His Perfect Lyra

Lyra's POV 

Same dream again.

But this time… it's clear. Way too clear.

The little girl—that's me.

Chocolate wavy hair. Deep green eyes. Just like mine.

I remember now. Someone gave me a duck when I was little.

But who…? I can't see their face. Only the shape—it's a woman. I know that much. Every step I take toward her, the blur fades… bit by bit…

Then—

I sniff.

Something smells… good.

Coffee.

It's coffee.

It's been so long since I've smelled real coffee.

The dream fades. I forget everything. I just start dancing around, happy I can smell it.

Yeah…

I can smell coffee.

That's when I wake up. Slowly.

And I realize… the scent is real.

Oh no.

Is he here?

Did he leave coffee for me?

Which one is it?

I can't tell what he'll do next.

Slowly, I peek over my shoulder toward the table—

Then snap my head back to the wall. My heart's racing. I freeze.

He's here.

He's sitting at the table.

Reading.

Drinking coffee.

Why… why is he here?

I don't know what to do.

Maybe… if I stay really still, if I pretend to sleep, maybe he'll go away…

"If you're already awake, please get up and get ready for breakfast."

His voice. Calm. Too calm.

My heart nearly stops.

What does he mean? Get ready?

Like… brush my teeth, then eat? Like it's just a normal morning?

Is he seriously trying to make me follow my routine?

Even with him right there?

"Lyra. Please don't make me repeat. Get. Up."

I have to.

He'll get mad if I don't.

I'm scared of what'll happen if I don't.

Slowly, I get up.

But I keep my face toward the wall.

I can feel his eyes on me. Like a hawk.

When I finally turn around, my head stays down, still facing the wall.

I bet he finds it silly… annoying maybe.

I don't care.

I don't want to see his face.

But I know I will, sooner or later.

After I brush my teeth, I stand there… stuck.

I have to walk up to the table now.

Eat like normal.

But I can't move.

I'm so scared.

"Your food will get cold if you don't hurry. If you worry that much, I won't do anything to you. I just want to spend time with you."

His voice…

Always calm.

Like nothing's wrong.

I force myself to walk over.

Sit down.

Pray quietly, like always.

Then—

He slides me a note.

I was just about to eat.

I look up slowly…

And I regret it.

He's smiling.

That same calm, curvy-lipped smile.

"Please look at it."