Endless Debt Chapter 1124 - 125: Entering the Same River Again (2)

Church understood that the growing unfamiliarity in Palmer’s emotions likely stemmed from the vast distance separating them, a chasm that gradually eroded their once-strong bond. Despite the cherished memories they shared, the separation across time and space meant a loss of concurrent experiences and daily life, which proved vital for maintaining emotional ties.

What about himself?

The image of a girl flickered in Church’s mind. Indeed, upon comparing his current state with his diary entries, he discovered missing memories concerning a girl named Afeiya. It was under her influence that Church had picked up gardening, an activity quite contrary to his usual disposition.

Afeiya featured prominently in his diary, the writings detailing their close relationship, yet conspicuously omitting any explicit description of his feelings for her.

Even an unobservant person could discern the truth. He "once" held affection for Afeiya, even diligently caring for a pot of alum root specifically for her.

What followed was the regrettable turn of events: he forgot Afeiya. While his diary bore witness to the existence of that emotion, no matter how many words were penned, Afeiya remained an utter stranger to Church.

This emotional disconnect left Church bewildered and adrift.

What unsettled Church even more, however, were Palmer’s subsequent words.

"Where are we going?" Church suddenly realized that after boarding the car, the destination had never been discussed.

"Taking you to see Afeiya," Palmer replied. "I visited her a few days ago. Afeiya mentioned you were rambling nonsensically and left abruptly, which quite frightened the poor girl. This time, I’m bringing you to her so she can see you haven’t lost a limb or anything."

"But she doesn’t know this version of me," Church pointed out, no longer wearing his mask.

"Then put the mask back on."

"I no longer wish to wear a mask," Church stated.

Palmer hesitated for a moment before responding, "You’re correct, one cannot perpetually hide behind a facade. Very well, let’s make a fresh start! Have you considered how you’ll greet her?"

Church had hoped to dissuade Palmer from this course of action, but Palmer seemed resolute in taking him to Afeiya, intending to honor the wishes of his "past self."

This prospect deeply displeased Church, intensifying the disorienting sensation within him.

He recollected the theoretical knowledge gleaned from books regarding the intricate connection between human memory and emotional bonds, a subject particularly relevant to his amnesiac state.

In his current predicament, he acknowledged a past affection for Afeiya, yet having forgotten her, he couldn't directly access any present feelings towards her.

Church’s mind formed a conceptual emotional memory, akin to "my former self cherished her," but this sentiment lacked the concrete or authentic resonance of genuine emotion.

This implied that Church’s current feelings for Afeiya might differ from those of the past. It was analogous to real-life situations where individuals often don’t maintain intense connections with everyone they once cared for, much like Palmer’s situation where feelings naturally fade over time.

"Humans are truly complex,"

Church murmured to himself, his words lost amidst the music as Palmer’s head bobbed rhythmically, swaying to the beat.

"Valentine! Valentine!"

Palmer had recently become infatuated with this particular song. Observing Bologue unconsciously humming along, it was evident that under Palmer’s persistent influence, this song had been played nearly a hundred times. The intensity of this exposure was affecting even Bologue, causing him to exhibit peculiar behavior.

Alright, let’s organize my thoughts further. It’s comparable to someone who has never tasted strawberry ice cream but has heard others rave about its deliciousness. Such a person might attempt to imagine the sensation based on descriptions but cannot truly experience it directly.

Church found himself trapped in such a predicament, with Afeiya representing the strawberry ice cream in this analogy.

The hazy recollections began to sharpen. Church recognized the familiar streets, realizing they were drawing nearer to Afeiya’s flower shop.

A palpable wave of anxiety washed over Church, compelling him to bombard himself with questions: What if the "current" self didn’t actually like strawberry ice cream?

The mere thought of meeting Afeiya and experiencing no genuine affection caused Church a profound sense of unease and loss. He began to question his past emotions, suspecting they might have been mere illusions or mistaken perceptions.

Yet, he also felt that this sense of loss and doubt didn't negate the value or significance of those past feelings. His diary entries were filled with details about Afeiya, and he had even tended to a pot of alum root, possessing a book dedicated to plant care.

Just as Church was engulfed in a tempest of contemplation, the car abruptly halted. Unbeknownst to him, they had arrived at the flower shop. With a lingering sense of apprehension, Church opened the car door.

After a month of reconstruction efforts, most of the damage inflicted by the Spread of Decay had been rectified, including Afeiya’s flower shop. While it presented a significantly altered appearance, it still retained familiar elements that resonated with his memories.

"The business is unexpectedly good." Palmer remarked.

The usually sparse customer flower shop was now bustling with patrons. Blooms abounded, and the rich, pervasive scent made Palmer feel as if he might soon develop a pollen allergy.

"In my memory, the business was never this good." Church stated.

"That’s right. When the Spread of Decay swept through the city, Afeiya opened her doors and saved many people. However, this also allowed the mist to flood inside, nearly killing all the flowers; they all withered."

Palmer recounted details that Church was unaware of.

"After it ended, although Afeiya protected many people, she couldn’t keep her flower shop open. Those she helped pooled their resources to rebuild the shop, with everyone contributing what they could and importing many types of flowers."

Palmer added, "By the way, her story even made it to the newspapers. After some promotion, her business boomed. Plus, the fog that had been hanging over the city finally disappeared, the sunlight shone brightly, and people finally got the chance to decorate their lives with flowers."

Before he could finish speaking, Palmer raised his hand and called out loudly.

"Hey! Afeiya!"

Palmer possessed a natural talent for socializing.

Afeiya, who was quite busy, paused upon hearing the voice. She noticed Palmer, handed her current task to others, and walked over with a smile.

"Hello there."

Palmer did not mention his own significant contribution to the flower shop’s rebuilding. After all, this was connected to Church. Palmer might not have had much money, but the Clarks were financially robust.

"You indeed have grown quite a bit."

At the conclusion of the storm, Fuen acknowledged Palmer with approval, signifying the end of the Clarks’ years-long economic sanctions against him.

After greeting Palmer and Bologue, Afeiya then noticed the somewhat reserved stranger standing behind them.

Even though he was a stranger, Afeiya perceived many familiar traces on him but couldn't precisely pinpoint the source of this familiarity.

Afeiya stepped forward, extending her hand in a friendly gesture.

"Hello there."

Church stood there, momentarily stunned, first glancing at Afeiya’s outstretched hand, her fingertips glowing pink in the sunlight, and then looking at her face. Noticing Church’s gaze, Afeiya offered a warm smile.

An incredibly heartwarming smile.

For a fleeting moment, Church’s mind went completely blank. The entire journey of self-examination and philosophical contemplation was discarded, and he found himself laughing at the perpetually self-doubting version of himself he had been on his path.

Church recalled a question he had pondered while going through the diary: how could someone so cold and isolated, a life-fractured Narrow Space Walker, possibly fall in love with another person?

Could he truly fall in love with someone?

Now, Church knew.

Nervously, Church shook Afeiya’s hand, offering a friendly smile. Just as he was about to speak, Afeiya suddenly moved closer, scrutinizing him with wandering eyes before finally locking onto Church’s pupils.

Afeiya recognized the origin of the odd familiarity. Without waiting for Church to introduce himself, she cautiously spoke.

"I suppose your name is Church Burton, right?"