Regroup, Reuse, Recycle - Chapter 5

Mother’s hands trembled. She shook her head, tears piercing through her eyes. “And what of her health? Of her heart? You speak of her as though she’s some vessel for plans and profit. She’s my baby girl. I will not see her burned out by ambition before she has the chance to simply live.” Her words pierced deeper than any scolding ever could. My chest tightened as the room’s eyes turned towards me. Mother finally asked, voice quiet but quivering. “Chloe…what do you want? What do you want to do…?”

I froze. The question weighed more than I’d expected. I thought of the fair, the sea breeze, the crab glowing like a lantern in the dark, the boy who’d bowed his head to me in gratitude. I thought of Father’s shop, of the way he smiled whenever I asked about his work, and of the faint memories of my past life. The endless cycle of numbers, products, and work. But also, the joy of creating something people would value. Slowly, I lifted my chin. “I…I want to become a merchant. To follow Father’s path.”

My voice wavered, but I didn’t look away. Mother’s lips parted in a gasp, her face pale from the answer. Luisa’s hands tightened in front of her, as if ready to support me no matter what. Father exhaled, a long breath of both relief and determination. “You really do have Mallory blood flowing through you, huh?” he muttered to himself with a small grin. Deep inside, a whisper brushed my thoughts. One I couldn’t place—like the ripple of water, or the echo of the pond from my dreams. The weird figure that appeared suddenly, or even the crab that finally decided to show up.

“Is this what the Keeper of the Pond wanted?”

I didn’t know the answer. But I knew at least for now, the road before me was being set into action. Mother searched desperately for any reason to refuse, to pull me back into her safety. I could see the pain there—the fear of losing me only grew for her with every agreement. I couldn’t blame her for feeling this way, seeing the thought of watching me crumble under the weight of something bigger than I was meant to carry seemed scary to think about.

I swallowed, clutching my bag’s strap tightly. I needed to make her sure. Sure that I’d be fine, to at least give her the grace of comfort…and confidence in me. “Mother…” my voice came out soft, but steady. “I know you’re worried. And I know why. But if I’m going to do this…if I’m really going to walk Father’s path. I need to be strong enough to keep going…I can’t let this sickness and weak body hold me back forever.” Her lips trembled, eyes brimming. “Chloe—”

I pressed on, feeling a fire kindle in my chest. One I haven’t felt since my declaration with the Keeper of the Pond. “I promise you, before a year passes, before I set out on that road…I’ll find a cure. I’ll find a way to fix this.” The words rang bold, braver than I felt, but they were mine. I thought of the medicine Father had brought home, of the different herbs and materials lining the shelves, of the way my appraisal ability had opened up new truths I never could’ve seen before. If anyone could pick apart the puzzle of my sickness…maybe it could be me.

“I’ll study the medicines Father gave me over the years. I’ll learn what works, what doesn’t. I’ll use this blessing to find new answers, new things no one else could see. I’ll figure it all out, Mother. I’ll do it so you don’t have to worry about your little frail Chloe anymore…so that she could see the things she’d never gotten the chance to. To live…” I felt a sudden surge of emotion overwhelm me again, as if Chloe had been there with me again, letting her feelings out through my voice. I couldn’t help but tear up with the declaration, as tears began to fall over my flustered hicks of breath.

The room went silent, adverse to my attempts of being strong for her. The boy slumped on the bench, blinking weakly at me as if he’d understood my determination. The crab clicked its claw softly, as if in agreement with me. Mother covered her mouth with her hands, eyes filling with tears at my response. “Chloe, you shouldn’t—” But Luisa stepped closer, placing her hand on Mother’s arm gently. “She’s not just a sick child anymore, Mother…Haven’t you seen it? She’s changed…She means this.” Gil gave a small nod of agreement from his position near the boy. “And if she really can do what she says, then maybe she’s the only one that can.”

Father’s gaze lingered on me, thoughtful, weighing the strength behind my words. His voice was calm but grave when he finally spoke. “A year, then. That’s the time you’ve set for yourself, Chloe. To find a cure and prove to us all that this road can be yours without fear. “He placed a firm hand on my shoulder, grounding me. “But you must remember—this is not just ambition, it’s a promise. A promise to yourself, to your family, and your future.” I nodded, feeling the weight of it settle into my chest. “I understand.” And with that, my journey to fulfilling a new purpose in life had begun.