She led me to her house. Small apartment. She probably lives alone because there is no sign of other people living there except her. While I'm observing my surroundings, she serves me a bowl of ramen.
"I'm sorry that I can't afford much."
"I'm not a picky eater, so it's fine."
"You probably wondering whether I live alone or my parents are at work, right? Yes, I live alone with my little brother. My parents died in a car accident when I was 14 and my brother was 9, around 4 years ago. I barely remember what happened, but I did remember getting a call from the hospital saying that my parents died due to a serious injury."
"Why did you tell me this? We're not even that close."
"Ah..I'm sorry. I talk too much, right?"
"I'm done. So tell me everything."
"Well, you see."
Yesterday. After I escort my brother to his school, I drop by a nearby convenience store to buy some food. When I walked out of the store, I used a shortcut to go to school. But then I see a figure standing on the edge of the rooftop. At first, I thought that person was just enjoying the scenery. But as I walked closer, I realised it was you. So I immediately went to the rooftop.
"So, you're saying that it's a coincidence?"
"Yes."
"....."
"It's up to you whether you want to trust me or not. I'm saying the truth."
"I'm not satisfied with your answer, but fine."
"If you finish eating, you can go back to your house. Your mom must really be worried about you."
"I'm not going to that place again."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"...."
"Fine, do as you wish. You owe me."
*Door open*
"I'm home."
"You're back, Aiden?"
"I'm hungry. What's for dinner? Let's eat curry."
"No. We'll eat kimchi today."
"But... Oh wait, who is she? Your friend?"
"She will sleep here today, so clean your room."
"What? You're going to let her sleep in my room?"
"Just clean your room before I throw out all your manga."
"Ugh whatever."
As he walked past me, he gave me "side eyes" and walked to his bedroom. Like, kids,what with that attitude? If not for his sister, I would punch his face. While sitting on the couch, I'm thinking about a way to get a place to stay for the next day. I can't stay here forever. I don't want to be a burden to anyone anymore.
"Dinner is ready. Come and sit, Aiden, Estelle."
"I'm full."
"At least eat some. My sister cooks more than usual for you."
"No. I'm full."
"You're just an outsider who doesn't know how to appreciate people. My sister is kind enough to let you stay here for a night, and yet this is how you repay her."
"Enough Aiden. She had already eaten ramen before. So it makes sense if she's full. I'm sorry for his rudeness."
"That's right. I'm just an outsider. Don't worry, I'll leave soon."
"Estelle.."
With an expressionless face, I walk away from there. Is it because I'm too tired? I fell asleep as soon as I changed my clothes. I dream about something. An unfamiliar place. Where is this place? I tried to explore this place, and I arrived at the old building. The building is full of vandalism and looks like it has been abandoned for decades. There was a wall that caught my attention. It has a mark on it. I walk towards it, and I can hear someone's voice.
"Help me. Estelle." It was Aysel. I wake up from that dream. My heart is beating so fast. I'm sweating. Did I feel scared? I don't know if the dream was a good dream or a nightmare. All I know is that Ariel's soul is trying to tell me something.
"What is it? Did you have a nightmare? You're sweating."
"Nothing."
"It's fine if you don't want to tell me."
"....."
"I used to read poetry when I was bored. Some of my favourite poetry says, "If you find a darkness in your heart after you have sinned, then know that in your heart there is light, and because of that light you felt darkness."
"....."
"You'll get it someday."