"Here, sis, your morning breakfast. You're going to love it."
I gently placed the tray on Miss Elsa's bedside table. She was sitting up in bed, her delicate frame outlined by the soft morning light filtering through the curtains.
"Ah... Thank you, White," she replied, her voice calm but carrying a faint warmth that made my chest ache.
"Don't mention it. And remember, you can call me anytime if you need anything," I said, managing a small smile before turning to leave her apartment room.
It had been three days since Miss Elsa had awakened from her coma—a miracle by every medical standard. The doctors had given her chances close to zero, yet here she was. Alive. Fighting.
But the memory that led her to jump remained an empty void, a blank space where fragments of our history should have been.
The cruel price of my desperate wish was clear: Miss Elsa survived, but she did not remember me. Not one word.
She recognized Zen, yes, but my name was a stranger to her lips.
I felt the weight of that silence every time we tried, gently, to poke at her lost memories. She apologized endlessly for forgetting — as if forgetting me was a crime she could admit to.
Eventually, we let it drop. A broken peace settled over us. Better she was here, even if she had forgotten the brother who had lived for her alone.
Zen and Shu were pillars at Elsa's bedside, visiting often, their concern never fading.
Elsa's wounds were healing nicely, but the gap in her memory… it ached all the more.
And Bell—ever radiant—brought light to the dark. Her laughter, her innocent chatter, spread like sunshine in every room. She was the reason Elsa lived. The gift from Aisha that kept hope alive.
I was endlessly grateful for both of them, even as my heart remained heavy.
As I left for my room.
The soft sound from the stairwell stopped me suddenly.
"Waaaaaittttt!"
I swung the door wide, and there she was—the girl with flowing black hair and piercing blue eyes, dressed in her school uniform, clutching a large bag against her chest.
"Phew, made it just in time," she said with a relieved grin.
"Aris?" I asked, surprise threading my voice.
"The one and only," she declared, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I came straight from home to deliver this to Elsa. Big sis needs fresh fruits and vegetables, so I brought her these."
She handed me the bag filled with colorful produce, vibrant and fragrant.
"You know, it's not fair that you and Zen wouldn't let me see big sis," she pouted, crossing her arms.
I chuckled. "Miss Elsa needs her rest. If you saw her now…"
Aris's eyes widened with mock horror. "Are you saying I'd trouble her?"
"No, no, you can see her later. She's having breakfast."
"Fine!" Aris grinned. "White, you're heading to school, right? I'll wait—go get ready quickly."
"I will," I said, smiling. "Don't just stand there; come wait in the living room. I'll be ready soon."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh? Inviting a girl into your room? Do you like me that much?" she teased, giggling.
I rolled my eyes, feigning annoyance. "I'm closing the door now."
"Wait, wait, wait! Don't close it—I'm coming in!"
I sighed, opening the door wider to allow her entry.
Bell sat on the floor, completely absorbed in a children's television show.
"You still watch this, White? Grow up. You're a high school student now," Aris chided me with a playful smirk.
Bell looked between us curiously, then back at me, silently asking for an explanation.
"Ah, well... Yes, I enjoy this show. Can you keep it a secret?" I asked hopefully.
Aris considered for a moment, then I struck a bargain. "I'll treat you to ice cream. Deal?"
She grinned. "I'd prefer the new café near school."
I sighed but nodded. "Alright, it's a deal."
I whispered to Bell, pretending to turn off the television. "Bell, head to the bedroom; I'll be there soon."
Bell nodded eagerly and scampered off.
"Aris, make yourself at home. If you need anything, feel free to use the fridge. I'll be back shortly."
She smiled and settled into the living room as I made my way to my room.
Bell sat on my bed, her wide, innocent eyes filled with unspoken questions.
"Papa, who is she? A friend?" she asked softly.
"Yes," I replied gently, "her name is Aris. She's the younger sister of the guy with the yellow hair who came to see Elsa. She's also a junior at our school."
Bell's face brightened with understanding.
"Now, the real question," I said, looking down at her with affection, "what am I going to do with you?"
Bell tilted her head thoughtfully.
"It's not wise to leave you alone, especially since Aisha hasn't been around much. How about you come to school with me?"
Bell's excitement was infectious. "Yay! School with Papa!"
Together, I packed my things, and the three of us set off for school. Our walk was filled with laughter and chatter, though Aris had to dash back home halfway to retrieve a forgotten item.
Approaching the school gates, a girl called out to me from nearby.
"You know, bringing a child to school isn't exactly allowed," she said, flashing a mysterious smile. Her short white hair and deep dark eyes made her presence unforgettable.
I froze in place, a jolt of shock running through me.
"Wait, you can see Bell?" I stammered, voice trembling with disbelief and curiosity.
She nodded, crimson eyes gleaming with secret understanding. "Yes, I can. Surprised?"
Her knowing smile suggested far more beneath the surface, and I realized instantly our meeting was no coincidence.
"Who are you?" I asked, heart pounding.
She stepped closer, her presence both commanding and enigmatic. "Let's just say I have a special gift: the ability to see what others cannot and this girl.... Bell is no exception."
A shiver ran down my spine.
This girl was a mystery… and now I was drawn into her world