Dappled sunlight shone through the trees, creating mysterious shadows. I opened my eyes, taking in the beauty of the sky above us. The blue sky was dotted with fluffy clouds drifting lazily in the gentle breeze.
Today, I decided to return to my world. If it weren't for Aysel, I would never have gone back there again. I held her shoulders as she flew us into the sky. It was kind of scary the first time, but since this was my second, it felt fine. We flew over the ocean as fast as birds.
Here we go again. This cruel world.
The first thing we did was visit Aysel's house. That's when I realized my phone wasn't in my pocket. I had completely forgotten about it while I was in the Garden of Aster. I tried to recall my memories. Right—I had left it at Lara's house.
I walked to Lara's house. When I arrived, I remembered that Lara was at work, leaving her rude little brother alone at home. Should I ring the bell? Or just wait for Lara? Who cares.
I rang the doorbell. No answer the first time. The same with the second. Finally, on the third try, he opened the door.
"Huh? What do you want? My sister's still at work. Come back later."
"My phone."
"Your phone?"
"I left it in Lara's room."
"Ugh."
He closed the door. A moment later, he opened it again, holding my phone. He rolled his eyes as he handed it to me. He was really testing my patience.
But he suddenly froze when he saw my wallpaper.
"Aysel sissy?"
"Huh?"
"The one beside you. It's Aysel sissy, right?"
"How do you know her, kid?"
"Well, she used to come here every day. I like her. I never imagined Aysel Sissy was friends with you."
"What's your problem?"
"Nothing. Now take your phone and leave."
Aysel was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. She asked if something had happened. I said no. Not really.
When we were done, we continued our journey to Aysel's house. We arrived in front of the gates. She came from a wealthy family, so it was no surprise that her house was twice as big as mine.
I stopped in front of the gate. How long had it been since the first time I came here? Twelve years? I hesitated before ringing the bell. What should I say? Aysel sent me? Or should I lie?
I rang the bell a few times. Someone came out. It was Aysel's mother. She invited me inside.
In the living room, I sat on the couch while Aysel sat beside me. Her mother brought me a cup of tea and asked why I was there. I told her I had come to visit. Even though the situation felt awkward, we still asked about each other.
As we talked, Aysel kept looking at her mother's face. She must really miss her. I know how that feels.
When I left, I said goodbye and told her mother to always take care of her health. Well, it was Aysel who said it. I just delivered her words, since her mother couldn't hear her.
As I walked out, I bumped into Xandros, Aysel's older brother—her only sibling. I could tell from his face that he was annoyed by my sudden visit. After his sister's death, we barely spoke to each other. It felt like it was my fault he lost his only sister.
I walked away without looking back.