She is my light

Chapter 5: She is my light

The fire crackled as rain and wind battered the walls. Lucian and Hazel sat close, lost in thought.

"Tell me of your life here," Lucian said finally.

Hazel spoke of growing up on the farm, helping her father tend the animals and fields. "It's a simple life, but rewarding." She glanced at him. "What of you? Any memories return of family or home?"

Lucian sighed. "Only shadows, as elusive as my past. But being with you feels...right, in a way I can't explain."

"Perhaps in time, the fog will clear," Hazel said gently.

A flash of lightning lit Lucian's distant gaze. "What if I never regain what was lost? Will you tire of sheltering a man with no identity?"

"I shelter you because you needed aid, not for what you recall." Hazel took his hand. "Your character seems good and true. That is what matters."

Her touch and kind eyes calmed Lucian's troubled mind. Gazing at her through the firelight, he realized this wonderful woman had become the single bright spot in his shroud of uncertainty. And he found himself hoping the storms, both within and without, would long keep them here, shut away from the world and its troubles, if only to bask a while more in her radiant company.

Morning light shone through cracks in the storm-battered walls. Lucian awoke leaning near the fire, Hazel's head resting gently on his shoulder.

As he eased away, Hazel stirred. Her cheeks flushed seeing his gaze. "Forgive me, I must have drifted off..."

"No apologies needed," Lucian said softly. He gazed out at receding clouds. "The skies are clearing. Perhaps it's time I let you be."

Hazel shook her head. "You need not rush off. Besides, I've come to enjoy your company." She took his hands. "Will you stay a while longer, as the weather allows?"

Warmed by her invitation, Lucian agreed. As they set about repairs from the storm, his thoughts turned again to reclaiming his lost life. An idea surfaced—he would seek faces in town that might trigger memories if seen up close.

That evening, Lucian asked Hazel to accompany him on this venture once chores were done. Gently gripping his arm, she gladly walked with him into town. Their journey took them down winding roads as sunlight faded...

Twilight fell as Lucian and Hazel strolled the quiet streets. Many shops had closed.

"Perhaps this was a futile errand," sighed Lucian. But then a light caught his eye—from the apothecary, where an old woman was sweeping.

"Wait here," he said to Hazel. He approached the woman carefully. "Forgive me, but...have we met?"

She peered at him sharply. "Now that's a face I thought I'd never see again! Little Lucas, all grown?" Tears welled in her eyes.

Memories flooded Lucian—helping this woman, Martha, with healing potions as a boy. The pieces fell into place.

"Martha," he breathed, embracing her. Her familiar scent awakened more—days spent in this shop, learning the medicinal arts. His calling, his family, his name...

Motioning Hazel over, Lucian explained all that was coming back to him as Martha nodded, joyful. At last, they had broken through the fog.

As full dark fell, Martha insisted they stay for supper to catch up. Lucian and Hazel shared a private smile, elated that his past was becoming clear at last. All because of Hazel's caring...and a chance encounter on these mean streets.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***