orb in the sky looked white and luminous at the corner of the sky.

An interesting painting indeed.

I was so engrossed in observing the painting that I didn’t at all notice the shadow that had crept in beside me .

” Why did you leave the car like that? ”

His voice whispered so creepily and I yelled my heart out with a start.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

” Oh my gosh! Ryan! What are you doing here? Who whispers like a ghost like that? You gave me a heart attack. ”

He completely ignored what I was saying and pulled me close to his face and stared into my eyes.

” Why did you leave the house again without telling me? ”

That was his next question.

I was too glad to see him to be honest. Almost so ecstatic that I wanted to hug him but then that question of his reminded me of his nakedness on this bed with that little stripper of his.

” I went too, but you were too exhausted from your activities last night. Your stripper answered the door. ”

I lied. I had no plan to leave the house before seeing him like that.

His look changed a little. I couldn’t read what it meant.

” Sherry, listen to me very carefully. ”

He pulled me close. His cheeks against mine. His lips touching my ear lobes,

” Things are a little different these days. I do not ask much from you at the moment but you are forbidden from leaving the premises of my home, henceforth, without taking my permission.

Am I understood? ”

His voice was so cold and piercing that it almost felt like a threat.

I pulled away and looked at me.

” Am I under house arrest now? ” I tried protesting, but it fell on deaf ears.

” Whatever you think it is. ”

Ryan said, holding my arms this time.

” Now let’s get done what you came here for. ”

He pulled me along till we reached an elevator. He thrust me in and pressed some buttons which I didn’t understand because there were alphabets in place of numbers.

As Ryan pulled me through the gleaming white corridor, I struggled to keep up with his pace. We were heading to visit my father. I didn’t know what to expect.

As we reached a door, I saw my father’s name engraved on a plate outside it. One would think he might have been a permanent resident. But people with money preferred doing things differently.

I took a deep breath and tried to steady myself. I didn’t know I would react when I saw him. Would he remember me? Would he be scared and confused? Would I find him taken care of? Would he be alright? All the streams of never ending questions were floating within me.

Ryan pushed open the door and we stepped inside. My father was sitting up in his bed, his face blank and expressionless. He looked so different from the fragile, old, maniac that I remembered.

“Hi, Baba,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s me, Sherry.”

He looked at me with vacant eyes, and I felt a lump rise in my throat. This wasn’t the reunion I had hoped for.

But I refused to give up.

I went to sit beside him and began talking to him and sharing stories of our past. Slowly, he began to show signs of recognition. A small smile here, a flicker of memory there.

And then, as I held his hand, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “Sherry, my little girl. I remember you.”

In that moment, all the uncertainty and fear melted away. I hugged him with tears welling up.

” Baba, how are you feeling? I have missed you a lot. ”

I said. But my father ignored that and turned towards Ryan who was still standing at the door.

” Who is that? ”

He asked me, pointing at Ryan.

” He is my new Boss Baba! He helped us admit you here. They will do all your operations and then I will take you back home. Alright? ”

I explained or tried.

His gaze seemed fixed on Ryan.

” He does not look human. Why are you hanging about with such people? How many times did I tell you not to befriend strangers? It’s a dangerous world out there Sherry. Why don’t you listen to your father? ”

It was at this point that I understood that he was seeing me, not as myself but me as in my childhood. He was repeating the same lines that he used to say back then.

I heaved a sigh and held his shoulder,

” Baba. Look at me, I am all grown up now. I am no longer little. ”

But my statement had the most adverse effect that there could be.

” I am telling you he is not human! Why don’t you listen to me ?” He began yelling and looking for things to throw, completely paranoid.

The monitors started beeping and screens flickered with warnings.

That immediately brought three nurses rushing in as I watched in dismay.