Chapter-4, some years later...

Time passed quietly, bringing unreserved happiness for some, and undeserving sorrow for others. Time wasn't kind to Elara and, on the other side Lily was living a dream, loving parents and a handsome boyfriend, what else she ever wanted. 

The Hughes residence was filled with afternoon sunlight, golden and warm, spreading across those polished floor and cream-coloured walls. A soft laughter drifted upward from downstairs. A familiar laugh of happiness. 

Elara paused at the top of the staircase, her fingers tightening slightly around the book she carried. She didn't need a glance to know who it was. That laughter had become a routine over the years. A sound which never belonged to her. 

Charlie Brown had come again. He came often now. 

Slowly and quietly, Elara descended a few steps, stopping just before the living room came into full view. From there, she could peek at them without being noticed at all. 

Charlie sat comfortably on the soft couch, his one arm resting along the back of it and his posture appeared relaxed. He had grown taller over the year and, he is nearly about 6' feet. His features had been sharper than before, his presence was calm and composed. He was in college now, already carrying the effortless confidence of someone born into the privilege. Everything about him looked perfect and controlled, but more distant than before. 

Except when he looked at Lily. He softened. 

Lily sat beside him, her legs tucked neatly in a cross, her black long hair falling over her shoulders as she leaned slightly towards him. She was four years younger than him. A beautiful school going girl. However, she seemed to fit into his world effortlessly, like she was meant to belonged there. 

"I brought something for you," Charlie said, reaching a packet beside him. 

He lifted a small gift box and placed it gently in Lily's hand. 

Her eyes widened instantly seeing a surprise. "For me?" She uttered. 

Charlie nodded, a faintest smile reaching his lips. "You said you like it last time." 

Lily opened the box carefully. Inside lay a delicate silver bracelet, tiny charms like tulip glistering softly in the sunlight. 

"It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice soft like usual, a delight for his ears. 

Charlie watched her reaction quietly, his gaze warm. 

"You remembered..." She added, looking up at him. 

"Of course I did." 

The words were simple, but the tone behind it made Elara's heart tighten painfully. 

Lily slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, admiring it before looking into his eyes. "Does it looks good?" 

Charlie leaned slightly closer, his fingers gently adjusting the clasp. "It's suits you well." 

Their closeness felt so natural, like they were comfortable around each other. 

Lily smiled sheepishly, lowering her gaze. "You spoil me too much." 

Charlie gave a small breath of amusement. "You deserve it." 

Elara stood frozen in the hallway. She used to be the one he looked at like that. Once, he remembered small things about her, but those memories belonged to a different Charlie, now he has change over time. He forget everything about them, but she remembers everything, every details. It broke her heart each she seems him with Lily. 

"Charlie, dear, you shouldn't bring gift every time," Mrs. Hughes said warmly as she entered the room, though her smile showed that she clearly approved. 

"It's nothing," Charlie replied politely. 

Mr. Hughes chuckles from his armchair. "Lily is lucky, not everyone gets such attention." 

Lily blushed faintly, her fingers brushing the bracelet again. "Papa...." 

Charlie couldn’t deny it. His eyes only looked at her. For him, she was very special. The moment he saw Lily saving him from fire, he dedicated his love for her. He smiled faintly seeing her blushing. 

Elara lowered her gaze. She had never seen their parents smile at her like that. Not even for once. 

"Oh! sister," Lily said suddenly, noticing her in the hallway. "You are back?"

Charlie's eyes shifted briefly towards Elara, holding no warmth, just acknowledgement of her presence. 

"Hello Elara," he said calmly. 

Her throat tightening hearing his voice. His voice felt too distant, and formal. 

"....Hello." 

That was all they exchange. The silence between them had been very uncomfortable. 

Then again Charlie turned back to Lily shifted all his attention towards her naturally. "You said you needed help for your assignment?" 

Lily nodded scooting closer to him. "I don't understand this part.... will you explain?" 

Charlie leaned in, their shoulders nearly touching as he took the notebook from her hands. "It's very simple. Look here...." 

Their heads bent closer together, their voices soft and private. 

Elara turned away before she could hear more. She ran upstairs, she closed her bedroom door quietly, the faint click echoing in the stillness. The laughter from downstairs got muffled, but not vanished. It lingered like a memory she couldn't remove from her mind. 

She sat slowly on the edge of her bed, her hands trembling as she reached behind her shoulders. Her fingers brushed against the faint scar hidden beneath her sleeves, uneven but existing. 

That burn had healed over years but the mark still remained. She still remembered the fire, the heat and the pain, the way she collapsed after saving him, but he had never noticed. Not once! 

Elara quickly pulled her sleeves back into the place, hiding her scar again. Her eyes burned as she looked down, her vision blurring. She didn't want to cry, but those tears never listened to her, it fall of it own. 

Her gaze shifted toward the small wooden box resting on her desk. She opened it carefully, revealing a dried lavender and an old photograph.

Her grandmother's gentle smile looked back at her. 

Elara touched the photo softly, her fingers trembling. 

"I miss you....." She whispered. 

Her grandmother had been the only one who truly loved her. The only one who noticed when she was quiet. The only one who held her when she cried. The only one who told her she mattered.

After she died, the house had grown colder. And now, even Charlie had became distant. 

Downstairs, Lily's laughter floated through the walls again, followed by Charlie's softer voice. 

They appear happy together. 

Elara pressed her lips together, tears sliding down her cheeks silently. 

Once, he had held her hand and called her fairy. 

Now.... 

He didn't even see her at all.