《Who is Nobody?》 Mystic Manor A voice could be heard as the young girl began to stir; the words were muffled and illegible. --------------------------------------------------------------- The sound of dripping water echoed through the room as tiny droplets splashed onto the face of a young girl lying on her back. The chill of the damp red rug beneath her added to the discomfort, rousing her from her slumber. Another droplet fell into her eye, prompting her to scramble to her feet. Hopefully, someone will turn off the water if there¡¯s a bathroom above, she thought out loud, eyeing the dark spot of water damage on the ceiling above her. ¡°Now then, where on earth am I?¡± She surveyed her surroundings with interest, brushing off her gray skirt. ¡°Did I not hear a voice not long ago? I could have sworn. Oh, well, I can¡¯t do anything about that now, can I?¡± The grandeur of the manor in which she found herself was evident in the white marble floors, once pristine but now marred by nicks and cracks. The stone pillars had suffered the same fate. The red rug, which ran up the double-winged staircase, was old, covered in dust, and mildewed from water damage. It appeared as though the place was abandoned, but the girl couldn¡¯t help but wonder who had lived there and what had led to its current state. Or if anyone still lived here. The possibility of someone still residing in the manor crossed the girl¡¯s mind. Despite the neglected condition of the place, she couldn¡¯t help but consider the slim chance someone might be roaming these halls despite the state of it. With a slight chuckle, she commented, ¡°Someone really needs to hire a cleaner around here. Or maybe I could be of service and help out as a thank you?¡± She paused for a moment, contemplating the state of the home. ¡°It¡¯s a shame to see such a lovely home fall into such a state. I mean, who could let this happen?¡± She quickly corrected herself, realizing it was not her place to judge the home¡¯s owners. But then again, someone did bring me here. I wonder who that could be. I should be grateful for the help provided to me, but I dare not be a burden. I wonder, is my being here a burden? Oh, bother! Turning around, the young girl took a moment to admire the grand double doors of the mansion. The beautiful stained glass within the white wood frames caught her eye. On the left side, a white rabbit was depicted in peaceful slumber, while on the right, a large cat was shown playing with a bird. They brought a sense of wonder to her, and she couldn¡¯t help but appreciate the intricate artistry of the glasswork. After realizing she had stayed too long, she approached the door and reached for the knob. The feeling of unwelcomeness was unmistakable, and she didn¡¯t want to overstay her visit. ¡°I think it¡¯s time for me to go,¡± she murmured to herself. ¡°I don¡¯t want to intrude any further.¡± As she reached for the doorknob, she paused and considered her options. Should I leave now and avoid further intrusion, or should I search the home for any signs of a possible body? She felt torn, unsure what the right decision was. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, but I must be going now!¡± she shouted her gratitude over her shoulder, hoping her words would reach any potential occupants of the house. Yet, she didn¡¯t want to linger to see if anyone was there. She realized the doors were stuck and unopenable as she tried to open them by pushing down the levers. This unnerved her, leaving her feeling trapped. The nearby windows couldn¡¯t be opened either, and it would have been tacky to climb out of them if she had indeed been saved. I need to find another door or someone who can help me out of here, she thought. As she scanned the room for possible exits, she spotted two hallways branching off from the top of the staircase. The stairs led to two large hallways ¡ª one shrouded in darkness and the other with flickering lights, hinting at the possibility of inhabitants. She pondered whether to stay put or explore further, wondering if it would be acceptable to venture through their home. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°Excuse me? Is anyone here?¡± she called out, her voice echoing through the grand foyer. Still, there was no response. Undeterred, she walked toward the stairwell, her small heels clicking against the marble floor. The house¡¯s silence was unnerving, making her feel like an unwelcome guest. Upon entering the grand foyer, the girl¡¯s footsteps kicked up a cloud of debris and dust, which tickled her throat and caused her to cough a few times. The tall ceiling loomed above her, and her gaze was drawn to the chandelier hanging from some chains, lopsided and coated in dust. The chandelier was adorned with white teapots and teacups, and small spoons dangled beneath the saucers. ¡°What a beautiful chandelier. It looks like someone enjoyed their afternoon tea here. I wouldn¡¯t mind a cup myself after this,¡± she mused as she made her way toward the stairwell. As she moved toward the stairs slowly, she couldn¡¯t help but notice the layers of dust and cobwebs that had accumulated in the corners of the pillars and noticeably on the stairway railings. Glancing toward the dark hallway on the left side of the first floor, the girl felt a chill run down her spine. It appeared ominous and uninviting, and the dreary atmosphere didn¡¯t help. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be exploring that way anytime soon, especially not alone,¡± she said, shivering melodramatically before reaching the stairs. She ascended as quietly as she could, but the floor creaking made her jump inside her skin, and it only added to the eerie ambiance. Once she ascended to the mid-section of the stairs, they divided into the house¡¯s east and west wings. A sizeable gold-framed painting caught the girl¡¯s attention. The painting was black, as if it were an endless void staring back at her. The chilling ambiance of the home, combined with the cold from the icy water and floor, made the whole place feel ghostly and unsettling. The girl couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that if she were to touch the darkness in the painting, it would suck her in, so she dared not stare at it for too long, let alone touch it. Learning and exploring never hurt anyone, and as they say¡­ there is no time like the present! she thought as she approached the staircase. She stood at the bottom and raised her voice. ¡°Hello? Is anyone home? I¡¯m terribly sorry if I¡¯m intruding; I assure you I¡¯m not a burglar!¡± That statement sounds suspiciously similar to what a burglar would say, she thought. ¡°My name is¡­¡± She paused and dwelled on the question. ¡°Who exactly am I? If I¡¯m not a burglar, and I sure do not think I am one, then who on earth am I? Odd. I can¡¯t seem to put my finger on who I am.¡± Bewildered, she continued to look around, and rather than being scared about not remembering, she figured if she found someone, maybe they could help her. ¡°Well, now I really need to find someone! Hello? Excuse me! I¡¯m a person looking for some help! I think you or someone allowed me in here at least; if not, forgive my intrusion!¡± she exclaimed. The sound of tiny feet echoed through the hallway, making it impossible not to hear. She felt nervous about who might be coming her way. Oh, please don¡¯t think I am a burglar or a bad person, she thought, as this was a very pressing concern for her. The whole situation was frightening and unsettling, and she couldn¡¯t help but worry that they would mistake her for a burglar. Her mind spun with anxious thoughts as she stood at the bottom of the staircase. ¡°Still not a burglar, I assure you! I want to give my thanks!¡± Nobody, however, was shaken to the core¡ªtheir hearts didn¡¯t just tremble, they threatened to shatter like fragile glass at the faintest breath of wind. Unspoken One Not long after, a young girl, perhaps around ten years old, made her appearance. She wore an antique white dress with short puff sleeves extending below her knees. Her bony legs were visible beneath the dress, and despite her footwear, Nobody couldn¡¯t help but notice that the young girl¡¯s laced ankle socks bore signs of dirt, likely from the grime and filth that lingered in the house. However, the girl''s most intriguing aspect was her full-head mask. It was realistic white and light gray fur with large gray-blue eyes. Nobody felt no fear or unease toward the mysterious girl with the rabbit mask. Instead, a sense of comfort washed over her as she warmly inquired, ¡°Are there any parents or guardians around who might be able to help me figure out where I am or find a way out of here?¡± She also conveyed her puzzlement regarding her presence in the house and eagerness to depart, noting the jammed front door. The little girl gestured as if laughing, but no sound came from behind the mask. She found it peculiar but didn¡¯t dwell on it and hoped to find a way out soon, not wanting to overstay her welcome. ¡°Are your guardians home? Parents maybe? I need to speak with them as soon as possible, if this is not a problem, of course!¡± she exclaimed to the little girl while waving her hands in front of her vehemently. The young girl gestured with her finger, leaned her head forward, and pointed at her as if she was about to give a lecture. ¡°Oh, me? Do you want to know who I am? Let me think¡­ I can¡¯t seem to recall, honestly. I know that I¡¯m a girl, but beyond that, I can¡¯t remember where I came from or even my own name; I cannot even recall what a favorite color of mine might be, although based on the shade of your dress I can say I quite like the color blue!¡± she said. The girl sensed that the child sympathized with her situation. ¡°No worries, though! I must have gotten a bump on the head; I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll all return to me soon enough! So, until then, I suppose you can call me Nobody since I have nothing to identify myself as a somebody, nor do I have a name to go by,¡± she said, trying to remain optimistic despite the unsettling circumstances. ¡°Not knowing anything about one¡¯s self would technically render me a nobody, right?¡± The child shook her head no and trotted down the stairs, tapping her forehead a few times in a nonverbal gesture as a way to tell her it was all in your head. ¡°Not to pry and be nosey, but out of honest curiosity, I promise, might I ask if you can speak? Not that there is anything wrong if you do not or cannot! When you laughed a while ago, I noticed you made not a peep!¡± Nobody wanted to satiate her curiosity, but also, it would be nice to know since she was the only one talking, and the truth was it was more of a quirky ramble due to her being visibly nervous. The bunny-masked child smiled warmly at Nobody, gesturing that it was okay and that she understood. Nobody felt relieved the child was not upset with her and continued to follow her through the manor, feeling more at ease now. Nobody asked, ¡°Do I know you by chance?¡± The girl nodded in agreement. ¡°Are there any other people here besides you?¡± The girl nodded eagerly and gestured with her arms before spinning around once. ¡°So, there are friends or family here!¡± Nobody wondered as the girl pointed at her quite a bit. ¡°Friends or family of mine, you say? Is this what you mean?¡± The child was nodding vivaciously at this. ¡°Well, this will be an awkward first meeting with them.¡± She scratched her head with a quirky smile and began to consider how she should introduce herself. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Nobody! You might be wondering why I go by that name¡­¡± she rambled to herself, trying to make a good first impression on the next person. ¡°You see, I woke up at the door, and while I mean no disrespect, the bathroom above was causing quite the leak through the wall, and¡­¡± The child interrupted her by tapping her heel hard on the marble floor to grab her attention. The little girl put her hand to her face and continued tapping her foot on the floor repeatedly to show her patience was waning. Nobody shifted the conversation to the child, saying, ¡°Perhaps, I can discover that I¡¯m not just a nobody, but someone with a purpose, a somebody! It¡¯s a wonderful thought. Let¡¯s continue on our way and see what we find. I apologize for my earlier rambling, but if the people here already know me, then there¡¯s no need for me to worry so much.¡± The young girl couldn¡¯t help but smile as she observed Nobody¡¯s excitement, her own eyes gleaming with a hint of sadness that she attempted to convey through subtle gestures. Nobody, however, appeared to remain completely unfazed by the child¡¯s unspoken message. ¡°Might I ask, if it is not too rude, but might I know your name?¡± Nobody inquired; having a name to put to the face was always nice. ¡°Or the mask?¡± she asked humbly. The young child nodded her head and pointed at her wrist as if there were a watch on it. ¡°Are you saying I must wait?¡± Nobody asked. The little girl then nodded at this. ¡°Ah, bide my time, and I shall find out in due course. I understand. Patience is a virtue, of course!¡± Nobody said gleefully. The young girl seized Nobody¡¯s arm and pointed toward the dismal side hallway that Nobody had initially chosen to avoid. She then motioned toward the stairway and indicated that it would be best to leave it for later, offering to guide Nobody through the manor. Taking hold of Nobody¡¯s wrist, they proceeded down the stairs back into the foyer and down the gloomy corridor on the right side of the stairs, which had dripping patches on the ceiling, much like the foyer. As they walked further into the hallway, it gradually became dimly lit and flickering. Looking around, Nobody noticed that all of the paintings hanging on the walls were black, without any other colors, much like the painting she saw on the stairway. ¡°This is quite an intriguing home you reside in, isn¡¯t it? I don¡¯t mean to pry, but there are a few things that could use some fixing up. Not that there¡¯s anything wrong with it, aside from the dripping ceiling and dust, among other things. But if that¡¯s the character you were going for, then that¡¯s just fine!¡± Although she meant well, her rambling only made things worse. Suddenly, the child stopped and scolded Nobody with her finger in the air close to Nobody¡¯s face, refusing to take another step until she behaved herself. ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t be upset. I promise I¡¯ll behave and help you out. I don¡¯t mean to judge, but it¡¯s not very healthy, you know?¡± Nobody thought that the house had a strange nostalgia to it, although she couldn¡¯t recall why. ¡°It¡¯s odd, isn¡¯t it? Who reminisces on such things? I do!¡± The child then turned her head to the side, curious about what Nobody was talking about. ¡°Oh, never mind that,¡± Nobody quickly replied. ¡°I was just speaking out loud. I tend to do that a lot, I feel. But hey, at least I learned something new about myself, right? It¡¯s better than nothing!¡± She laughed, trying to make light of the situation. Nobody bowed their head and apologized. ¡°Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I really didn¡¯t mean to, I hope you know that.¡± She offered a grin and a chuckle, a quirky and awkward one at that! The girl let out a sigh and used her free hand to scold Nobody with an index finger, waving aggressively in an as a matter of fact or you should know better motion. Why did Nobody feel like this wasn¡¯t the first time shead been scolded? You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. As they walked down the seemingly never-ending hallway, Nobody couldn¡¯t help but feel as if they had been walking for quite some time. The length of the hallway seemed odd and unlikely for most homes. Despite this, she remained engaged in conversation with the young girl, her attention focused on her gestures and expressions. As they approached the open doorway, which had now come into view, Nobody quickened her pace, eager to see what lay beyond. Glancing down the hallway, they noticed a set of double doors that appeared to lead to a restaurant kitchen. Tall, and silver and white, they looked as if they had been unused for some time. Despite her curiosity, the eerie shadows and lack of light made Nobody hesitant to venture down that way. I¡¯m glad we¡¯re not going in that direction, Nobody thought, shuddering at the unsettling scenery. This looks like the perfect setting for a scary story, and quite a good one at that. The hallway they traversed felt really long; how long had they been walking now? Certainly not that long? Long enough was the truth. It was peculiar, to say the least. Onward, they kept their pace down the lengthy hallway, hastening to the open doorway. Further down the hall, it appeared that there was a double set of doors, which looked like those of a restaurant. Must be the kitchen, Nobody thought, but the shadows and lack of light made it look awfully eerie. Glad we aren¡¯t going that way. This is the scenery for a scary story all right! The dining hall was vast, its length stretching beyond imagination. Despite the current dim lighting, which was flickering and on the verge of giving out, the room was still quite stunning. The chandelier was so dusty that it looked like it had been left untouched for centuries, as if it had been collecting dust since the beginning of time itself. Yet, one could still catch glimpses of its multifaceted shine when the light managed to pierce through the few holes untouched by the dust. The chandelier had a unique shape, with exposed cogs resembling a machine. It had teacups hanging on hooks above the gorgeous crystals to the left, a cream pitcher to the right, and a spoon below the creamer. The centerpiece was a large, beautiful blue teapot with a tube coming out of the bottom facing the center of the table. If it moved clockwise, it could prepare the whole cup itself! It sounded wilder than one¡¯s imagination could run. ¡°Did it pour in a clockwise direction, thus making the cup ready for the guests?¡± Nobody asked. The child faced her, nodding in the affirmation that, yes, it was quite grand. ¡°Are the ones who live here now the masterminds behind such a remarkable contraption? What an extraordinary invention! I wish I had something similar. It would undoubtedly be the center of attention regardless of the crowd. I am unsure of the type of crowd I have or had, but I am confident that it wouldn¡¯t make much difference with such an incredible creation! Everyone would be in awe at its marvel!¡± She chuckled, and as she reached out to touch the tube, a thick layer of dust rose up so high that it almost seemed like a sandstorm had been unleashed in the room. ¡°Oof!¡± she grunted as she began to cough vigorously. Nobody inquired about their reason for being in the dining hall. ¡°Might we clean up and have a little snack or even some tea? A cup of Earl Grey would be delightful at the moment. Oh, and a few sugar cubes. The mere thought of it teases me! Hard not to crave tea with all the teacups.¡± The young girl let out a sigh and shook her head. After an uncomfortable silence, she gestured toward the table, nodding to convey that they could have a snack. However, why settle for a snack when we could indulge in a magnificent banquet? thought Nobody. ¡°A banquet, you say. A grand feast? How extensive are we talking about? Will there be enough people to fill the seats? Also, what of the food, and who shall prepare such a thing? I am no cook myself I dare say; I believe I poached an egg once, but I can¡¯t recall if it was edible or not.¡± Nobody rambled on but was genuinely intrigued by the idea. The young child was eager and full of energy expressing the hope for this feast to Nobody. However, Nobody¡¯s attention was drawn to the dust on their fingertips, which resembled a thick layer of grey paint, and she was more concerned about how they could pull off such an event. ¡°I know I mentioned the current state of the house earlier¡­ How can we possibly throw a party in this condition? The chandelier is barely lighting up the room, and there are numerous chairs to fill, and we still need to consider the food,¡± she stated. The little girl shook her head and gestured that everything would be fine if they woke up the house and invited everyone to get involved. It was as if she knew the child; well, she did mention they were friends. Perhaps this was her memory slowly trickling back? Fortunately, this familiarity made it easier to understand the mute child¡¯s communication, even without words. ¡°I think it¡¯s a splendid idea. Besides, it may help jog my memory and uncover why I can¡¯t remember anything at all. Something may trigger my memory! Well, no time better than the present to start!¡± As Nobody reached for a cloth from her skirt pocket to clean the table, the young girl intervened and signaled her to follow outside the dining room and back into the hallway. Nobody trailed behind, intrigued by what they were to do next. The young girl pointed toward the wall, and Nobody noticed a small bell attached to it, which she had missed earlier. It looked similar to the ones you would find at a hotel reception. Nobody stood there, observing the child. ¡°Do we need to ring the bell? Will anyone hear it?¡± she wondered, tilting her head curiously. The house seemed to be barren and empty; the state of the home sure didn¡¯t allude to there being others there. The child motioned as if she had chuckled and pressed the bell, which surprisingly emitted a loud, resounding ring much like it belonged on a clock tower, and which echoed throughout the hall, causing Nobody to cover her ears in discomfort. ¡°Goodness me, who would have thought such a tiny bell could make so much noise!¡± she exclaimed, holding her hands to her ears. Though her head was throbbing, she was in awe and hardly bothered by it. She did find it curious. I suppose I must be used to such loud sounds as it didn¡¯t seem to scare me in the slightest! Yet another small piece of knowledge to add to my list of small things I have learned about myself today! Proud of this small piece of knowledge, she nodded her head with pride. The child, not paying attention at that moment, motioned to the foyer to tell her they should go there. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we wait for those to arrive? I mean you did ring the bell, so wouldn¡¯t it be rude to just leave?¡± She looked toward the kitchen and back into the dining room. The child clutched Nobody¡¯s wrist, shaking her head vigorously, and then mimed a cleaning motion with her hands, gesturing toward the mess around them. ¡°Ah, you called for those to clean the space! Wonderful! Shouldn¡¯t we help them though?¡± The child posed herself as a butler as if to stand at attention with her arm bent across her body as if she were holding something over it, like a long napkin. ¡°Ah! Maids and butlers? You have hired help? Wonderful! No worries then! Lead the way. We shall see them later and let them be, but there is quite the mess, so why would they allow it to look like this to begin with?¡± The child motioned that they were all asleep, that everyone was asleep, and to not waste time now and go to invite the housemates. While she did her best to explain, a butler dressed in traditional attire for his role suddenly emerged, hurrying toward them. His head resembled that of a broom, with a face perched on a thick handle, creating an unusual head-like appearance. Instead of expressing amazement or questioning the impossibility of such an existence, Nobody simply stood there in stunned silence. She found herself unable to utter a word, her gaze fixed on the peculiar butler. The young girl stepped in and began to convey their needs to the butler, who responded courteously, ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I shall see to it immediately. I will also inform the chef to prepare the feast.¡± ¡°How¡ª¡± As Nobody began to speak, the child grabbed Nobody¡¯s hand and took off down the hall and into the foyer, leaving the butler to his work. Sparing no time to let her ask any more questions, they dashed toward the stairs, stopping at the mid-way portion that split into the left and right wing. I suppose it is not so odd that they would be able to understand her if she lived here. Nobody thought to herself. West Wing Hall As Nobody and the little girl made their way up the musty stairs, they approached the painting on the wall, a black canvas framed with ornate bunnies carved in aged gold. She surveyed the dusty and damp foyer once more before resuming her ascent of the stairs. As she gazed at the painting, Nobody could not shake the feeling that it was more than just a piece of art. It seemed to emanate a cold and dreary aura, almost like a void that could swallow you whole. She found herself drawn to it, compelled to touch it. With a hint of hesitation, Nobody inquired of the little girl, ¡°Why is this painting pure black? And why does it feel so cold and ominous? May I touch it? I must say it piques my curiosity as many things seem to have been done in this house already.¡± The young girl responded by gently shaking her head, retracting her hand, and offering a gentle admonishment. She then pointed toward the left staircase. The hallway had a faint, flickering light, much more welcoming than the complete darkness shrouding the right wing. For some inexplicable reason, Nobody couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of fear creeping over her when she looked in that direction. Glad we¡¯re not going that way, she thought. As Nobody and the little girl ascended the dusty staircase, causing clouds of dust to billow with each step, she couldn¡¯t help but recall the adage, Don¡¯t judge a book by its cover, lingering in her thoughts. As they passed the painting on the wall and continued up the stairs of the left-wing, Nobody found herself unable to shake the feeling that the painting was more than just a piece of art. The darkness within it was so intense that it felt like a colossal, insatiable void capable of consuming everything in its path, even devouring the very essence of one¡¯s being. It was an unsettling sensation, and she considered inquiring further about it later. However, she didn¡¯t want to risk another scolding from the child, who was tugging her toward the rest of the left wing¡¯s stairway. As Nobody turned to steal a glance behind her toward the right wing, the adjoining hallway seemed to have transformed into an even deeper abyss of darkness than it had appeared to be from the entrance. The child persisted in pulling at her arm. ¡°Yes, yes, I should go and introduce myself to our friends. I¡¯m excited to meet everyone and enjoy a delightful meal in pleasant company. I wonder how long it has been since I have been here? Has it been long, you think? I do admit, however, that I am not looking forward to the uncomfortable conversations that may arise due to my forgetfulness. But perhaps talking about the scrumptious food will deter their attention from my little mishap,¡± Nobody rambled on, as she had earlier, much to the amusement of the young girl, who shook her head with a lighthearted sigh, and her shoulders slumped dramatically simultaneously.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. With newfound enthusiasm, the young girl grabbed Nobody¡¯s hand and urged her to come along. Nobody was happy to oblige, as she was unfamiliar with the house and didn¡¯t want to overstay her welcome in case things went awry. But also, to see if anyone could help her during this unfortunate time of her forgetting everything. At this moment, her desire for a cup of tea poured from the exquisite chandelier was surpassed only by her yearning for her lost memories, accompanied by a delightful selection of desserts, of course! As they proceeded slowly down the hallway, the red carpet that extended from the stairs here was not as badly kempt as in the foyers, but the scent of musk from all the dust still lingered for who knows how long. Despite the lack of light, the walls were adorned with black paintings similar to the one on the mid-section of the stairway, adding a touch of grandeur to the hallway. ¡°This hallway is quite long. There must be several rooms on this side alone,¡± she mused to herself. ¡°I wonder how many people live here. Are there many?¡± The young girl nodded her head, agreeing to there being many housemates. As they approached their first room on the left, the old wooden floors began to creak and moan, sending a slight shiver down Nobody¡¯s spine, like a cat puffing up its tail. The sound seemed to make every hair on her neck stand on end, and the unsettling squeals of the floorboards only added to her unease. She whispered with a forced smile, attempting to maintain her composure despite feeling like she had walked onto the set of a horror movie. ¡°I hope this house won¡¯t be the end of me. I swear I just want that cup of tea! Oh, and some assistance! I assure you my priorities are just fine!¡± Nobody muttered to herself, trying to stay positive even though the situation felt like something out of a chilling horror tale. She couldn¡¯t help but recall stories of young women trapped in old, decaying houses with lurking monsters, with no escape from the looming fear of being devoured or killed. On the other hand, the child shook her head, letting out a sigh, her shoulders slumping forward and letting out small puffs from her noise much like that of silent chuckles. This caused Nobody to look at her and give a small smile as it was clear to Nobody that despite her clear nervousness, the little girl found her animated reactions and rambling rather amusing. The girl led Nobody to a stop in front of the first door they were meant to enter, the initial step into a possibly complex journey that lay ahead. With a slight flutter of nerves, Nobody hoped to make a good first impression. In a home as enigmatic as this, one had to remain slightly on edge, always expecting the unexpected! Cecily As they neared the door on the left, Nobody noticed that it was adorned with an assortment of little stickers. These stickers were well-worn, their colors faded with time, bearing the marks of a child''s interests and whims. She couldn''t help but deduce that the person they were about to awaken was likely a child, judging by the stickers'' wear and tear. The little girl seemed to confirm her suspicion with a joyful nod. Then, with a slight twist of the doorknob, which emitted a chorus of squeaks and creaks as if protesting the intrusion, the old and dusty door slowly swung open. Beyond the door lay darkness so impenetrable that not a single glimmer of light or sound emanated from within. ¡°H-hello? We won''t keep you; I assure you," Nobody called out into the oppressive darkness. Her voice trembled with nervousness as she continued: "We just wanted to invite you to dinner. It''s going to be quite the feast, and I''m eager to make your acquaintance once again." She remained in the well-lit hallway, her feet glued to the boundary between light and darkness. The contrast between the brightness behind her and the inky blackness of the room ahead was unsettling. "My, it''s so dark in here,¡± she pondered. "I would love to enter, but without their permission, I find it rude, so I do not mind staying out here while you wake them up!" Nobody added, her anxiety evident in her fidgeting hands. The silence that lingered within the room was unnerving, sending shivers down her spine. Turning to the young girl standing nervously behind her, she asked, "So, whose room is this exactly?" Her curiosity about the mysterious occupant of the room grew with each passing moment. As Nobody cautiously ventured a few steps into the oppressive darkness, an eerie silence enveloped her. Not a single creak or peep filled the void, intensifying the unease that crawled over her skin. Despite her trepidation, she couldn''t bring herself to stray far from the doorway. Her body remained caught between the darkness of the room and the faint, flickering lights of the hallway. Suddenly, cold hands seized her, yanking her deeper into the abyss. The door groaned ominously; slamming shut behind her with a finality that sent her heart into a frenzied race. Panic bubbled within her as she stammered, "Little girl? Are you in here as well?" Her voice echoed in the empty room, an unsettling chorus of solitude. She anxiously awaited a response, but only a hollow silence pressed in on her from all sides. A growing sense of unease gnawed at her as she wondered where the child might have disappeared to and what could have led her into this eerie darkness all alone. In the deafening silence, with no sign or sound of the little girl, Nobody summoned her courage to speak up, her voice quivering. "Hello? Wake up! It''s time to rise and shine, as they say! Perhaps some fresh air and natural light could do wonders for you?" Feeling her way through the darkness, she searched for a wall, hoping to find a light switch or a window. Her quest led her to a wall, and with a sigh of relief, she found the switch and flicked it on, bathing the room in a sudden, welcoming glow. Her apprehension transformed into determination as she continued: "Mind you, I am a guest here and I might not be the epitome of etiquette, but this behavior is rather impolite. Especially considering I''ve heard that you''re a friend of mine! It''s hardly kind to terrify a guest or a potential friend who simply wishes to invite you to a warm, cozy dinner!" Her voice, once a timid whisper, now resonated with a newfound confidence, akin to a mouse transforming into a lion. The room''s lights illuminated a charming and quaint child''s bedroom. At the heart of it all, perched on a slightly rusted white metal-framed bed with gray-blue bedding, was the little girl herself. The room had an unassuming quality, perfectly suited for a child. Its walls, painted in a soft periwinkle hue, were sparsely decorated, adorned mainly with the child''s drawings and a handful of photographs. While there were some smudges and signs of wear, it was by far the most well-kept part of the house Nobody had seen thus far. As Nobody contemplated the sudden shift from darkness to this welcoming room, she couldn''t help but express her bewilderment. "Is this your room? But just a moment ago, you were behind me," she remarked, her confusion apparent. "Do you perhaps have a twin?" The little girl shook her head, denying the possibility. "Could it be that you have a mischievous friend playing a prank on me?" The girl giggled and shook her head again. Nobody inched closer to the little girl, her tone taking a playful turn. "Or perhaps, are you actually a ghost haunting this home?" The girl stared at Nobody, utterly perplexed by the suggestion. Nobody couldn''t resist adding a bit of melodrama to the situation, given the unusual and peculiar nature of everything thus far. With a touch of theatricality, she pondered the dinner and the state of the home. "Oh no, am I to be the main course at dinner? Is that why I¡¯m invited because the true guest of honor is myself?" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with dramatic flair. The situation was indeed peculiar, and who knew what other mysteries she might uncover in this enigmatic home? However, the child interrupted Nobody''s dramatic musings by leaning forward from the bed and putting a finger to her lips while shaking her head. Clearly unimpressed with Nobody''s theatrics, the child crossed her arms in an X motion, indicating that this was strike one for melodrama. Nobody observed the little girl''s movements carefully as she continued to communicate, her gestures becoming more expressive. "Ah, I see." Nobody finally understood. "You want me to learn more about you." The child nodded with a smile and began to use her hands to convey her interests and hobbies, pointing to her favorite toys, books, and the photos on the walls. Nobody listened intently, taking mental notes of the little girl''s preferences and surroundings. It was a heartwarming moment, and despite the strangeness of it all, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of nostalgia, even though she couldn''t quite put her finger on why. "So, what are we doing here? Don''t we have guests to invite? After all, you invited me. Am I to invite you in return?" Nobody''s curiosity was piqued, and she couldn''t help but wonder about the purpose of their visit. The young girl shook her head, pointing to herself and then tapping her own forehead before gesturing back to Nobody. She also tapped her finger on her wrist, indicating that all would be revealed in due time. Nobody understood the gestures and nodded, focusing her attention back on the girl and the room. "Ah, charades, shall we play?" Nobody suggested it with a smile. "A good game while we wait to see the others doesn''t sound like a bad idea at all! I must say, I''m getting quite good at deciphering your gestures. I must be remembering you slowly but surely!" The girl sighed deeply and continued to point to herself, prompting Nobody to ramble on. "I assume you''re trying to tell me more about yourself, right? Because if this is a game of charades, I already know that when you point to yourself, it means you. Or perhaps I''m just exceptionally skilled at this game, and you''re struggling a bit?" She realized her words might come across as unintentionally rude, so she hurriedly added, "I mean no offense, of course. You know, you can''t improve at something if you don''t identify the areas where you need improvement. Not that I would call this an issue, maybe just a slight misunderstanding of the game?" The young girl appeared to be growing frustrated, slumping forward in exasperation as they continued their nonverbal communication. "I sure hope I''m not coming off as rude, but do you mind if I ask something?" Nobody inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Obviously, you can''t tell me your name, but that''s what I''d like to ask. Is there a reason you can''t speak? Did something happen to you? Maybe you got such a fright that your voice decided to take a vacation? Or perhaps the cat got your tongue, as they say!" The little girl responded by playfully bobbing her head around before shaking it to indicate no. She used her hands to express herself to the best of her ability, given her limited means of communication. "Ah, so you''ve been like this since birth!" Nobody remarked, trying to be sensitive to the topic. "I hope I didn''t come across as rude." She then pondered how she could find out the girl''s name. "So, how can I discover your name? There must be a clue somewhere here. Or perhaps you can write it down?" The girl brought her finger to her head and began tapping, signaling Nobody to think and remember. "I do know you, don''t I? If I know everyone in this home, that means I know you too, right?" Nobody inquired thoughtfully, her thumb resting under her chin as her index finger gently rubbed it. The little girl enthusiastically nodded her head in agreement, occasionally tapping on her head as if to prompt Nobody''s memory. She then gestured for Nobody to explore the room to her heart''s content.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "Hmm, so the answer is here. This is turning into quite a fun game; now I get to play detective!" Nobody mused. "I wonder if I read many good mystery stories before I became Nobody. Well, I better start looking for these clues." With newfound enthusiasm, she began examining the room more closely, searching for any hint that might reveal the little girl''s name. With a dramatic display of exaggerated body language, Nobody wholeheartedly embraced her inner Sherlock Holmes as she methodically traversed the room. Her inquisitive gaze momentarily rested upon the neatly made bed where the child was seated, revealing nothing out of the ordinary¡ªjust a pristine and well-kept bed. Her detective instincts then guided her toward the photos on the wall. "Ah, precisely!" she exclaimed with an emphatic flair. "An excellent place to commence our investigation!" She gracefully approached the wall adorned with a collection of drawings and photos, all appearing to have been whimsically hung by a child. The charmingly uneven arrangement hinted at the work of small, inexperienced hands. Nobody attentively scrutinized the drawings, revealing depictions of a little girl joyfully cradling a white-gray bunny stuffed animal and a brownish-colored blurred entity. The innocence and happiness radiated from the illustrations. However, as her scrutiny shifted to the photos, a perplexing enigma began to unfurl. The photographs, aged and tattered, presented a confounding puzzle. Some were torn, and it seemed as though a few had deliberately suffered the snip of scissors. The visages captured within were blurry, obscured, and frustratingly indistinct, rendering identification nearly impossible. "Who might these individuals in the photos be? I find myself unable to discern any faces. It''s as if they conspired to evade the camera''s gaze!" Nobody mused aloud. The little girl, her eyes fixed on the photos, responded with a vehement shake of her head while clutching her beloved rabbit stuffed animal. It was becoming increasingly evident that an enigmatic riddle lay at the heart of this room, and her actions provided subtle clues that beckoned to be deciphered. "Oh, my apologies if I''ve upset you," Nobody said, her tone laced with sincerity. She observed the child''s reaction to the old photographs and couldn''t help but empathize with her. "These photos are quite old, and I understand that it''s challenging to see who''s in them. But don''t fret, we can find a way to make them better. How about we take some new photos together and hang them on the wall? Would you like that?" Nobody''s heart warmed as she noticed the girl''s face light up at the prospect, relieved that she had managed to brighten the atmosphere. Her gaze then shifted toward the dresser, positioned just a short distance from the nightstand beside the bed. There, partially concealed by various knick-knacks, she spotted a white rabbit stuffed animal nestled in a corner on the top shelf. She reached for the toy and brought it over to the little girl, who was still shaking her head. "Maybe this will cheer you up," Nobody suggested, hoping to alleviate the child''s distress, which she suspected might not be solely related to their shared memory loss. "I hope¡­ my memory loss and not recalling who you are isn''t what''s troubling you," Nobody continued, her voice gentle and reassuring. "While I may not be thrilled about my current predicament as a ''nobody,'' I understand that it is something I need to resolve. I am grateful for the chance to attend a banquet with our mutual friends. I am certain that better days are ahead. Please don''t worry about me." She offered these words of comfort, genuinely concerned for her young friend''s well-being. With great tenderness, Nobody gently pressed the white doll against the little girl''s bunny mask and uttered in a soft, friendly tone, "Hello there, I''m your friend!" She then brought the bunny back to her face and whispered, "I wonder what your name is. Oh, mine? I am Nobody! I know you''re friends with this little girl, so I suppose that makes us friends too! Now, who are you?" She continued her roleplay, altering her voice to distinguish between the different characters. "I am¡­" She paused, scrutinizing the bunny in her hands, searching for a name tag or some identifier. On the feet, in faded cursive letters, she found it: "CECILY!" Nobody declared with a chuckle, causing the girl to jump up and down on her bed with delight, pointing to herself to confirm her name. "Are you trying to say your name?" Nobody inquired playfully, but the child ceased her bouncing and hopped off the bed. "Cecily, huh? What a lovely name!" Nobody complimented her with a warm smile, though inwardly, she pondered the name''s familiarity. "It really does ring a bell¡­ Where have I heard that name before?" she wondered. Gazing down at the rabbit stuffed animal, she squeezed it a bit tighter. "This rabbit feels nostalgic to me. I can''t, for the life of me, figure out why. But anything that might jog my memory is a reason to be happy. I''ve got to stay optimistic; it will all come back to me!" She held onto the hope that her lost memories would eventually return, and this encounter with Cecily seemed like a promising step in that direction. Upon learning the child''s name, Cecily, Nobody couldn''t help but feel a subtle sense of familiarity that eluded her understanding. How could she remember this little girl''s stuffed animal as if it were her own? Had she perhaps given it to her at some point? Or was it just a curious coincidence? These questions danced on the periphery of her consciousness, like fragments of a forgotten dream, waiting for the missing pieces to fall into place. However, she refrained from asking, as the inexplicable familiarity made no sense at that moment. Instead, she held onto the hope that, with time, the pieces of this puzzling puzzle would come together and reveal their hidden connections. With a wide grin, she handed the stuffed bunny to Cecily, the little girl. A peculiar thought crossed her mind as she observed Cecily''s mask, which bore a striking resemblance to the stuffed animal''s appearance. "It seems like you really adore her; perhaps she''s like a mascot for you?" Nobody wondered aloud. Cecily stood there, her expression a mix of curiosity and contemplation. After a brief silence, she let out a small, exaggerated sigh, dropping her head in a dramatic gesture. Cecily then directed Nobody''s attention toward a small, well-worn rug on the floor. Despite its flattened fibers and signs of wear and tear, a book rested atop it, seemingly a diary. Had it been there all along, unnoticed by Nobody? She realized that she hadn''t spotted the diary before. Kneeling beside it, she examined the diary''s aged cover, noting the thick layer of dust that coated it. "It looks like it hasn''t been used in quite some time. Is this your diary?" Nobody inquired, but Cecily remained silent, offering no motion or response. Nobody carefully picked up the diary, using the bottom of her skirt to gently dust off its cover. The diary itself was petite, charmingly light green, and showed signs of frequent use with its scuff marks. A small sticker featuring a cat and a bunny adorned the cover, adding a playful touch to its appearance. "Now, we both know that reading someone''s diary is akin to committing a grave sin, isn''t it? A major taboo," Nobody mused, her tone a mix of curiosity and caution. "This had better be yours. But even then, why do I feel so guilty about this? What if there are embarrassing secrets inside? Aren''t you even the slightest bit concerned?" She paused, a hint of amusement in her voice. "You see, I adore a good read, I love books, but once I start, it''s hard to pry them from my hands!" Her words were followed by a chuckle, though it was quickly interrupted by a sneeze as the liberated dust particles wafted through the air. Cecily, however, seemed unfazed by the prospect of potential embarrassment. She shook her head vigorously to convey her lack of concern, using hand gestures to emphasize her point. She pointed at Nobody, then at the diary, repeating this gesture a couple of times. "Are you telling me to read it? Do you think I''m inside it?" Nobody inquired with a quirked eyebrow. The young child then hushed her with a delicate hand and let out a soft laugh, directing her attention toward the diary once more, as if urging her to explore its contents. "I''ll read it, but there''s no need to rush me. I was just trying to ease my conscience about peeking into someone''s personal life," Nobody remarked, addressing the young girl''s eagerness. She observed the child''s movements, which seemed to confirm that this diary did not belong to her. "Wait, you mean we''re about to embark on an adventure into someone else''s life? And it''s not even yours?" Nobody queried, her expression a mix of disbelief and intrigue. The child nodded vigorously and pointed to the diary, encouraging Nobody to go on. Despite her initial reluctance, Nobody decided to open the diary. She held it at arm''s length, almost as if it were a cursed object. Her hesitation was evident as she flipped through the pages. Cecily assisted her in turning to the first page, indicating that she was mentioned inside or that the diary might be hers. "So, you''re suggesting this might be mine¡­ Well, if it mentions me, I suppose we''ll have an excuse. I mean, can they really blame me for wanting my memory back if we get caught, and this isn''t even mine?" Nobody reasoned, gazing at the diary with a mixture of curiosity and guilt. "Understandably, no one could blame you!" a lady''s voice suddenly chimed in, causing Nobody to jump in surprise. "Absolutely agreed, my friend. This diary might just hold the key to transforming Nobody into a Somebody," Nobody replied, her gaze fixed on the first page, where some words appeared to be blurred, as if water had damaged the page. "I dare say that if there is an answer to be found in these pages, it could be of great help to me. So, I shouldn''t feel too guilty, right? After all, it''s not like I know anything. Isn''t there a saying that goes, ''ignorance is bliss''?" "Oh, that sounds lovely, dear. I genuinely hope you find some answers here," the sweet voice encouraged. "I wholeheartedly believe you''ll discover something that can assist you." "Ah, thank you so much. Despite the loss, I''m quite confident that with the right amount of optimism, we can achieve this go¡ª" Nobody paused and turned to face the young girl, who was now looking up at her with curious eyes. "Y-you spoke! I thought you said you couldn''t speak!" Nobody was taken aback, staring at the young girl in sheer astonishment. "What a miracle we have here!" Cecily nodded vigorously, making it clear that she wasn''t referring to herself. She pointed emphatically at the book, trying to draw Nobody''s attention to it.