The days at Aunt Helena and Uncle Bertram's countryside estate passed quickly. Each day was filled with laughter, exploration, and a sense of freedom I hadn't felt in a long time. Yet, as the end of our visit approached, a lingering sense of unease settled in my heart.
One sunny afternoon, my parents called me into the sitting room. Their expressions were serious, and my stomach churned with apprehension.
"Aric," my father began, his tone gentle but firm, "your mother and I have decided that you will stay here with Aunt Helena and Uncle Bertram for a while longer."
I felt a pang of betrayal. "Why?" I asked, though deep down, I already knew the answer.
My mother knelt beside me, taking my hands in hers. "This will give you a chance to learn and grow in a different environment, Aric. You'll have more freedom to explore your unique potential without the pressures of the city."
I pulled my hands away, anger bubbling up inside me. "It's because I can't use magic, isn't it? You think I'm a failure."
My father's face tightened with pain, but he remained calm. "No, Aric. We believe in you. This is not a punishment. It's an opportunity."
I turned away from them, my heart pounding with frustration and hurt. "I don't believe you," I muttered.
Later that evening, after my parents had said their goodbyes and departed, I wandered out to the edge of the estate, finding solace under the large oak tree where I had played with Leo and Clara. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the fields. I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of anger and helplessness.
"Why?" I shouted to the empty fields. "Why does it have to be me? What happened to the promise of my destiny? What happened?!
The words of the old man from my past life echoed in my mind, fueling my rage. "You said I had a destiny! You said I was meant for something great! But here I am, alone and powerless!"
Tears of frustration streamed down my face as I sank to my knees, pounding the ground with my fists. "Why does it have to be me? Why can't I be normal like everyone else?"
As the last light of day faded, I sat there in the darkness, my anger slowly giving way to exhaustion. The countryside was quiet, the only sound the distant rustling of leaves in the wind. I felt a deep sense of isolation, a void that nothing seemed to fill.
Eventually, Aunt Helena found me. She didn't say a word, simply sitting beside me and wrapping her arms around me. Her silent comfort was the only thing that kept me from breaking completely.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice hoarse with emotion. "I just... I don't know what to do."
Aunt Helena stroked my hair gently. "It's okay to feel lost, Aric. But remember, this is just one part of your journey. You are stronger than you know, and you will find your way."
Her words offered a small glimmer of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there was a path forward. As I leaned into her embrace, I resolved to find that path, no matter how difficult it might be.
In the days that followed, I tried to embrace my new reality. With Aunt Helena and Uncle Bertram's support, I began to explore my surroundings with renewed determination. I didn't know what the future held, but I was determined to uncover the mystery of my abilities and prove that I was not a failure.
Little did I know, this unexpected detour would be the beginning of a journey that would change everything.