That morning was not like the others. The wind was not too cold, but it still moved like it had something to say. Coker woke up feeling heavy. Not just his body, but even his heart. He look up at the sky, it was all grey, like the clouds were hiding the sun from him on purpose. Maybe the world still hate him. Maybe it never change. But something was different now... she was still there.
She was sitting under the tree again, like she always belong there. Her silver hair was shining even when there was no sun. Her eyes still glowing purple, not like fire, but more like stars that didn't know how to stop watching. And her smile... it wasn't wide, but it was warm. That kind of smile that feel like maybe... maybe everything is not too bad.
"You're late," she said, not angry. Just saying.
"I'm not late. I just didn't wanna see your face early," Coker said, but his voice was soft, and he was already smiling without knowing.
"You always say mean things. But your face look like a boy who like candy," she giggle. Her voice was soft, but there was something in it that made Coker's heart move strange.
He sit beside her but not too close. He didn't want her to hear his heart beating too fast. The forest around them was quiet, only small birds making sound, and some wind that keep dancing through the trees. She was looking at the sky again, like she waiting for something.
"Why you always come here?" he ask finally.
"Because it's the only place where I can be myself," she said. Then she looked at him with those eyes. "And because you are here."
Coker turn his face fast. "W-what kind of nonsense you saying?"
"I'm cursed too, you know," she said, slowly. "Same like you. Maybe worse."
Coker look at her again. His eyes was wide. "You... you have a curse?"
She nodded. "Mine is the kind that follow me everywhere. People see me and forget who I am. Even if I help them, or love them. Next day, they forget me. I smile, and next day, they don't even remember I was born."
That made Coker heart stop a little. He didn't know what to say. He open his mouth but close it back. Then he look at her hand. For the first time, he reach out... slowly, careful like she was made of glass. He touch her fingers.
"I won't forget you," he said, voice shaking small.
She look down at his hand, then at him. Her smile come again, but this time it looked like she want to cry but don't know how.
"You're weird," she whisper. "But thank you."
They sit like that for a long time. No talking. Just two cursed people sitting in silence, touching hands like it was a miracle.
Then suddenly, the sky cracked. Not really, but it felt like it. A loud scream come from the village. A scream that sound like something breaking—maybe bones, maybe hearts. Coker jump to his feet.
"What was that?"
The girl stand too. Her face changed. No more smiling. Her eyes turn serious, and her fingers glow little with purple light.
"It's coming," she said. "Your curse... it's waking up."