The lighthouse on the remote island stood in silence, as though perched at the edge of the world. Every night, Riku would gaze at its beam of light slicing through the darkness, unable to suppress his gnawing question: why does this light steal the memories of those who come near?
There was no way to uncover the answer. Visitors drawn to the light invariably left, their own names slipping through their fingers as if carried off by the sea breeze. Even Riku, the lighthouse’s keeper, had felt moments when his own memories became foggy, as though the light was creeping into his mind as well.
One stormy night, there was a knock at the lighthouse door. Outside stood a young girl, drenched to the bone, her wide eyes brimming with fear and confusion as they fixated on the light. Riku ushered her inside and wrapped her in a blanket.
Over the following days, the girl began to speak, albeit hesitantly. Her name was Natsu, but beyond that, she could recall nothing of herself. Riku knew she had fallen under the light’s spell but refrained from telling her. He feared that knowledge might deepen her despair.
Each night, they sat together, watching the beam illuminate the endless sea. “This light… it’s strange,” Riku confided one evening. “It’s dazzling, yet it feels like it takes something away.”
Natsu smiled faintly. “But while I’m here, I feel… a little happy. Like maybe this is where I’m meant to be, even if I don’t remember why.”
Riku’s own memories began to stir. He remembered why he had come to the lighthouse: to chase after his parents, who had vanished years ago, drawn by the same light. They had succumbed to its pull, leaving behind only the faintest traces of themselves.
Eventually, the day came when Natsu decided to leave. “Thank you, Riku,” she said softly. “But I need to find my memories. I want to remember this time, too. Even if I leave the light behind.”
Riku watched her go, his heart heavy with an emotion he couldn’t name. The light was both a curse and a salvation, a force that bound him to the island and yet gave him purpose.
Left alone once more, Riku stood before the great beacon, staring into its endless glow. “This light will keep luring people in, enchanting them, and taking their memories,” he murmured. “Maybe that’s how it’s meant to be. But as long as I’m here, I’ll keep watching. I’ll bear witness.”
The light continued its silent, eternal dance with the sea, and Riku, ever its keeper, stood vigilant, knowing the stories of those who came and went would always shine, even if they themselves could not remember.
