n

n

n

"Ah, doctor! There is still one child that I need you to check also. She's probably eating right now though,

" I uttered.

nMari steps in,

"I will lead the doctor to her, milady. Please rest first.

"

nHmm, now that she said that, the bottom part of my dress is kind of wet. Glancing at Nathan, I inwardly chuckled. He needs to change more than me though…

n

"Then, I will take my leave. Thank you for your time, doctor.

"

nAfter more pleasantries, the doctor left with Mari and George. Nathan then went to his own room when I pointed out that he needed a warm shower because he got wet from the rain. So that he won't catch a cold.. I left with Lily, while another set of maids tended to the child.

nI finished changing so Lily and I made our way to where Lost and the others are. They were in the drawing-room and were just talking to themselves when we came in. Lost. who was eating, grinned as she saw me.

n

"Doctor, how is she?

" I immediately inquired as soon as I got close to him.

nDoctor Haudie seemed to be troubled as he stole a quick glance at Lost who continued munching on a pie.

n

"This… I don't quite understand how it is possible but… she seems to have no pulse at all,

" he whispered.

nIt was like a bomb, it blew on my face and had left me utterly bewildered.

nWhat?

n

"Huh?

" I wasn't sure if I heard him right but, did he just say that Lost has no pulse?

nThe doctor cleared his throat upon seeing my baffled expression.

n

"I have checked a couple of times, but I did not feel any pulse at all, milady.

"

nHuh?!

n

"How is that possible?

" I glanced at Lost before walking towards her.

nI crouched down to her level because she was sitting down, and wiped her mouth with a cloth in an act of wiping away grime. It was deliberate, as to confirm my suspicions.

n

"Good girl. Eat some more,

" I cajoled and stood up again.

nAfter I reached the doctor's position, my eyes blinked at him in confusion.

n

"She was breathing, though?

"

nThe doctor wiped the sweat on his forehead.

n

"Yes, that is why I am puzzled as well.

"

nMaybe I should have checked her pulse too. Well, I can do that later…

nChewing my lower lip, I fell into deep thoughts.

nIt sounded impossible. A living thing who breathes but no pulse? What the heck is that?

n

"I might be just mistaking it,

" the doctor remarked after a while. But he doesn't sound convinced…

n

"You must be tired, Doctor Haudie. Maybe you should rest first, have a cup of tea,

" I offered him a smile,

"Also, could you please keep this talk for only between us?

"

nHe stared at me for a while. It must be ridiculous for a 15-year-old lady to be talking like this but I hope he would understand. I don't want any weird rumors going around…

n

"If that is what the young miss wishes,

" he states.

nAh, thank heavens!

nI made my way to Lost again and sat opposite of her.

n

"Do you like it?

"

nLost nodded, eyes sparkling in delight.

n

"It is delicious! Lost has never eaten anything like this!

"

nA small smile appeared on my lips.

n'So cute…'

nMy eyes then slid down on her frame. She was only wearing a big shirt, I don't know who it was but it was for men. It reached her toes though and looked ridiculously big for her.

n'I guess I have to start buying children's clothes from now on…'

n

"I have asked them to prepare your room, do you want to see it?

"

nLost halted eating and furrowed her cute little brows.

n

"Lost wants to stay with my friend,

" she replied after a few seconds.

nAhh, she must feel lonely being all alone in a room huh. Well, maybe they have been together all this time that's why.

nI patted her black hair which is now combed. Looking at her now, she would not be mistaken as a little boy again.

n

"Then you can stay with him,

" I muttered.

"Anyway, what's your friend's name?

"

nI seemed to forget what Estelle had named him in the book because he only appeared a few times.

nLost blinked at me innocently,

"Friend. I call him friend.

"

nShe doesn't know either? Then does this mean that they have only gotten to know each other? Or maybe the child did not really have any name at all? Given that Estelle came up with one for him, that might be the case then.

n'Or maybe I can ask him. Yep, let's just ask him when he wakes.'

nLost puts down her fork and glances at me.

n

"Are you full?

" I asked.

nShe then nodded her head,

"Lost wants to see friend now.

"

nI stood up and offered my hand which she gladly took without any qualms. The others cleaned up the table and we left for the little boy's room. My hands then grasped her wrist and intentionally pressed there, wanting to confirm what the doctor had said.

nShe didn't seem to think anything and just let me do it. I then concentrated on feeling her pulse. And alas.

nI have already heard it from Doctor Haudie but verifying it with myself, it still shocked me greatly.

n'How the heck…'

nMy hands were shaking but I tried to disguise it away and smiled at her. Lost just smiled back with that same naive look on her face.

nBut yes. Lost doesn't have any pulse at all.

n'What the hell did I just bring home with me?'

nI tried to rationalize. She is only a child, a naive looking child. She looked harmless. I might just be being paranoid as I have never met a living person, that is breathing but has no pulse.

n'Wait, I might just be mistaken!'

nBut that's a foolish thought, isn't it? The doctor had also said it, it means there was no mistake at all!

n'But how?'

nI stared down at Lost again, trying to fathom whatever it was I wanted to find. Lost blinks up at me innocently. It doesn't look fake, those same innocence were reflected in her amber eyes.

n'Then what is she?'

n