Chapter 12: Lost In The City

Three years have passed since Sophia woke up from Coma. In another five months, she will be turning 17. Sophia has regained most of her memories in the past, but no memories of when Sophia was at her new school. She does not remember any details on what happened to the school or who she met there. Nor the night of the accident, or Alden, nor Drake. All she knows is that those may be irrelevant memories, that it's best not to even try remembering the details.

Currently, Sophia is shopping for the latest winter collection with her Mom. She felt excited to see the new styles. When they enter the boutique, an attendant runs to greet them. Since her Mom is regular, they were led to the latest collection which is a limited edition. There are only two pieces for the designs in that rack. The other ones were abroad. But what caught Sophia's attention was a coat that was placed in one of the innermost corners of the shop.

"How can you be in a corner little fella?" she murmurs while staring straight at the coat. Under the dim light, it radiates its beauty. Its color, style, and elegance are enough for it to overshadow all the other coats in this shop.

Sophia isn't all familiar with clothes or designs but she has a keen sense of fashion. For Sophia, the coat is mesmerizing. She only knew she needed to have it. As she was lost in thought, admiring the beautiful facade of the coat, a man stood behind her with a bright smile on his face. He looks like someone around forty years old wearing such high-end clothing.

"Do you like that coat?" the man asked Sophia.

"Yes. She's perfect." Sophia responded without even looking at the man.

"Of course, she is." Sophia was curious and was stunned to see such a fashionable man. The man smiled at him.

"The coat was designed for the designer's daughter but sadly, she died in an accident. Since he can't bear to let go of the coat and even look at it, he has placed it in a corner and named it 'Perfect Winter' for his daughter Winter."

Sophia has come to a sudden realization when she feels how heartfelt and detailed the man's words are.

"Oh, that's so sad for a background of a perfect coat designed with love. But I don't agree that he placed it in the corner because he can't bear to look at it. You know he could've let it go to his daughter but he can't just bring himself to do so. This memento is so precious that it deserves the best spot. But more than that, I believe you know the other reasons." The man was stunned by her words and smiled wryly.

"Maybe. How about you make a wild guess? If you manage to find out what the reason is, I will reward you." Sophia wanted to cast aside that idea but now the man wanted her to blurt it out. She gave him a dry smile and said,

"Your daughter lives within and all over this coat. She's the Diamond and the bead. In every corner she lays." As much as she wanted to make it sound less obvious, the fact can't ever be covered with a transparent film. The man retained his smile and looked straight at the coat."Her name is Winter." The old man spoke. One of the most expensive ways to preserve such memoirs. Sophia doesn't know how to feel after having such a thought. Turning your beloved daughter into a diamond and placing her in a coat may sound bizarre. On the bright side, this has proven how reluctant the man is to part from her darling daughter.

"I'm sorry." I feel a bit guilty after knowing And making the man remember. Looking at the man, he looks like someone who has poured all his attention into his work and passion. I know he was a designer and the owner of the boutique. Looking at his eyes, I know he regretted something in his life. This feeling is a bit familiar, it felt like I have known someone that like this man has lost someone in exchange for his passion but I can't remember who or what.

"Yeah, I feel sorry too. Since you have figured it out then I'll give you a gift." The man grabbed something from his pocket. It looked like a golden card. It's not the same as the VIP card that my Mom has. Written in it is the name of the boutique with a crown.

"I am giving you this card, wherever boutique you visit just show them this card and they will give you the latest designs for free. You can get everything from the shop. You deserve it, young lady. You do have a keen sense of fashion. In exchange for this, I do have one request. Since I lost my only daughter, no one will be able to take over the business. When the time comes, will you aid me in running the boutique?" The man looked at me with a big bright smile.

"What? But Sir I don't know if I can continue your legacy. However, if you mean it, then I will oblige. Thank you so much. But you need to live long until I will be able to hope you run the business." As bizarre as it may sound, I know that the man meant everything he said, or if he doesn't, it doesn't matter as well. I received the card and placed it in my wallet. After the talk, the man walked back to his office. Mom was still choosing clothes from the new designs. I just knew that it would take around three to four hours to finish so I decided to take a stroll outside. July was a busy day here on the streets of New York. Even if I have been here for a couple of years, I am still not so familiar with the area. I only take a stroll and check out the shops wherein the boutique is visible. I always have the feeling that it only takes one detour for me to lose my way back. As I was on my way towards the cafe across the street, I saw a puppy trying to cross the street. There is still a leash attached to the puppy. So obviously, this pup just recently escaped from its owner. Just when the pup was supposed to run, I caught its leash and gently pulled the pup back to the side. Then, the light turned green.

"Oh my! Baby, you're fine. Thank you so much for saving my baby" A woman was running in our direction and the puppy happily ran back towards her. The woman smiled and hugged me. She offered to give me a coffee and a cake since there is a café across the street. But, I declined and waved the woman goodbye.

I felt overwhelmed by the feeling and continued strolling. When I turned around, the boutique was no longer there. Even the café shop is not there. I wanted to give Mom a call, but I left my bag back in the Shop. Worse, no one is actually on this side of the street. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my head. The next thing I knew, someone caught me before I fell to the ground. Then, everything went black.