CHAPTER 1

"ARE you sure you're gonna be okay here, Mom?"

I've been here in Mommy's room before to check. Her friend was right. Mommy has LBM.

"Of course, sweetie." She caressed my cheeks softly. I can also see her weak state.

I forced a nod. "Just call me when you need help, hmm?

"Of course. Enjoy your birthday, okay? I'm sorry if I can't be with you on your birthday."

"It's okay, Mom." I chuckled. "Just take a rest. Maybe you just ate something bad. "

Even though I had told her that before, she still wouldn't believe it. She said that what she eats is safe, especially since she prepares it herself. Suddenly, her stomach hurt. Maybe her energy was drained so she also weakened.

I went down immediately after we talked. Then I remembered that I was going to introduce Antricus to Mommy but I decided to do it next time. Maybe Mommy is resting too.

"How was it?" Antricus asked after I got off.

I sighed. "She has LBM, all of a sudden."

He smiled at me, strange smile so I couldn't help but wonder. Well, I know it's not my business anymore but I can't help but get confused. There was something in his smile.

Or maybe I was overthinking too much?

"You okay?" I snapped back when he asked. Concern was evident in his voice so I can't help but smile.

"I'm okay."

He nodded.

"Anyway, do you still want me to tour you around?" I offered. Our tour of the house was delayed earlier because of Mommy.

"Sure!" He smiled sweetly.

I tour him around the house. From the kitchen, to the wide yard, the backyard and even to its underground where there are rooms that you can hang out. I used to sleep here when I was still 9 years old but that only stopped when Grandma, Mommy's mom, forbade me.

"Wow, you have a lot of rooms, huh," he said with amusement in his voice.

"Yup, this room used to be mine." I pointed to the small room next to the bookshelf. "It's a pity because Grandma forbade me to hang out here."

"Why?" His eyes was still roaming around. Perhaps surprising to an extreme extent.

I shrugged. "Lola threatened me not to come here and said someone would take a fairy from me." I chuckled when I remembered what she had said before.

I often hang out here, especially when Mommy scolds me. There is no problem because it is clean here and I am with my cousin. She is my comforter when I cry and she will take me here.

It’s wide underground because it’s like a rounded library but the only difference is there are rooms around. Its position is circular because its underground curve is also circular. At the very end is high bookshelves full of various books. This is also where our other relatives sometimes sleep when we have a family reunion.

But one day, Grandma visited here she caught me lying here underground.

~~~flashback~~~

"Iha, what are you doing here?"

I jumped in panic because of Grandma. I didn’t even feel like she entered here.

"L-Lola..." I startled.

I was really surprised at her. After all, who wouldn't be surprised if an old woman suddenly appears behind you. The rattle of her cane is also weak so you can't hear it. Include her long hair that goes down her back and her white dress.

If I hadn't just been Grandma, I might have mistaken her for a fairy — with a cane.

"Why do you always hang out here? Did you know that a kid like you shouldn't hang out here?" My Lola said strictly.

I was swallowed. "Uh, just now, Grandma. Ate Keizy is out so I don't have anyone to come here with."

She just nodded, satisfied with my answer. "Just don't come here alone again, ah."

Curiousity invaded my system. "W-why, Grandma?"

Her piercing gaze stared on mine so I couldn’t help but be scared. Her stare was so frightening that even my other cousins ​​were scared when she was around — even the oldest of our cousins, who was 17 years old, pushed her back.

"One word — fairy."

I was suddenly intrigued. The seriousness of Grandma's voice was really terrifying. Plus her emotionless and serious face.

But even though I was horrified, I was still able to ask questions. "W-what's up with the fairy?"

"They'll take you. Our family has a legend, Sazharina. I know you don't know that yet but I'll explain it to you when the time comes."

I swallowed and was forced to nod.

"Y-Yes, Lola."

She plastered a small yet mysterious smile. "Let's go. You can't come here anymore." She turned so I followed.

~~~end of flashback~~~

Since that day I have never attempted to go underground without anyone. That didn't happen again for several years because even Ate Keizy, with whom I always went there, didn't invite me either.

It's only now that I'm with Antricus again.

"Wow... " he only whispered when I told him about underground.

I chuckled. "Unbelievable, right?

"Yes." He nodded. "I mean, who wouldn't believe that you have a hidden story underground?"

I sighed. "I was scared too, e. But I just remembered what Grandma said. Maybe when the time comes, she'll be able to explain it to me as well."

Hopefully ...

"Come on, let's get out of here," he said after a moment of silence.

I just nodded so we went up the stairs to the exit of the underground. I looked inside for a moment but was horrified by what I saw.

Impossible! I can not believe!

"Sazha?"

I was back in a trance when Antricus tapped me on the shoulder.

"Y-yes?"

He looked at me with concern in his voice. "Are you okay? You look pale." He touched my forehead.

"Uh, yeah." I nodded, wala pa rin sa sarili.

He nodded but hesitation was evident in his face.

I am not lying. I don't look back. What I saw was true.

I looked at it again but it was fixed in its original place.

What was that? I'm not mistaken. What I saw was true.

THERE WAS A HIDDEN ROOM BEHIND THE BOOKSHELF AND IT WAS OPEN EARLIER.