A FEW MONTHS LATER Winter had begun its grip, but the air still carried a chill that crept into bones and lingered. In those months since Theo’s departure, Aurelia had fallen into a fragile rhythm — school, afternoons in the garden when the weather allowed, evenings spent reading by the fireplac
Tears fell one by one as she processed that her beloved friend is gone for a long time now.. Herman picked her up and patted her back.. Silea stood a bit far away.. Herman turned to walk in but the looked at Silea.. "Come.. Let's get inside.. " He forwarded his hand for Silea who looked at i
THE NEXT MORNING Aurelia didn't come down.. Theo and his parents are supposed to leave early, before noon. Though she wanted to say goodbye, she couldn't do it without crying her eyes out again.. Herman had checked up on her in the morning, offering her to come down with him but she refused.. Sh
“I won’t be coming next summer.” She turned. “What?” “My family’s moving. Far—like overseas far. You know that dad has to to their and come to visit us here regular.. It made him sick so we decided it wou be better if we move with him.. " Aurelia stared at him. “You didn’t tell me.” Theo look
THE NEXT MORNING When she woke up, she didn't do what she used to do.. She stayed quite and didn't mingle in family time.. She stayed by herself until Herman called her to join, until Owen noticed how vulnerable she was.. Though he was still a bit doubtful, Silea's act blinded him already.. He
Silea woke early the next morning, not because of sunlight but because the echo of footsteps passed her room. Aurelia. She always woke early to help in the kitchen—even though she didn’t have to. Even though everyone babied her. Silea rose and moved to her window. From this vantage, she could see