In the grand dining room, Miria stared blankly at her plate.
The memory she'd seen the night before still haunted her — a fragment of a past she hadn't known existed, blurry yet painfully familiar.
She pressed a hand to her forehead.
— Why… why can't I remember all of it? she whispered.
— Is something wrong? asked a gentle voice.
It was Alix, setting a cup of tea before her.
Miria looked up, still lost in thought.
— Alix… I saw an image yesterday. Something from my past… but it's like part of my memory is locked away. I can't understand why.
Alix placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
— Sometimes memories are too heavy to bear. Maybe it's simply not time yet for you to see everything.
— And what if I don't want to wait? What if I need to know who I really was?
Before Alix could reply, the door burst open.
— Heeey, girls!
A young woman bounced into the room — pastel pink curls, amber eyes full of mischief, a bright grin on her lips.
She wore an oversized jacket covered in pins and held a pack of cookies.
— Oh no… sighed Alix with a smile. Let me introduce… Kira Bellrose. A childhood friend.
— A wonderful friend, Kira corrected, giving a clumsy little bow.
Miria blinked, taken aback by her energy.
— Nice to meet you… I'm Miria.
— Miria? Cute name! But wow, that face… girl, you look like you just swallowed a lemon.
Miria's eyes widened—then, despite herself, she laughed softly.
Kira clapped her hands in triumph.
— Ha! Got her to laugh! Mission accomplished!
Alix chuckled.
— She does have that talent, I'll give her that.
Kira crossed her arms with mock seriousness.
— Alright, I officially decree: we're going out tonight. No worries, no mysteries, just fun and laughter. Deal?
Miria hesitated, then smiled shyly.
— Deal.
— Perfect! shouted Kira. Because I already picked out the dress you're gonna wear!
Their laughter filled the room, pushing back the shadows in Miria's heart.
And somewhere beneath that moment of lightness, a new spark began to shine within her.