Playful Days (Part 8)

Meily walked forward, her steps driven by a single purpose. With her newly awakened power, she made her way back to Elesis Fort, seeking revenge.

Memories of the past resurfaced.

…

Four years ago, before Meily and her mother arrived at Elesis Fort, life was simple. Meily was just an ordinary child—playing until her clothes were covered in mud, meeting friends, and smiling innocently like any other kid.

"Meily, let's play again later!" one of her playmates called out, waving goodbye.

"Okay! Let's meet here at the playground tomorrow!" Meily replied cheerfully.

She watched as the parents of her friends took their children's hands and walked away, their faces warm with love. A pang of jealousy stirred in her heart.

Unlike them, her family wasn't whole. She didn't have a father. Her mother was always working, barely spending time with her.

"Good for them…" Meily muttered, kicking a small stone as she walked home.

Upon entering the house, she saw her mother speaking with a man she had never seen before. Meily was too young to understand the complexities of adult relationships.

"Mother, who is that man?" she asked innocently.

"Just a friend," her mother replied quickly. "You must be tired. Go to your room and rest."

"But I'm hungry."

"I'll wake you up when the food is ready."

With reluctance, Meily turned and went upstairs. Before leaving, she glanced back and saw something that made her heart sink—her mother kissing and embracing the man.

Confused and uneasy, Meily grabbed her stuffed toy and whispered to it.

"Why is Mother kissing another man? Last time, she did the same thing with someone else."

Then, from the other room, she heard noises. The sound of the bed creaking, hushed voices.

"You're rushing me."

"I can't hold back anymore. I want to be inside you."

"It's big... Ah~"

Meily peered through a small hole in the wall and saw the man on top of her mother, both of them naked. Her mother was making strange expressions. The sounds of their lovemaking filled the air. She didn't understand what was happening, nor did she want to. Trembling, she covered her ears and closed her eyes.

That night, the meal her mother promised never came.

The next morning, the man prepared to leave. He wore the armor of a knight, ready to return to duty.

"Here's your payment. I added a little extra," he said, handing her mother a small bag of gold coins.

"Thank you so much. I'll be waiting for you again," Lainy replied.

The knight blushed before kissing her one last time and walking out the door.

"Is that man my father?" Meily asked.

Her mother hesitated. "No, Meily. He's not your father."

"Then why were you kissing him?"

Lainy sighed. "It's hard to explain, but this is my work. Because of these men, we can pay rent, buy food, and afford clothes. I don't love them. The only man I love is your father."

"Then… where is my father?"

"That's a story for another time," Lainy said with a forced smile. "For now, let's have a good breakfast."

Meily didn't fully understand her mother's job, but she knew that Lainy worked hard to take care of her. After breakfast, she returned to the playground, but the day took a dark turn.

A boy suddenly appeared and shoved her to the ground.

"What's your problem?" Meily demanded.

"My mother is crying because your mother stole my father!" he shouted.

"That's a lie! Mother told me she only loves my father! Don't accuse her of baseless rumors!"

The boy sneered. "Your mother is a prostitute. Of course, she'd steal someone's husband. She sells her body for money. That's all she's good for. And you… you'll probably end up just like her."

"Take that back!" Meily yelled.

"Why should I? With that cute face of yours, you'll be a prostitute too someday. Maybe you should start practicing now. Be my woman."

He grabbed her arms and pulled her towards him.

"Stop! What are you doing?!" she screamed.

The boy smirked. "Prostitutes like doing kinky stuff, right? Let's see what happens if I—"

Before he could finish, Meily's fist connected with his face. He fell to the ground. Fueled by rage, she climbed on top of him and punched him again. And again. And again. Blood splattered from his nose and lips as the other children screamed and ran away in fear.

"Apologize to my mother!" she shouted, her fists relentless.

A knight on patrol intervened, pulling her away. The same knight who had been in her home the night before.

Meily was taken home. The knight, now looking uneasy, bowed his head.

"Lainy, I'm so sorry. My son hurt Meily. My wife found out about last night… If you want, I'm willing to leave her and marry you."

Lainy averted her gaze. Her lips trembled, but she forced herself to speak. "I'm sorry…"

"Why not? Last night, you said you loved me."

"I'm sorry…"

Understanding dawned in the knight's eyes. It had all been a lie. He left, his face twisted with regret and sadness.

Meily tugged at her mother's sleeve. "Mother… is it true? Are you really a prostitute?"

Lainy knelt down and hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry…"

"Why are you apologizing? You're just working hard for us."

"I'm sorry…"

Meily didn't understand why her mother was crying, but she held her tightly.

"I'll find another job," Lainy whispered. "A decent job. I don't want you to fight because of me. Next time, you'll be proud of me as your mother. I promise."

Meily nodded against her shoulder. "Okay. I believe you."

The next day, Lainy was full of energy, determined to find a new job. Meanwhile, Meily returned to the playground, only to find herself completely alone.

"It's the daughter of that bitch."

"Her mother is a whore. Maybe she is too."

"When Mars touched her chest yesterday, she blushed. She must like it."

"We don't play with girls like her."

They left her behind, their laughter and whispers stabbing into her heart.

"I thought we were friends…" she whispered.

Everywhere she walked, she heard the whispers of adults, their judgment cutting deep.

"That little girl's mother is looking for a job."

"What else can she do? Women like her are only good in bed."

"Don't say that so loud. Her kid is right there."

"Who cares? She should know what kind of mother she has."

Meily clenched her fists and ran home.

When she arrived, she saw a horrifying sight—the knight from before forcing himself onto her mother.

Something inside her snapped.

She grabbed a kitchen knife and plunged it into his stomach.

"This is your fault… and all the adults' fault."

Lainy grabbed her hand. "We have to run. Now."

And so, they ran. Away from the city. Away from the whispers. Towards an uncertain future.