The days had lost their weight.
Aria spoke little, but her gaze seemed to see beyond the sky. She smiled more often, a gentle, almost serene smile, as if carrying a secret she had yet to reveal.
That morning, she rose early, picked some flowers from the garden, and went to see her grandmother.
She embraced her for a long time, kissed her forehead.
— You gave me everything, she whispered. Thank you for watching over me, even when I was already elsewhere.
Then she held Roy tightly, not letting him ask a question.
— You protected me like a brother, like a rock. Never doubt your worth.
Finally, she kissed Van on the cheek, surprising him.
— You were my light after the night. My laughter when I could no longer breathe. I love you like one loves a happy memory.
Van laughed, a little awkward. Roy frowned.
— Aria, you're strange today…
She smiled at them, both sad and radiant.
— No. I am simply ready.
And there, in the full light, beneath the clear sky, she collapsed.
Her arms fell, her eyelids closed, her breath stopped.
No pain.
No cry.
Like a feather ceasing to dance in the air.