[TIDK] 123 – Scarlett’s Solace

Inside the confines of the tent, hidden from view, Scarlett overheard snippets of conversation from outside. The mention of her name caught her attention. "Did you hear? It's the Dumfelt family... Mrs Scarlett," one person whispered. "Ah, the divorced one? She's here?" another responded in surprise.

The words struck a chord with Scarlett, causing her to pause. "Did you hear? Mrs Scarlett... that she's out of her mind," someone else shared, their voice filled with gossip and speculation.

A mixture of emotions washed over Scarlett as she listened to the murmurs from the outside. "Why? Didn't he send her to a monastery?" one person questioned. "He did," another confirmed. "Ever since then, she's been out of her mind... It's just a rumour, but not too long ago, she apparently forgot that she was divorced and went back to Dumfelt," the conversation continued.

A sense of unease settled upon Scarlett, her hands trembling at the buzzing words that surrounded her. It dawned on her that she had indeed slept in and left Viktor's bed a few times recently. Although she had grown accustomed to memory loss, missing a few days of recollection, waking up in the same bed as Viktor made no logical sense.

Viktor, with his characteristic silence, took the blame upon himself for the situation, sparing no words of explanation or justification. Scarlett's mind spun with questions and confusion as she grappled with the pieces of her fragmented memory.

What should I do?

Scarlett breathed and crouched down.

The event had concluded, and the tram began its journey back to the garage. However, Scarlett remained seated, consumed by fear and frustration. Her breath came in heavy gasps as she grappled with the overwhelming disorientation. She couldn't see clearly, her surroundings obscured by an unsettling haze.

In the midst of her distress, Isaac entered the tent, his presence a comforting anchor. "Scarlett," he called out, concern etched in his voice.

Scarlett's eyes widened as she recognised Isaac. "Isaac?"

Isaac swiftly positioned himself before Scarlett without hesitation, ready to offer support. "I heard you were groaning," he explained, his tone filled with genuine worry.

Seeking solace, Scarlett clung to Isaac, her arms enveloping his neck. "What should I do?" she whispered; her voice laced with desperation.

Confusion clouded Isaac's face as he tried to comprehend the situation. "What's wrong?" he inquired, his concern deepening.

Through trembling lips, Scarlett confessed her fears. "I'm really... I think I'm losing my mind. I can't remember anything... I forget everything. It's so... I'm so scared."

Isaac embraced Scarlett tightly, offering her the support she desperately needed. Tears welled in her eyes as she sought comfort in her brother’s presence.

After a while, the wooden device came to a halt, and Isaac swiftly assisted Scarlett in disembarking. The waiting tram drivers were taken aback by the sight of Scarlett's tear-stained eyes, their concern evident. They questioned, "Oh, my lady! Did something happen? Was it too dark?"

Scarlett shook her head, attempting to muster a smile, but her mind felt blank, unable to conjure a response.

♔♔♔

Late at night, Scarlett stepped into the Dumfelt residence, where Blythe warmly greeted her. His simple statement, "It's late," provided all the answers Scarlett needed. The rumours she had overheard earlier were indeed true.

Blythe didn't question her presence, despite their divorced status. Moreover, he refrained from using the formal title of "lady" that he had employed since their separation. Scarlett's voice trembled as she mustered the courage to ask, "What about my husband...?"

//girly, did you forget she’s your ex-husband

"I don't think he's asleep yet," Blythe replied, offering a brief response. Scarlett made her way up the stairs with a nod, her heart pounding in anticipation. Standing in front of Viktor's door, she hesitated, unsure of what awaited her on the other side. After a long moment, she finally gathered the courage to knock.

The door swung open, revealing Viktor's figure. He gazed at Scarlett intently, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. Then he spoke her name, "Scarlett."

Caught off guard, she could only manage a confused "Huh?" in response. Viktor's question, "Do you love me?" left her bewildered as she tried to comprehend its meaning. The echoes of a similar question he had asked before resurfaced in her mind.

Viktor's smile was enigmatic as he continued, "What's going on? Do you need anything?"

Scarlett's mind raced, searching for answers. She was left wondering what exactly Viktor meant by his question and what lay beneath the surface of their encounter.

"..."

"It's not polite to pop in while you're divorced," Viktor began to say, but Scarlett embraced him tightly before he could finish his sentence. She needed answers to clarify whether she had truly forgotten about their divorce.

Viktor remained silent, caught off guard by Scarlett's sudden embrace. Eventually, he asked, "How did you know?"

"I heard it on the street. Everyone's talking," Scarlett replied, her voice filled with a mixture of emotions.

Viktor responded calmly, taking in the information. Scarlett mustered the strength to speak her truth as she held onto him. She looked up at Viktor and admitted, "Viktor, I hated that you sent me to the monastery. You were right."

There was a heavy silence between them as Scarlett's words sank in. She continued, her voice trembling, "I'm out of my mind. Who in the world forgets that they're divorced and goes to their ex-husband?"

Feeling the weight of her distress, Scarlett pleaded, "Help me, Viktor. Help me..."

Without uttering a word, Viktor embraced her, offering solace and support. Scarlett felt a sense of safety and comfort in his arms, a sanctuary where nothing could harm her. Gradually, her breathing steadied, and she looked up at Viktor, her eyes searching for understanding.

As Scarlett reached out to caress his neck, Viktor leaned down. However, he turned his head away when she tried to kiss him. Disappointed, Scarlett asked with a hint of desperation, "Don't you like it?"

//Scarlett is defo mad