In the morning, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains of Mia's room, gently caressing her sleeping face. She squinted slightly before opening her eyes fully, then stretched with a soft yawn. Still half-asleep, she sat up on her bed and let her thoughts drift to the previous day. But, refusing to dwell on those memories, she shook her head to push them away and got up to take a bath.
After refreshing herself, she put on comfortable clothes and left her room in search of something to eat. When she entered the kitchen, a surprise awaited her: Cid was already awake and preparing breakfast.
— Well, someone got up early today, she said playfully.
Cid, hearing her voice, turned around with a sly smile.
— Hi, sleepyhead. And just so you know, before you got here, I was doing everything myself.
Miria shrugged before sitting down at the table. She glanced at the already set cutlery and noticed that there were three plates. Frowning, she asked:
— Are you expecting someone? There's a third plate…
At that moment, the doorbell rang. Cid flashed a mysterious smile.
— You'll know soon enough, he replied before taking off his apron and heading to the door.
Curious, Mia followed his movements with her gaze. She heard voices at the entrance, then footsteps approaching. When she saw the person entering the kitchen, her eyes widened in surprise.
— Rose?! she exclaimed.
Rose gave her a warm smile before walking up to embrace her. After a moment of hesitation, Miria returned the hug.
— What are you doing here? she asked, pulling away.
— Cid asked me to keep you company, Rose explained. He has to leave for a shoot.
Mia let out a small "Oh..." of understanding. But deep down, she felt strangely grateful to Cid for this thoughtful gesture. She discreetly glanced at him as he finished serving breakfast.
Once the meal was over, Rose and Mia went to sit in the living room. They chatted about everything and nothing while watching TV, while Cid, on his side, prepared for his shoot.
As the show they were watching was nearing its end, a breaking news alert interrupted the program. Mia's attention was immediately drawn to the images flashing on the screen. Rose, intrigued by her expression, turned up the volume.
The news reported the closure of a well-known restaurant, following numerous complaints filed against its owner, accused of assaulting a customer.
Mia jumped in surprise when she recognized the place.
— But... that's the restaurant I worked at! she gasped, stunned.
A silence settled, then she hesitated and continued:
— Could it... could it be that Cid caused this place to close because of what that guy did to me?
Rose's eyes widened, and she quickly turned toward her.
— What? What happened there, Mia?
Miria looked away, uncomfortable. She hesitated but eventually told her everything. When she finished, Rose clenched her fists in anger.
— What an asshole! He got what he deserved! she fumed.
Then, her expression softened. She placed a comforting hand on Mia's shoulder.
— That must have been a shock for you...
Miria nodded before murmuring:
— Yes... but he was right.
Rose stared at her, puzzled.
— Right about what?
— About me being a cursed child... Mia whispered.
Rose froze, shocked.
— Don't say that! It's nonsense. People like him always find an excuse to crush others because they think they're superior.
Mia clenched her fists on her knees.
— But then... how do you explain that one person can carry so much suffering?
Rose, taken aback, opened her mouth but couldn't immediately find what to say. What did she mean by that? What suffering was she talking about?