Chapter 4: Distance
Albert and Barbara walked away from Lisa’s library in uncomfortable silence. The air between them felt heavy, charged with the unspoken turmoil they both carried. Finally, Barbara broke the silence.
“Albert,” Barbara began softly, her voice filled with discomfort, "I need you to promise me something."
Albert looked up anxiously, immediately understanding her intent. He nodded slowly, whispering, "You don’t have to say it—I know. I promise I won't transform again."
Barbara's eyes softened with relief and gratitude. "Thank you. And... I'm sorry again. If I had been more careful—"
"It's not your fault," Albert interrupted gently, though he felt guilt tighten painfully in his chest. Barbara remained silent, clearly unconvinced, as they parted ways quietly into the night.
Albert returned home heavy-hearted. The familiar creak of his front door echoed in his ears. His tiny room felt emptier than ever, shadows stretching across walls cluttered with posters of Barbara smiling cheerfully. He stared numbly at the posters, feeling strangely distant from the idol he once admired so deeply.
Unable to sleep, Albert wandered aimlessly through Mondstadt’s streets, trying to clear his restless mind. Lanterns cast warm pools of light along the cobblestone pathways, laughter and murmurs of conversations drifting from late-night taverns. Albert slowed as he approached a ticket vendor energetically waving tickets for Barbara’s concert.
"Only a few tickets left! You wouldn’t want to miss our shining idol Barbara!" the vendor called out cheerfully, noticing Albert’s hesitation. "How about you, young man? Last chance!"
Albert hesitated, heart racing, as he gazed longingly at the colorful tickets displayed prominently. Memories of Barbara’s frightened eyes quickly overwhelmed him, though, and he shook his head firmly.
"Maybe next time," Albert said softly, offering a weak smile before quickly moving on, feeling his resolve solidify painfully inside him.
The next few days passed uneventfully, and Albert threw himself into work at the tavern, desperately seeking normalcy. His friends quickly noticed his unusual behavior.
"Albert, seriously? You’re skipping Barbara’s concert?" One friend teased, nudging him playfully as they cleaned tables after the busy evening shift. "Are you feeling alright? Or did someone finally break your obsession?"
Albert laughed awkwardly, shaking his head. "Just busy lately. You know, extra shifts and all."
"Yeah right," another friend chimed in with a smirk. "The biggest fanboy in Mondstadt suddenly too busy? Something’s definitely weird."
Albert just smiled quietly, pretending the words didn’t bother him, though inside he felt a deep ache. Barbara’s request echoed repeatedly in his mind, reinforcing his decision to stay away for her sake.
That night, Albert returned home utterly exhausted. He crawled into bed, the silence around him almost suffocating. Closing his eyes, he pushed away memories of the cave, Lisa’s warnings, and Barbara’s strained voice.
Chapter 5: Slip-Up
Albert woke slowly, stretching lazily as morning sunlight seeped through his curtains, warming the small room. He felt unusually refreshed and calm. A gentle smile crossed his lips as he sat up, relief washing over him.
“Maybe things are finally going back to normal,” he whispered softly to himself, determination solidifying in his chest. “I don't need Barbara. I can finally move on.”
Yawning deeply, Albert got dressed without paying much attention, subconsciously avoiding the mirror. As he stepped outside to grab breakfast from the bakery, he noticed an unusual warmth from passersby. Strangers smiled brightly, some waving cheerfully, others nodding warmly in greeting. Albert felt oddly popular today but dismissed it easily as just a friendly morning.
Inside the bakery, he greeted the baker without truly looking up. The baker’s smile widened immediately. "Good morning, Barbara! Always such a delight to see you, though your clothes today are rather... creative!"
Albert froze mid-payment, heart racing. Barbara? He quickly glanced down, panic gripping him as he saw slender hands, Barbara’s hands, clutching his coins.
“Oh—um, I was just trying out a new style,” Albert stammered awkwardly, his voice soft and melodic—Barbara's voice. The baker laughed warmly, clearly charmed.
“Of course! You always know how to surprise us,” the baker chuckled gently as Albert quickly paid and hurried out, face flushed with embarrassment.
Back home, Albert locked his door firmly, leaning heavily against it. With deliberate focus, he shifted back into himself, sighing deeply as his familiar appearance returned. He made himself a firm promise, quietly but with determination:
“No more transformations. I promised Barbara.”
The next morning, Albert awoke cautiously, immediately checking himself in the mirror. Relief and slight disappointment filled him as he recognized his familiar face staring back.
Stepping out again toward the bakery, Albert immediately noticed the difference. People walked by without special acknowledgment, offering only brief, polite greetings. The baker barely looked up from his work, handing over the bread casually with a simple nod. Albert’s heart sank slightly at the stark contrast, feeling the sting of normalcy.
Heading to work at the tavern, Albert found his boss arranging chairs impatiently.
"Albert? Didn’t you get my message? We're renovating today—no customers!" his boss shouted jokingly, waving his arms dramatically. "You never pay attention! I swear, your head is full of dandelion fluff."
Albert laughed sheepishly. "Sorry, boss. Guess I missed it."
His boss shook his head, chuckling fondly. "Go home, Albert. Enjoy your rare day off. And please, pay attention next time!"
Albert returned home, suddenly restless. Thoughts swirled endlessly, replaying how differently everyone had treated Barbara. Slowly, curiosity and temptation overwhelmed him. Albert rationalized quietly to himself, "I need to confirm if it was really that different... just once."
Giving in to temptation, Albert shifted deliberately into Barbara once again. Carefully stepping outside, he was instantly met with warmth—people smiled genuinely, greeting him warmly. Near the flower stand, Flora waved enthusiastically.
"Good morning, Barbara! I just got your favorite lilies in today—here, take one!" Flora offered cheerfully, handing him a fresh, beautifully blooming flower.
"Thank you, Flora," Albert replied softly, amazed at how naturally Barbara's gentle voice flowed from him. His heart fluttered slightly, feeling a deep sense of appreciation.
As he continued down the street, several children from the orphanage recognized him immediately, running forward excitedly.
"Barbara! Barbara!" they called joyfully. "Will you visit us again soon?"
Albert smiled warmly, kneeling gently to their level. "Of course. I'll visit soon, I promise."
The children's faces lit up, hugging Albert briefly before running off happily. Warmth filled Albert’s chest, a comforting sense of belonging washing over him.
At the end of the day, Albert quickly returned home knowing that he had broken his promise.
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