Set Adrift on Memory Bliss

Waves crashed against the shore.  But it wasn't the coast of Australia.  No, it was home.  Lake Milazzo.  Bartok VII.  And standing there... "Mother" and "Father".

She ran to them.  When she reached them, she greeted them with the standard kiss and cheek-press of the Bartokians.  When she pulled back, they smiled.

"We wondered when you would remember."

"Remember?"

"Your culture.  Your past.  I am so sorry we suppressed the memory of it from you, Eve.  But, we didn't know how you would react to it."

Eve smiled.  "It is all right.  There is nothing for me to be angry about.  You had my best intentions in mind."

And then, the smile fell from her face.

Kimberly Ordalani stepped forward.  "Something troubles you."

"I hurt someone.  Badly.  I fear their damage may be permanent."

"Simon?"

Eve nodded.

"Do not take all the blame upon your shoulders, dear.  Simon had many issues to shoulder.  It does not excuse his actions against you."

"But still.  I shoulder some of the blame as well."

"I know.  It is because your heart is in the right place.  You were misguided by your lumendt.  Now that you are better prepared, it will not happen again."

"I swear it will not.  By you, and all that came before me."

"We know you will make us proud, Eve."

"I will."  Tears formed on her face.  "By everything I hold dear to me, I will."

Kimberly wiped the tears from her "daughter"'s face.  "Do not cry, Eve.  You are stronger than you think.  Both in body, and in spirit.  This will test you.  But, you will succeed.  And you have many around you who will help.  You just have to allow them to."

"I know.  And I will."