[TIDK] 61 – Memory Splits

“Viktor...”

She blinked, looking at Viktor. “Where am I?”

“…what?”

“Why am I on the train...”

Scarlett gazed around uncomfortably.

Nevertheless, she smiled, looking out the window, “I see. This is my first time seeing the plains.” 

“...”

“Why do you look like that, my love?” 

Viktor looked at her wordlessly.

After a while, he spoke quietly, “Scarlett.”

“Yes.”

“We’re divorced.” 

“Oh.”

Scarlett exclaimed and became silent.

“Yes, I remember now. We’re divorced. I went to the Air Force base. I’m like this these days.”

Scarlett regained her senses soon enough; despite that, Viktor remained steadfast.

Viktor opened his mouth. “Since when...”

“Was it last year?” Scarlett mumbled.

“…Since last year?”

“Yes, I guess I was under a lot of stress.”

Viktor held Scarlett’s arm, trying to be gentle. “Tell me the details,” he urged.

“No, I’m not comfortable enough with you to talk about it in detail,” she replied.

“I don’t think that’s the issue here.”

“It’s exactly what it looks like. What do you want to hear?” When she retorted, Viktor didn’t say anything.

Scarlett had never seen Viktor appear so complicated. He was someone who could show emotions, too, after all.

“If you don’t have any questions, let go.”

“I’ll call a doctor when we get back to the capital.” 

“You don’t have to. These episodes don’t occur often. After a moment or two, the memories come back. It’s probably because I’m fatigued.”

Scarlett struggled to assure Viktor that she was okay.

Upon returning to the capital, Scarlett was forced by Viktor to head to the hospital.

“Viktor Dumfelt is stubborn.”

During the treatment, Scarlett told the doctor. The doctor, who could not rebut the criticism of Viktor Dumfelt, smiled awkwardly and continued with the treatment protocol.

After examining her, the doctor left the clinic and approached Viktor. 

“There seems to be no apparent problem. Usually, we say that traumatic events can lead to these symptoms. And...”

“That’s enough.”

The doctor was afraid of Viktor, but he didn’t find anything, so he rambled to find a diagnosis. Viktor interrupted as if he were bored.

Scarlett came out of the clinic with her coat, “That’s enough, right? I’ll call the police if you tell me to do it again.”

Viktor smiled, confirming that there was nothing wrong with her.

“If you call me, I’ll come.” 

“...”

Scarlett sighed and swerved around. The trip to the South had diverted entirely from her plan.

//haha, because he’s in charge of the police XDDD

♔♔♔

The time estimated for the trip was about two weeks, but Scarlett returned to the capital within a week, thanks to her joining Viktor’s party.

Andrei said, looking at the gravel that the sailors carried. “So, you went to the South to pick up rocks.” 

“They are not just rocks.”

“A rock is a rock.”

“That’s true… but I feel bad for some reason.”

“Why would you feel bad for calling a rock ’a rock’.”

Scarlett talked to Andrei as she moved her bag upstairs and pushed them under the bed.

Andrei helped her push the bag in and then spoke. “They are just rocks to others’ eyes. You don’t have to hide it so dearly.” 

“But they are not simply just rocks to me, so I’ll keep them hidden.” Scarlett proclaimed proudly. “Okay, this is enough to make a lot of new watches.” 

“Are you going to make a new one?”

“Yes, if it works.” she continued, “You have to persuade the public to talk because they won’t without prompting.” Scarlett smiled at Andrei.

“If it doesn’t work, you will face a big loss.” 

“Oh, you’re going to make another mess.”

“... I’m going to hit it small this time. Anyway, I’m going to see Isaac.” 

“Yes, go ahead,” Andrei said and went straight back to the first floor.

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