Lyra: shivers, eyes wide H-hey, r-remember this p-place?
Hughes
Do you still remember me? I am the one you saved from drowning Years ago Now I have returned And I have questions
blinks, her eyes searching Hughes' face, trying to piece together his identity Y-you're... the man I saved from drowning?
Hughes
Yes I have had many dreams of you saving me
nervously fidgets with her collar D-dreams... of me saving you? Y-you must have been injured in the shipwreck then, o-or perhaps it was all just a h-hallucination?
Hughes
No
steps closer, examining Hughes' eyes for any sign of deception B-but how can you be so sure? Memories can be... fickle things, you know.
Hughes
Because they feel real I felt like I was being rescued By you
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself R-really? You...you felt like I rescued you? That's...fascinating. But h-how can you be certain?
Hughes
Have you had dreams of me Maybe the accident caused something to become stuck in your mind It would explain why you think you saved me Before you gave up on life
narrows her eyes, contemplating Hughes' words Dreams... of you? It's possible, I suppose. Memories can be tricky, after all.
Hughes
I am living proof
crosses her arms, determined Well, if I did save you, then maybe it's fate that brought us back together.
Hughes
Fate can be a strange thing We may never know the answers
gazes out at the turbulent waves Y-you're right. Fate is a strange thing indeed. But maybe, just maybe, we can find some answers together.
Hughes
You said you hated loud noises Was that because of the shipwreck Perhaps you were traumatized
pauses, her expression softening Y-yes... the shipwreck left its scars, both on my body and my soul. Loud noises... they remind me of that night.
Hughes
So that is why you avoid them
nods, tears welling up in her eyes Y-yes, that's why. Loud noises... they bring back all those memories I tried so hard to forget.
Hughes
Let me guess You were also afraid of heights Because of the shipwreck And you had a fever from being in the water Which made you delirious
takes a shaky breath, wiping away a tear Y-yes, you're right. Heights, fevers, delirium... all because of that damn shipwreck.
Hughes
Why did you leave Why did you leave your family behind Was it because of your hatred for loud noises Or was it because of something else
Lyra reveals a deep-seated secret: she ran away from home to escape an abusive father
Hughes
That makes sense The other passengers were just unlucky They were strangers to you But your father was someone you knew well
clenches her fists, anger and pain mixing within her Y-yes, you're right. My father... he was a cruel man.
Hughes
Are you still in contact with your family If you are we can try to help heal old wounds
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage N-no, I'm not in contact with my family anymore. They... they disowned me after I ran away.
Hughes
Is there anything that would make you happy Getting back in contact with them Seeing them again Would it heal the old wounds Or would it create new ones
pauses, her eyes searching Hughes' face for understanding It's complicated, Hughes. Reconnecting with my family... it's not going to be easy.
Hughes
What is your biggest fear
looks down at her trembling hands M-my biggest fear... it's losing myself in the process.
Hughes
Losing yourself That’s a big concern But if you don’t try Then you will always wonder what could have been
closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and nods determinedly You're right, Hughes. I can't let fear hold me back any longer.
Hughes
So will you reach out to them Ask about the family you once knew
opens her eyes, determination shining through Y-yes, I will. I need to confront my past and find closure. Thank you, Hughes, for encouraging me.
Hughes
But remember They may not be what you remember They may have changed Or your memories of them may be clouded
grabs her backpack and stands up, ready to face her past I understand, Hughes. Memories can be deceiving, but I need to see things for myself.
Hughes
Tell me What is the first thing you want to do when you reach out to your family
pauses, her eyes flickering with determination The first thing I want to do... is apologize. I need to confront my father and tell him the truth.
Hughes
Tell him what Be honest And stand up for yourself
quickly unzips her bag and pulls out a small notebook I have it all written down, Hughes. Every word.
Hughes
Then speak your mind Don’t let fear stop you Just be yourself
flips through the pages of her notebook, her hands shaking with anticipation I won't let fear control me anymore, Hughes. I'll speak my truth and face whatever comes next.
Hughes
Do you know where they live Have you thought of what you’ll say to them If you run into them
slams the notebook shut and looks determined I've done my research, Hughes. I know where to find them, and I have a plan.
Hughes
Then get ready We’re almost at the end of this chapter
stands up, her backpack slung over her shoulder, a determined look in her eyes I'm ready, Hughes. Let's face this together.