Chapter 3 third chapter
There is a law called the immortality of matter, that is, every sound that has ever been made, every word that has ever been spoken, will always exist in some time and space.Maybe someday they will be recalled by us from a bygone era.
Before the invention of the radio, there was a doubt that anyone could believe that the air around us was filled with music, news, and voices from all over the world.So one day we will be able to go back and hear Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, or Shakespeare's voice, or even Christ's Sermon on the Mount.
Catherine heard the voices of the past, but they sounded dull and incoherent, and this plunged her into a terrific annoyance. "You know what? You're a special girl, Kathy. When I first saw you goodbye, I felt..." "It's over. I'm getting a divorce... I'm in love with someone else..." "I know I played badly...I will try to make up for my mistakes." "He wanted to kill me." "Who wants to kill you?" "my husband." All kinds of messy voices buzzed non-stop in her ears, which was tantamount to torture.Snippets of past life flashed through her mind like a kaleidoscopic kaleidoscope. The monastery should have been a wonderful and quiet paradise, but she suddenly felt that it had become terrible like hell.I don't belong here.But where do I belong?She herself couldn't be sure. Mirrors were never seen in monasteries.Only the pond outside near the garden can be illuminated.Catherine had been careful to avoid it, because she was afraid to look at herself.But this morning, she walked towards the pond.She approached the water and knelt down slowly, looking down at the calm water surface.A beautiful woman with a dark complexion was reflected in the water: long black hair, impeccable facial features, and gray eyes that seemed to be filled with a kind of deep pain...but perhaps the water was at fault.Then she saw a pair of wide lips, as if ready to burst into a sweet smile at any time, and a slightly upturned nose - a beauty in her early 30s.But this is a woman with no past and no future, a woman who has lost herself.I need help.Catherine said to herself in despair.I need someone to talk to me.She walked into the dean's office. "Mammy..." "What's the matter, kid?" "I... want to find a doctor, a doctor who can help me understand myself." Aunt Teresa looked at her for a while, "Sit down, please." Catherine sat down in the hard chair opposite the ancient carved desk. Mother Teresa said calmly, "My dear child, God is your good doctor. When the time comes, he will let you know everything he wants you to know. Besides, outsiders are absolutely forbidden in the monastery." .” A memory fragment suddenly flashed in Catherine's mind... In the garden of the monastery, a vague figure of a man came to her, and he gave her something...but it disappeared immediately. "But I don't belong here." "Then where do you belong?" That is indeed a problem. "I'm not sure either. I'm looking for something lost. Forgive me, Sister Teresa, but I know what I'm looking for isn't here." Sister Teresa looked at her thoughtfully. "I understand. If you leave here, where are you going?" "I have no idea." "Let me think about it, son. I'll talk to you again soon." "Thank you, Mammy."
After Catherine left, Dean Tereza sat at the desk for a long time lost in thought.It was a difficult decision for her.Finally, she picked up the paper and pen and began to write. "My dear sir," she began, "I feel it necessary to inform you of what has happened here. A mutual friend of ours has expressed to me his wish to leave the monastery. Please tell me, therefore, how the matter should be handled. .”
After reading the note again, he sat down on the chair again.He is analyzing the possible consequences of this incident. I see!Catherine Alexander wanted to rise from the dead.This is too bad.Looks like I'll have to get rid of her.Be cautious though, be quite cautious. The first step was to get her out of the convent.Demiris decided to visit Dean Teresa.
The next morning, Demiris asked his driver to drive him to Ioannina.As the car drove through the country road, he thought about Catherine all the way.He remembered how charming she had looked the first time he saw her, and how clever and humorous she had looked.She felt happy and excited in Greece.She had it all, Demiris thought.But then God began to punish her.Catherine married one of his pilots.Their marriage had shut her into a living hell.She had aged 10 years almost overnight and turned into a bloated, slovenly alcoholic all at once.He yawned.What a waste.
Demiris was sitting in Dean Theresa's office. "I didn't want to disturb you," said Sister Teresa apologetically, "but the child has nowhere to go, and..." "You're right," Demiris reassured her. "Does she remember what happened before?" Tereza shook her head. "No. The poor child..." She went to the window and watched the nuns busy in the garden. "Now she's out there." Constantine walked up to her and looked out the window.In front of him were three nuns with their backs to him.He waited for them to turn around.When one of them turned his head, he saw her face clearly.Her stunning beauty almost took his breath away.What the hell happened to that bloated, slovenly woman from before? "She's the girl in the middle," Abbot Theresa reminded him. Demiris nodded. "Yes." Aunt Teresa had the habit of expressing all she knew succinctly and precisely. "What do you want me to do to her?" To feedback. "Let me think about it," Demiris said, "and I'll get back to you."
Constantin Demiris had to make a decision.He was amazed by the change in Catherine Alexander's appearance.It was as if she had been completely reborn.No one, he guessed, would be able to recognize that it was the same woman.An idea suddenly occurred to him, so simple and cold that he could hardly help laughing out loud. That night, he sent a letter to Dean Teresa.
It's a miracle, Catherine thought, that my dream has come true.As soon as morning prayers were over, Aunt Teresa came to her tidy little bedroom. "I have something to tell you, kid." "yes?" Mother Teresa said carefully, "This is good news. I wrote to a friend of mine at the monastery and he offered to help you." Catherine's heart beat faster. "Help me—how?" "I think he will tell you. He is a very kind and generous gentleman. You will be able to leave the Abbey." Catherine suddenly felt a chill run through her body.She will return to the world outside that she has forgotten.So who is her protector? Sister Teresa simply said, "He's a very kind man. You'll have a good time. He's going to send a car to pick you up on Monday." Catherine could not sleep for two consecutive nights after this.Let her leave the monastery to devote herself to the outside world. At this moment, she suddenly felt a little scared.She felt as if she had been left naked in this world.Maybe I still don't know myself better.God, open your eyes and look at me!
At seven o'clock on Monday morning, a limousine pulled up at the gate of the monastery.Catherine had spent the whole of last night thinking about her uncertain future. Sister Teresa accompanied her to the door leading to the outside world. "We'll be praying for you. Remember, if you want to come back to us in the future, there's always a place for you." "Thank you, Mammy. I'll remember." However, Catherine knew in her heart that she would never return.
During the long journey from Ioannina to Athens, Catherine was constantly plagued by conflicting emotions.The world outside the monastery brought unprecedented joy and excitement to her, but at the same time she also had a premonition of something ominous lurking in this world.Will she know the terrible things that happened in the past?Was there any connection between the outside world and that dreadful nightmare in the lake that haunted her again?
After noon, the car reached the outskirts of Athens after passing through some small villages.It didn't take long before they entered the bustling city center of Athens.Everything here seemed strange and unreal to Catherine—but for some reason it seemed familiar.I've been here before, Catherine thought excitedly. The car has been driving east. Fifteen minutes later, she saw a large-scale mansion standing majestically on a hillside.They went through wide iron gates, passed a house with stone arches, and turned into an avenue lined with towering cypress trees.They finally stopped in front of a white building.This is a Mediterranean-style villa with ornate reliefs adorning the exterior outline. The driver opened the car door for Catherine.After she stepped out of the car door, she found a man waiting for her in front of the main entrance. "Kalimehra." She blurted out good morning to the man in Greek. "Kalimehra." The man greeted her good morning. "Are you... are you the one I want to meet?" "Oh, no. Mr. Demiris is waiting for you in the study." Demiris, she had never heard the name.Why should he help her? The man led Catherine through a spacious rotunda.The curved roof of the hall is finished with British Wedgwood ceramics, and the floor is paved with milky white Italian marble. The living room is huge.High ceilings with lighting sources, low but comfortable couches and some chairs are scattered around the room.A huge portrait of Goya covers an entire wall.The color of the picture is dark, and the person in the painting is staring ahead.When he reached the door of the study, the man stopped. "Mr. Demiris is waiting for you inside." The study room is decorated with white and gold-yellow fine wood paneling, and rows of bookcases along the wall are filled with various hardcover books with gilded covers.A man sat behind a large desk.He looked up and stood up when Catherine entered.He tried to find some trace of familiarity on her face, but couldn't find it. "Welcome. I am Constantine Demiris. What is your name?" "Katherine Alexander." He showed no reaction. "Welcome, Catherine Alexander, please take a seat." They sat facing each other on a black leather couch.She looked even cuter and more beautiful up close.She has a beautiful figure, even though she is wearing a nun's dress.Demiris thought secretly.Destruction of anything that is beautiful is shameful.At least she should die happily ever after. "I... I appreciate you seeing me," Catherine stammered. "But I don't know why you..." He smiled kindly and explained, "The reason is very simple. Usually, I often help Abbot Teresa solve some difficulties. The monastery has always been poor, so I always try my best to provide some donations. This time, she wrote to tell told me about you and asked if I could help, and I said I would be happy to do my best." "That's too..." She stopped, not knowing how to proceed. "Did Sister Teresa tell you about me... I have lost my memory." "Yes. She mentioned something about it." After a brief pause, he asked casually, "How much do you remember now?" “I know my name, but I don’t know where I’m from, or who I am.” Then she added hopefully: “Maybe I’ll run into someone in Athens who knows me.” Constantin Demiris felt a sudden panic.That was the last thing he wanted in this world. "Of course it is possible," he replied cautiously. "Why don't we talk about it tomorrow morning? Unfortunately, I have to go to a meeting now. I've got your room ready for you, and I think you'll be comfortable." "I... I don't know how to thank you." He shook his hand and said, "You're welcome. You will be well taken care of here. You can do whatever you want." "thanks,……" "My friends call me Coster."
The housekeeper led Catherine to an unbelievably large bedroom.A large custom-made bed is hung with luxurious silk hangings.The milky white room is matched with white sofas, armchairs, classical tables and lamps, making it look soft and harmonious.Light sea green shutters block the glare of the sun over the bay.Catherine looked out of the window, and the blue ocean could be seen in a sweeping, panoramic view. The housekeeper said: "Mr. Demirian has sent clothes, and you can choose from them." Only then did Catherinda realize that she was still wearing the nun's uniform issued by the convent. "Thank you." Catherine fell down on the soft and comfortable bed, feeling as if she was dreaming.Who is this strange man?Why did he take such care of her?
An hour later, a hand-controlled car full of various clothes and objects appeared at the door of her room, and the butler walked in with a female fashion designer. "I'm Mrs. Dimas. Now let's see what to do. Will you take off your clothes, please?" "I... I don't understand what you mean." "Can you take your clothes off? I can't see what your figure looks like if you're wearing clothes." It had been so long ago for her to have her naked in front of another human being. Catherine shyly and slowly began to undress herself.She stood naked in front of her.Mrs. Dimas looked her up and down with a practiced professional eye.Her figure made a deep impression on her. "You're in pretty good shape, and I think we've got a nice design for you." Two female assistants came in with boxes of coats, underwear, shirts, skirts, shoes and socks. "Just pick what you like," said the female designer, "and let's try it on..." "I...I can't afford these expensive clothes," Catherine declared hastily. "I don't have any money." Mrs. Dimas laughed. "I don't think money is an issue. Mr. Demiris will take care of it for you." But why? The clothes reminded her vaguely of some of the clothes she had worn in the past: silk, tweed, and cotton, all printed in beautiful colors and patterns.
Those three women were quick at what they were doing.It took them only two hours to design half a dozen beautiful suits for Catherine, and they were all first-class fashion.She sat there in embarrassment, not knowing what to do. Now I'm all dressed up, but I don't have anywhere to go.She had only one place to go—into the city.In her view, the city of Athens is a key for her to understand all her past.She was convinced of it.Thinking of this, she stood up.Come on, stranger.We will recognize you.
Catherine walked to the front hall, and a housekeeper immediately greeted her: "What can I do for you, Miss?" "I... want to go into town, can you call a taxi for me?" "I don't think it's necessary at all. We have our own private limousine at your disposal. I can arrange it for you at once." Catherine hesitated. "Thank you." Would Mr. Demiriso be upset that she had come into town without permission?He didn't seem to say no. A few minutes later, she was in the back seat of Demiris' private car and headed straight to the center of Athens.
In the busy and noisy city of Athens, the fascinating monuments and ruins made people dizzy, and Catherine felt a little dazzled. The driver proudly pointed out to her one by one: "That's the Parthenon, miss, it's built on the Acropolis." Catherine gazed at the familiar white marble building and added to herself, "It is dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom." The driver smiled appreciatively and said, "Are you studying the history of ancient Greece, Miss?" Painful tears suddenly blurred Catherine's vision. "I don't know," she repeated mutteringly, "I don't know." They passed another ruin. "That's the great theater of ancient Athens. You see, these broken walls have not collapsed so far. At that time, this place could seat more than 5,000 spectators." "Six thousand two hundred and fifty-seven positions." Catherine added softly. Here, one can see modern restaurants and office buildings coexisting harmoniously with immortal ancient Greek architecture everywhere, which is a wonderful blend of ancient and modern cultures.They passed a big park in the city center.The central fountain in the park is happily splashing sparkling water.There are open-air dining tables under blue parasols with green or orange legs. I've seen this before, Catherine thought.Her hands have become cold.But I feel very happy now.
There are open-air cafes on almost every street here.Some street vendors peddle fresh crab roe, freshly caught from the sea.People can buy all kinds of flowers from colorful flower stalls anytime and anywhere. They drove to Sintagama Square. As they passed a hotel on the corner of the street, Catherine suddenly called out: "Please stop." The driver slammed on the brakes and stopped.Catherine felt that she could hardly breathe.I know this hotel, I have stayed there. She shook her face excitedly and said, "I want to get off here. Can you pick me up in two hours?" "Of course, miss." The driver hurried forward to open the car door for her. As soon as Catherine got out of the car, she felt the summer heat blowing against her face.She seemed a little shaky when she walked. "Are you all right, miss?" She didn't answer.She felt as if she was standing on the edge of a cliff, about to fall into an unknown and terrible abyss.
She walks through the crowd.Facing these noisy and busy sentient beings, she felt incomparably amazed.After the quiet life isolated from the world in the monastery, everything outside seemed so strange to her.She involuntarily walked towards Palaca, the old city of Athens in the city center.This area is full of twisted old-fashioned alleyways, and the buildings on both sides of the road are disorderly.The dilapidated corridors lead to pigeon cage-like rooms and dark and small cafes.She was identifying the way ahead with a certain instinct, and she didn't intend to understand or control this instinct.When she came to a tavern on a rooftop, she stopped.She gazed raptly at the city beneath her feet.I have sat at that table seat.They handed me a menu in Greek.There are three of us. what would you like to order?They asked me that. Can you help me?I was afraid that I would order the owner's name on the menu as a dish. They all laughed, but who were "they"? A waiter came up to Catherine and asked in Greek, "Can I do something for you?" "No, thank you," she replied in Greek.How can I understand Greek?Am I Greek? Catherine walked briskly on, as if someone were leading and knew where to go. Everything was so familiar, but she couldn't remember anything.My God, she sighed, I'm going crazy.I am living a hallucination!As she walked past a café called Treflinkas, her mind was again haunted by some erratic memory.What happened here, should be said to be important.But she just can't recall exactly what happened. She turned around and finally got out of this busy and unusually busy area, and then she turned left into Vauclesius.High-end shops abound here.I have bought things in this area.As she was crossing the street, a car coming around the corner nearly killed her. A voice began to echo in her ears: The Greeks have not yet transitioned to the auto industry.In their conception, they are still willing to live on a donkey. If you want to understand Greece, then you should read the tragedies of ancient Greece, not the kind of travel guide.They will give you a real taste of a sublime passion, and a kind of infinite joy and great sorrow, which the gorgeous appearance of modern civilization cannot cover. Who was it that said this to her?
A man was staring at her intently.He hurried towards her and stopped slowly in front of her.Catherine saw a familiar expression on his face, but she was sure that she had never seen the tall, dark man in front of her before.Even so, but... "Hello." He seemed happy to see her. "Hello." Catherine took a deep breath. "you know me?" He smiled. "Of course I know you." Catherine's heart began to beat wildly, and she was finally able to know the truth about her past.But in this street full of people coming and going, how can you ask people the question of "who am I?" "Can we...can we talk?" Catherine asked. "I think it's best that way." Catherine is a little nervous because the mystery of her identity is about to be solved.But she was terribly frightened.What if I don't know myself?What if I've done something terrible before? The man took her to an outdoor bar. "It was a pleasure meeting you," he said. Catherine had no doubts about it. "me too." A waiter ushered them to their seats. "What would you like to drink?" She shook her head. "I don't want to drink anything." There are so many questions to ask.Where should I ask? "You are so beautiful," the man said admiringly, "This is the arrangement of fate, don't you think so?" "Yes." She was almost shaking with excitement. "Have we met somewhere before?" she asked after taking a deep breath. He smiled. "Does it matter, mademoiselle? Paris or Rome, perhaps at the racetracks or at some party." He leaned forward and pressed Catherine's hand. "You're the prettiest chick I've ever seen here. Can you make an offer?" Catherine stared at him blankly with wide eyes, unable to react for a moment.When she realized, in shock, she jumped up.Just run outside. "Hey! What's going on here? You just make an offer and..." Catherine made seven turns and eight turns along the road until she reached a street corner, and then stopped slowly, with tears of humiliation in her eyes. In front was a tavern with a sign in the window reading "Mrs. Pérez - Divination and Fortune Telling".Catherine paused.I know Mrs. Perez.I've been here before.Her heartbeat started to speed up again.She felt that this dark doorway was the only way to the answer.She opened the door and walked in. The light in the bar was as dark as in a cave, and it took her a few minutes to get used to it: the wine cabinet in the corner and some tables and chairs seemed so familiar to her. A waiter came up to greet her in Greek. "Good morning." "Good morning. I'm looking for Mrs. Perez." He pointed to an empty seat in the corner.Catherine went to the seat and sat down.Everything here was exactly as she remembered it. An old woman in a black coat came towards Catherine.Her shriveled, wrinkled face made her look like a mummy. "I can help you..." She was suddenly dumbfounded and looked at Catherine in surprise. "I used to know you, but your face has become..." She gasped in surprise. "How did you survive?" "Do you know who I am?" Catherine asked sincerely. The old woman just stared in horror.She suddenly yelled: "No! You are already dead, get out!" Catherine whimpered softly, her hairs standing on end. "Please... I just..." "Come on, Mrs. Douglas!" "I have to know..." The old woman turned and walked away after crossing herself. Catherine sat trembling all over.After a while, she rushed out of the bar and into the street.Mrs. Douglas kept ringing in her ears. The floodgates of memory were suddenly opened.A series of clear scenes flooded into her mind at once.They change like a kaleidoscope, making it difficult to control.I'm Mrs. Douglas.She could see her husband's handsome face clearly now.She had loved him madly.But then I don't know what happened.What's the matter...? Then came to her mind the scene of her attempted suicide.She remembered being in the hospital when she woke up. Catherine stood blankly on the street, her legs were as heavy as lead, and the past was vivid in her memory. Due to the loss of Larry Douglas, she began to drink heavily.But then he came back to her again.In her room, Larry reassured her, "I know I behaved badly, and I'll try to make it right. I love you, Kathy. I've never really loved anyone else. Give me more. One more chance. Would you like us to have another honeymoon? I know a wonderful place called Ioannina." Then something terrible happened. A creepy scene played in her mind. She was with Larry on the top of the cloudy mountain.He was groping towards her, and then stretched out his hands trying to push her off the cliff.At this moment, the appearance of several tourists saved her from being murdered. Then she remembered those terrible caves. "The hotel staff told me that there are several caves nearby. It is said that all the honeymooners go there." They went to the cave.Larry led her into a labyrinth of caves, where she was left alone and nearly killed again. She covered her ears tightly with her hands, as if trying to block the terrible thoughts that were rushing towards her. She was rescued and returned to the hotel.The doctor gave her several sedatives.But when she awoke in the middle of the night, she heard Larry and his lover plotting her murder again in the kitchen, and the evening wind was sending her intermittent whispers: She remembered trotting for her life in the storm—they were pressing behind—and jumping into a small rowboat, which luckily the storm blew into the middle of the lake.But the boat started to sink and she lost consciousness.
Catherine found a bench by the road and sat down.She was so tired that she could barely move.The nightmare in the middle of the night turned out to be something that really happened.It was her husband and his lover who wanted to kill her. She was thinking again of the stranger who had visited her at the convent not long after her rescue and who had given her a finely crafted golden bird.It is spreading its wings and jumping to fly. "No one can hurt you now. The villain is dead." She still couldn't clearly recall the stranger's appearance until now. Catherine's head was twitching. She finally stood up and walked towards the street she had agreed with the driver.The driver will take her back to Constantin Demiris.She feels a sense of security there.
Catherine heard the voices of the past, but they sounded dull and incoherent, and this plunged her into a terrific annoyance. "You know what? You're a special girl, Kathy. When I first saw you goodbye, I felt..." "It's over. I'm getting a divorce... I'm in love with someone else..." "I know I played badly...I will try to make up for my mistakes." "He wanted to kill me." "Who wants to kill you?" "my husband." All kinds of messy voices buzzed non-stop in her ears, which was tantamount to torture.Snippets of past life flashed through her mind like a kaleidoscopic kaleidoscope. The monastery should have been a wonderful and quiet paradise, but she suddenly felt that it had become terrible like hell.I don't belong here.But where do I belong?She herself couldn't be sure. Mirrors were never seen in monasteries.Only the pond outside near the garden can be illuminated.Catherine had been careful to avoid it, because she was afraid to look at herself.But this morning, she walked towards the pond.She approached the water and knelt down slowly, looking down at the calm water surface.A beautiful woman with a dark complexion was reflected in the water: long black hair, impeccable facial features, and gray eyes that seemed to be filled with a kind of deep pain...but perhaps the water was at fault.Then she saw a pair of wide lips, as if ready to burst into a sweet smile at any time, and a slightly upturned nose - a beauty in her early 30s.But this is a woman with no past and no future, a woman who has lost herself.I need help.Catherine said to herself in despair.I need someone to talk to me.She walked into the dean's office. "Mammy..." "What's the matter, kid?" "I... want to find a doctor, a doctor who can help me understand myself." Aunt Teresa looked at her for a while, "Sit down, please." Catherine sat down in the hard chair opposite the ancient carved desk. Mother Teresa said calmly, "My dear child, God is your good doctor. When the time comes, he will let you know everything he wants you to know. Besides, outsiders are absolutely forbidden in the monastery." .” A memory fragment suddenly flashed in Catherine's mind... In the garden of the monastery, a vague figure of a man came to her, and he gave her something...but it disappeared immediately. "But I don't belong here." "Then where do you belong?" That is indeed a problem. "I'm not sure either. I'm looking for something lost. Forgive me, Sister Teresa, but I know what I'm looking for isn't here." Sister Teresa looked at her thoughtfully. "I understand. If you leave here, where are you going?" "I have no idea." "Let me think about it, son. I'll talk to you again soon." "Thank you, Mammy."
After Catherine left, Dean Tereza sat at the desk for a long time lost in thought.It was a difficult decision for her.Finally, she picked up the paper and pen and began to write. "My dear sir," she began, "I feel it necessary to inform you of what has happened here. A mutual friend of ours has expressed to me his wish to leave the monastery. Please tell me, therefore, how the matter should be handled. .”
After reading the note again, he sat down on the chair again.He is analyzing the possible consequences of this incident. I see!Catherine Alexander wanted to rise from the dead.This is too bad.Looks like I'll have to get rid of her.Be cautious though, be quite cautious. The first step was to get her out of the convent.Demiris decided to visit Dean Teresa.
The next morning, Demiris asked his driver to drive him to Ioannina.As the car drove through the country road, he thought about Catherine all the way.He remembered how charming she had looked the first time he saw her, and how clever and humorous she had looked.She felt happy and excited in Greece.She had it all, Demiris thought.But then God began to punish her.Catherine married one of his pilots.Their marriage had shut her into a living hell.She had aged 10 years almost overnight and turned into a bloated, slovenly alcoholic all at once.He yawned.What a waste.
Demiris was sitting in Dean Theresa's office. "I didn't want to disturb you," said Sister Teresa apologetically, "but the child has nowhere to go, and..." "You're right," Demiris reassured her. "Does she remember what happened before?" Tereza shook her head. "No. The poor child..." She went to the window and watched the nuns busy in the garden. "Now she's out there." Constantine walked up to her and looked out the window.In front of him were three nuns with their backs to him.He waited for them to turn around.When one of them turned his head, he saw her face clearly.Her stunning beauty almost took his breath away.What the hell happened to that bloated, slovenly woman from before? "She's the girl in the middle," Abbot Theresa reminded him. Demiris nodded. "Yes." Aunt Teresa had the habit of expressing all she knew succinctly and precisely. "What do you want me to do to her?" To feedback. "Let me think about it," Demiris said, "and I'll get back to you."
Constantin Demiris had to make a decision.He was amazed by the change in Catherine Alexander's appearance.It was as if she had been completely reborn.No one, he guessed, would be able to recognize that it was the same woman.An idea suddenly occurred to him, so simple and cold that he could hardly help laughing out loud. That night, he sent a letter to Dean Teresa.
It's a miracle, Catherine thought, that my dream has come true.As soon as morning prayers were over, Aunt Teresa came to her tidy little bedroom. "I have something to tell you, kid." "yes?" Mother Teresa said carefully, "This is good news. I wrote to a friend of mine at the monastery and he offered to help you." Catherine's heart beat faster. "Help me—how?" "I think he will tell you. He is a very kind and generous gentleman. You will be able to leave the Abbey." Catherine suddenly felt a chill run through her body.She will return to the world outside that she has forgotten.So who is her protector? Sister Teresa simply said, "He's a very kind man. You'll have a good time. He's going to send a car to pick you up on Monday." Catherine could not sleep for two consecutive nights after this.Let her leave the monastery to devote herself to the outside world. At this moment, she suddenly felt a little scared.She felt as if she had been left naked in this world.Maybe I still don't know myself better.God, open your eyes and look at me!
At seven o'clock on Monday morning, a limousine pulled up at the gate of the monastery.Catherine had spent the whole of last night thinking about her uncertain future. Sister Teresa accompanied her to the door leading to the outside world. "We'll be praying for you. Remember, if you want to come back to us in the future, there's always a place for you." "Thank you, Mammy. I'll remember." However, Catherine knew in her heart that she would never return.
During the long journey from Ioannina to Athens, Catherine was constantly plagued by conflicting emotions.The world outside the monastery brought unprecedented joy and excitement to her, but at the same time she also had a premonition of something ominous lurking in this world.Will she know the terrible things that happened in the past?Was there any connection between the outside world and that dreadful nightmare in the lake that haunted her again?
After noon, the car reached the outskirts of Athens after passing through some small villages.It didn't take long before they entered the bustling city center of Athens.Everything here seemed strange and unreal to Catherine—but for some reason it seemed familiar.I've been here before, Catherine thought excitedly. The car has been driving east. Fifteen minutes later, she saw a large-scale mansion standing majestically on a hillside.They went through wide iron gates, passed a house with stone arches, and turned into an avenue lined with towering cypress trees.They finally stopped in front of a white building.This is a Mediterranean-style villa with ornate reliefs adorning the exterior outline. The driver opened the car door for Catherine.After she stepped out of the car door, she found a man waiting for her in front of the main entrance. "Kalimehra." She blurted out good morning to the man in Greek. "Kalimehra." The man greeted her good morning. "Are you... are you the one I want to meet?" "Oh, no. Mr. Demiris is waiting for you in the study." Demiris, she had never heard the name.Why should he help her? The man led Catherine through a spacious rotunda.The curved roof of the hall is finished with British Wedgwood ceramics, and the floor is paved with milky white Italian marble. The living room is huge.High ceilings with lighting sources, low but comfortable couches and some chairs are scattered around the room.A huge portrait of Goya covers an entire wall.The color of the picture is dark, and the person in the painting is staring ahead.When he reached the door of the study, the man stopped. "Mr. Demiris is waiting for you inside." The study room is decorated with white and gold-yellow fine wood paneling, and rows of bookcases along the wall are filled with various hardcover books with gilded covers.A man sat behind a large desk.He looked up and stood up when Catherine entered.He tried to find some trace of familiarity on her face, but couldn't find it. "Welcome. I am Constantine Demiris. What is your name?" "Katherine Alexander." He showed no reaction. "Welcome, Catherine Alexander, please take a seat." They sat facing each other on a black leather couch.She looked even cuter and more beautiful up close.She has a beautiful figure, even though she is wearing a nun's dress.Demiris thought secretly.Destruction of anything that is beautiful is shameful.At least she should die happily ever after. "I... I appreciate you seeing me," Catherine stammered. "But I don't know why you..." He smiled kindly and explained, "The reason is very simple. Usually, I often help Abbot Teresa solve some difficulties. The monastery has always been poor, so I always try my best to provide some donations. This time, she wrote to tell told me about you and asked if I could help, and I said I would be happy to do my best." "That's too..." She stopped, not knowing how to proceed. "Did Sister Teresa tell you about me... I have lost my memory." "Yes. She mentioned something about it." After a brief pause, he asked casually, "How much do you remember now?" “I know my name, but I don’t know where I’m from, or who I am.” Then she added hopefully: “Maybe I’ll run into someone in Athens who knows me.” Constantin Demiris felt a sudden panic.That was the last thing he wanted in this world. "Of course it is possible," he replied cautiously. "Why don't we talk about it tomorrow morning? Unfortunately, I have to go to a meeting now. I've got your room ready for you, and I think you'll be comfortable." "I... I don't know how to thank you." He shook his hand and said, "You're welcome. You will be well taken care of here. You can do whatever you want." "thanks,……" "My friends call me Coster."
The housekeeper led Catherine to an unbelievably large bedroom.A large custom-made bed is hung with luxurious silk hangings.The milky white room is matched with white sofas, armchairs, classical tables and lamps, making it look soft and harmonious.Light sea green shutters block the glare of the sun over the bay.Catherine looked out of the window, and the blue ocean could be seen in a sweeping, panoramic view. The housekeeper said: "Mr. Demirian has sent clothes, and you can choose from them." Only then did Catherinda realize that she was still wearing the nun's uniform issued by the convent. "Thank you." Catherine fell down on the soft and comfortable bed, feeling as if she was dreaming.Who is this strange man?Why did he take such care of her?
An hour later, a hand-controlled car full of various clothes and objects appeared at the door of her room, and the butler walked in with a female fashion designer. "I'm Mrs. Dimas. Now let's see what to do. Will you take off your clothes, please?" "I... I don't understand what you mean." "Can you take your clothes off? I can't see what your figure looks like if you're wearing clothes." It had been so long ago for her to have her naked in front of another human being. Catherine shyly and slowly began to undress herself.She stood naked in front of her.Mrs. Dimas looked her up and down with a practiced professional eye.Her figure made a deep impression on her. "You're in pretty good shape, and I think we've got a nice design for you." Two female assistants came in with boxes of coats, underwear, shirts, skirts, shoes and socks. "Just pick what you like," said the female designer, "and let's try it on..." "I...I can't afford these expensive clothes," Catherine declared hastily. "I don't have any money." Mrs. Dimas laughed. "I don't think money is an issue. Mr. Demiris will take care of it for you." But why? The clothes reminded her vaguely of some of the clothes she had worn in the past: silk, tweed, and cotton, all printed in beautiful colors and patterns.
Those three women were quick at what they were doing.It took them only two hours to design half a dozen beautiful suits for Catherine, and they were all first-class fashion.She sat there in embarrassment, not knowing what to do. Now I'm all dressed up, but I don't have anywhere to go.She had only one place to go—into the city.In her view, the city of Athens is a key for her to understand all her past.She was convinced of it.Thinking of this, she stood up.Come on, stranger.We will recognize you.
Catherine walked to the front hall, and a housekeeper immediately greeted her: "What can I do for you, Miss?" "I... want to go into town, can you call a taxi for me?" "I don't think it's necessary at all. We have our own private limousine at your disposal. I can arrange it for you at once." Catherine hesitated. "Thank you." Would Mr. Demiriso be upset that she had come into town without permission?He didn't seem to say no. A few minutes later, she was in the back seat of Demiris' private car and headed straight to the center of Athens.
In the busy and noisy city of Athens, the fascinating monuments and ruins made people dizzy, and Catherine felt a little dazzled. The driver proudly pointed out to her one by one: "That's the Parthenon, miss, it's built on the Acropolis." Catherine gazed at the familiar white marble building and added to herself, "It is dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom." The driver smiled appreciatively and said, "Are you studying the history of ancient Greece, Miss?" Painful tears suddenly blurred Catherine's vision. "I don't know," she repeated mutteringly, "I don't know." They passed another ruin. "That's the great theater of ancient Athens. You see, these broken walls have not collapsed so far. At that time, this place could seat more than 5,000 spectators." "Six thousand two hundred and fifty-seven positions." Catherine added softly. Here, one can see modern restaurants and office buildings coexisting harmoniously with immortal ancient Greek architecture everywhere, which is a wonderful blend of ancient and modern cultures.They passed a big park in the city center.The central fountain in the park is happily splashing sparkling water.There are open-air dining tables under blue parasols with green or orange legs. I've seen this before, Catherine thought.Her hands have become cold.But I feel very happy now.
There are open-air cafes on almost every street here.Some street vendors peddle fresh crab roe, freshly caught from the sea.People can buy all kinds of flowers from colorful flower stalls anytime and anywhere. They drove to Sintagama Square. As they passed a hotel on the corner of the street, Catherine suddenly called out: "Please stop." The driver slammed on the brakes and stopped.Catherine felt that she could hardly breathe.I know this hotel, I have stayed there. She shook her face excitedly and said, "I want to get off here. Can you pick me up in two hours?" "Of course, miss." The driver hurried forward to open the car door for her. As soon as Catherine got out of the car, she felt the summer heat blowing against her face.She seemed a little shaky when she walked. "Are you all right, miss?" She didn't answer.She felt as if she was standing on the edge of a cliff, about to fall into an unknown and terrible abyss.
She walks through the crowd.Facing these noisy and busy sentient beings, she felt incomparably amazed.After the quiet life isolated from the world in the monastery, everything outside seemed so strange to her.She involuntarily walked towards Palaca, the old city of Athens in the city center.This area is full of twisted old-fashioned alleyways, and the buildings on both sides of the road are disorderly.The dilapidated corridors lead to pigeon cage-like rooms and dark and small cafes.She was identifying the way ahead with a certain instinct, and she didn't intend to understand or control this instinct.When she came to a tavern on a rooftop, she stopped.She gazed raptly at the city beneath her feet.I have sat at that table seat.They handed me a menu in Greek.There are three of us. what would you like to order?They asked me that. Can you help me?I was afraid that I would order the owner's name on the menu as a dish. They all laughed, but who were "they"? A waiter came up to Catherine and asked in Greek, "Can I do something for you?" "No, thank you," she replied in Greek.How can I understand Greek?Am I Greek? Catherine walked briskly on, as if someone were leading and knew where to go. Everything was so familiar, but she couldn't remember anything.My God, she sighed, I'm going crazy.I am living a hallucination!As she walked past a café called Treflinkas, her mind was again haunted by some erratic memory.What happened here, should be said to be important.But she just can't recall exactly what happened. She turned around and finally got out of this busy and unusually busy area, and then she turned left into Vauclesius.High-end shops abound here.I have bought things in this area.As she was crossing the street, a car coming around the corner nearly killed her. A voice began to echo in her ears: The Greeks have not yet transitioned to the auto industry.In their conception, they are still willing to live on a donkey. If you want to understand Greece, then you should read the tragedies of ancient Greece, not the kind of travel guide.They will give you a real taste of a sublime passion, and a kind of infinite joy and great sorrow, which the gorgeous appearance of modern civilization cannot cover. Who was it that said this to her?
A man was staring at her intently.He hurried towards her and stopped slowly in front of her.Catherine saw a familiar expression on his face, but she was sure that she had never seen the tall, dark man in front of her before.Even so, but... "Hello." He seemed happy to see her. "Hello." Catherine took a deep breath. "you know me?" He smiled. "Of course I know you." Catherine's heart began to beat wildly, and she was finally able to know the truth about her past.But in this street full of people coming and going, how can you ask people the question of "who am I?" "Can we...can we talk?" Catherine asked. "I think it's best that way." Catherine is a little nervous because the mystery of her identity is about to be solved.But she was terribly frightened.What if I don't know myself?What if I've done something terrible before? The man took her to an outdoor bar. "It was a pleasure meeting you," he said. Catherine had no doubts about it. "me too." A waiter ushered them to their seats. "What would you like to drink?" She shook her head. "I don't want to drink anything." There are so many questions to ask.Where should I ask? "You are so beautiful," the man said admiringly, "This is the arrangement of fate, don't you think so?" "Yes." She was almost shaking with excitement. "Have we met somewhere before?" she asked after taking a deep breath. He smiled. "Does it matter, mademoiselle? Paris or Rome, perhaps at the racetracks or at some party." He leaned forward and pressed Catherine's hand. "You're the prettiest chick I've ever seen here. Can you make an offer?" Catherine stared at him blankly with wide eyes, unable to react for a moment.When she realized, in shock, she jumped up.Just run outside. "Hey! What's going on here? You just make an offer and..." Catherine made seven turns and eight turns along the road until she reached a street corner, and then stopped slowly, with tears of humiliation in her eyes. In front was a tavern with a sign in the window reading "Mrs. Pérez - Divination and Fortune Telling".Catherine paused.I know Mrs. Perez.I've been here before.Her heartbeat started to speed up again.She felt that this dark doorway was the only way to the answer.She opened the door and walked in. The light in the bar was as dark as in a cave, and it took her a few minutes to get used to it: the wine cabinet in the corner and some tables and chairs seemed so familiar to her. A waiter came up to greet her in Greek. "Good morning." "Good morning. I'm looking for Mrs. Perez." He pointed to an empty seat in the corner.Catherine went to the seat and sat down.Everything here was exactly as she remembered it. An old woman in a black coat came towards Catherine.Her shriveled, wrinkled face made her look like a mummy. "I can help you..." She was suddenly dumbfounded and looked at Catherine in surprise. "I used to know you, but your face has become..." She gasped in surprise. "How did you survive?" "Do you know who I am?" Catherine asked sincerely. The old woman just stared in horror.She suddenly yelled: "No! You are already dead, get out!" Catherine whimpered softly, her hairs standing on end. "Please... I just..." "Come on, Mrs. Douglas!" "I have to know..." The old woman turned and walked away after crossing herself. Catherine sat trembling all over.After a while, she rushed out of the bar and into the street.Mrs. Douglas kept ringing in her ears. The floodgates of memory were suddenly opened.A series of clear scenes flooded into her mind at once.They change like a kaleidoscope, making it difficult to control.I'm Mrs. Douglas.She could see her husband's handsome face clearly now.She had loved him madly.But then I don't know what happened.What's the matter...? Then came to her mind the scene of her attempted suicide.She remembered being in the hospital when she woke up. Catherine stood blankly on the street, her legs were as heavy as lead, and the past was vivid in her memory. Due to the loss of Larry Douglas, she began to drink heavily.But then he came back to her again.In her room, Larry reassured her, "I know I behaved badly, and I'll try to make it right. I love you, Kathy. I've never really loved anyone else. Give me more. One more chance. Would you like us to have another honeymoon? I know a wonderful place called Ioannina." Then something terrible happened. A creepy scene played in her mind. She was with Larry on the top of the cloudy mountain.He was groping towards her, and then stretched out his hands trying to push her off the cliff.At this moment, the appearance of several tourists saved her from being murdered. Then she remembered those terrible caves. "The hotel staff told me that there are several caves nearby. It is said that all the honeymooners go there." They went to the cave.Larry led her into a labyrinth of caves, where she was left alone and nearly killed again. She covered her ears tightly with her hands, as if trying to block the terrible thoughts that were rushing towards her. She was rescued and returned to the hotel.The doctor gave her several sedatives.But when she awoke in the middle of the night, she heard Larry and his lover plotting her murder again in the kitchen, and the evening wind was sending her intermittent whispers: She remembered trotting for her life in the storm—they were pressing behind—and jumping into a small rowboat, which luckily the storm blew into the middle of the lake.But the boat started to sink and she lost consciousness.
Catherine found a bench by the road and sat down.She was so tired that she could barely move.The nightmare in the middle of the night turned out to be something that really happened.It was her husband and his lover who wanted to kill her. She was thinking again of the stranger who had visited her at the convent not long after her rescue and who had given her a finely crafted golden bird.It is spreading its wings and jumping to fly. "No one can hurt you now. The villain is dead." She still couldn't clearly recall the stranger's appearance until now. Catherine's head was twitching. She finally stood up and walked towards the street she had agreed with the driver.The driver will take her back to Constantin Demiris.She feels a sense of security there.