A place called home

The door opened, and a middle-aged woman appeared. Simi had knocked on the door. The woman didn't speak but grabbed Simi's ear. “Where were you, huh? Escaping from household chores! And now you come back so late!” Azusa stood beside them, sensing that Simi's mother had no idea what had happened.

Simi groaned, though the grip didn't hurt much. “M... mom... I wasn't trying to escape! We got kidnapped! Mom!” Her mother's expression showed disbelief. “Oh really, another lie?”

Sienna decided to intervene. “Aunt, it's true.” Simi's mother seemed to trust Sienna more, and her expression changed immediately. She started checking Simi over. “Are you okay? Sienna, are you okay, dear?” Sienna nodded. “Don't stand outside; come in quickly.” The two walked inside, and finally, her mother noticed Azusa. “You...” she asked in a curious tone.

Sienna responded as she walked inside. “She was also kidnapped, so we helped her out.” Simi's mom was surprised. “Dear, come inside! You must be scared.” Azusa gave a warm smile and walked in.

Simi's mom continued, “Don't worry. Tomorrow, Simi's father will take you home safely, okay? Which province do you belong to, dear?”

Sienna replied, “She's not from Floradia, aunty.

She's from a far-off empire.” Simi added, “She said Germany!”

Her mother's expression turned to shock and sadness. “No matter how many times we complain to the imperial palace about these kidnappings, no action is taken.” She sighed. “You wait here, okay? I'll cook something delicious for you.” Azusa smiled warmly at Simi's mother, grateful for her kindness.

Azusa noticed a cut on Sienna's arm. “Hey Sienna, your arm,” she said, her tone worried. Sienna glanced at her injury. “Oh, I got hit by a tree. I must have hurt it then.” Azusa sighed and placed her bag on the table beside her. “Let me see.” She was careful not to leave her bag unattended. Inside, she carried items a nurse typically would.

She opened her bag and took out hydrogen peroxide, then some soft cotton, antiseptic cream, and bandages. She laid everything on the table. Sienna and Simi's expressions were curious; they had never seen anyone carry such items. Simi spoke, “Whoa! You carry all this?” Azusa nodded. “Yes, Sienna, show me your arm.”

As an experienced nurse, Azusa examined Sienna's cut. It wasn’t deep. She cleaned the wound with hydrogen peroxide, applied antiseptic cream, and gently bandaged it. Her movements were precise and careful.

Sienna remarked, “Your work is so clean.” Azusa smiled and put her supplies back in her bag. “Yes, I am a nurse.”

“A nurse?” Sienna replied. Azusa nodded, ready to explain more about herself. “Yes, a travel nurse. I go to different places, to camps or clinics, to help people. That's how I travel from place to place.”

Simi's excitement was evident. “You are so cool!”

Sienna spoke again. “You got kidnapped during your work?” Azusa sighed deeply. “Yes, I was waiting for my ship.” She explained what had happened.

“I have to go back.” Simi replied simply, “You can't.” Her answer created a pin-drop silence in the room. “W-what do you mean?” Azusa asked, her tone shaken with confusion.

Sienna sighed. “Don’t mind her talk. It’s difficult for you to leave this place, actually.” Azusa grew worried and tense. “How? If I go back to the seaside, some ship can send me back, right? Not all people are bad. We can tell the police, and they will help.”

Sienna replied in a calm tone, “This island is different, not like other empires, Azusa. There are only two ports on this island, one for common people and one for the imperial family. If you try to go to the common port, those men will recognize you. It’s very difficult for you to leave.”

Simi added, “True. Also, those men kidnap people to work for them. You saw how people were working there, right? But most of them escape quickly. No worries there.”

Azusa’s mind was racing. “Isn’t there anyone who can help me leave from here?”

Her question was met with silence until Simi broke it. “There is one way.” Azusa felt a glimmer of hope.

Simi continued, “The imperial port. You can leave from there.” Sienna added, “But it’s not easy.”

Azusa was confused. “How? If I go to that other port and tell the people there what happened, they will help, right?” Sienna sighed and prepared to explain. “Only imperial family members or guests are allowed to go there. Even we are not allowed there.”

Azusa, still puzzled, asked, “Imperial family?”

Sienna nodded. “Yes, this island is ruled by an imperial family. You could say emperors still exist here.” Azusa was taken aback, realizing that in this time and place, the empire still held power. She calmed herself. “I see...”

Simi’s mother called out, “Come, dinner is ready. Have some food.” Sienna looked at Azusa, noticing her upset expression. She patted her shoulder. “Don’t be upset. Let’s have some food for now.” Azusa nodded.

The moon was high in the sky as Azusa sat near the window. The cold wind gently touched her face as she looked at the pretty houses. She felt a mix of happiness at seeing this new place and sadness at her situation. Both feelings were intertwined.

She closed her eyes and prayed to God, thanking Him for helping her escape from those men and for being with good people now. She prayed for help in finding a way to leave from this island.

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