Natalie~
There are moments in life so surreal that the world seems to hush—like it's holding its breath for you.
This was one of those moments.
The air in the chamber trembled. Not with sound—but with silence so deep, it hummed in my bones. Even Jasmine went still. The chamber seemed to hold its breath with me. Moonlight spilled through the tall windows like liquid silver, brighter than before, creating shimmering paths across the polished floor. And then came the scent—lilies, stardust, and something that felt like memory.
My heart stopped.
"…Mom?" My voice cracked like ice.
I didn't mean to say it. It just broke out of me, soft and stunned.
My knees gave out, and I staggered forward on shaky legs, every part of me unraveling. The figure stepped into full view—and suddenly, it didn't feel like I was twenty-two anymore. It felt like I was a child again, heartbroken and hopeful and clinging to dreams I'd long buried.
