That day, the wind was violent — howling like it was trying to tear the sky apart. Thunder cracked above me, and rain poured down so heavily it blurred the world into streaks of gray.
For a moment, I felt like someone was watching me.
I took a step closer.
The edge felt closer than it should have.
I closed my eyes.
Regret was the first thing that came to mind.
Then her.
Her face appeared so clearly it hurt. Thirteen years of memories crashing into me all at once — our laughter in the cafeteria, her dramatic sighs, the way she would link her arm with mine without asking.
Is this what people mean when they say your life flashes before your eyes?
Her warm smile.Her voice.Her stupid, confident grin.
I miss everything about her.
"Don't worry, Aysel," I whispered into the storm. "We'll meet soon. You won't be alone anymore."
And then—
A hand grabbed mine.
Warm. Firm.
Someone was shouting something, but the thunder swallowed the words. My vision blurred, the world spinning, rain mixing with tears I didn't realize were falling.
I stopped caring.
My body felt heavy.
Darkness crept in.
I let my eyes close.
—
I thought that was the end.
It was dark. Quiet.
Did I die?
No.
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was white.
Ceiling lights. The faint smell of disinfectant.
Hospital.
I blinked slowly, trying to piece together how I ended up here.
The door opened.
"Miss Estelle? I'm Doctor Fred."
I didn't answer.
He studied my face carefully. "From your expression, I assume you're wondering why you're here. Am I right?"
Silence.
"What's the last thing you remember?"
I stared at the wall.
"It's alright if you don't want to talk about it," he continued gently. "I'm just making sure you're stable."
He adjusted something beside the bed.
"Who…" My voice came out hoarse.
"Pardon?"
"Who brought me here?"
"Oh." He nodded slightly. "A girl. Around your age. Wearing a school uniform. 17, maybe? I don't quite remember her name. She said she'll come back after school ends. Perhaps someone you know."
17?..
My heart skipped.
"If you need anything, call the nurse. I'll excuse myself."
The door closed.
I barely talk to anyone at school except Aysel.
So who?
Why would anyone save me?
How did she even know where I was?
I don't know whether this is a blessing or a curse.
—
Later that day.
The door opened again.
"You're awake."
I didn't need to look up to know that voice.
"…Lara."
She stood near the door, arms stiff at her sides.
"Are you mad because I saved you?"
Silence.
"Listen" she said quietly, but firmly. "Even if you disappear too, Aysel won't come back. It's been three months, Estelle."
"Watch your mouth, Lara." My voice shook — not from weakness, but anger. "Don't talk like you understand what I've been through. If you say her name like that again, I swear—"
She flinched.
"I… I didn't mean it like that."
"Get out."
She hesitated.
"Get out."
The door closed softly.
Lara.
Our class monitor. The responsible one. The one who always stayed late to clean the board.
Aysel was the social butterfly. Everyone knew her. She was the one who introduced me to Lara.
I just never expected Lara to be the one pulling me back.
—
That night, I couldn't sleep.
The hospital was quiet. Too quiet.
Moonlight spilled through the window, pale and distant.
How long has it been since I last looked at the moon?
A long time ago, Aysel and I used to sit on the rooftop and talk about everything under it.
Same moon.
Different time.
—
The next morning, Doctor Fred discharged me. "Your injuries aren't serious," he said. "But take care of yourself."
Home.
That word feels empty.
So instead of going back, I wandered.
And somehow, my feet brought me to my comfort spot.
But someone was already there.
"I'll keep my promise, Aysel," a voice said softly. "I'll look after her. So rest well."
"Lara?"
She turned sharply. "Estelle?"
Silence hung between us.
"…I'm sorry," I said quietly. "About yesterday."
She didn't respond.
"I shouldn't have said those things."
"You're done?" she asked, not unkindly.
"…I want to ask you something."
She looked at me as if she had been waiting.
"How did you know I was there that day?"
A pause.
"I knew you'd ask." She sighed. "Before I tell you… come with me."
"Where?"
"To eat."
"I'm not—"
My stomach betrayed me with a loud growl.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Just shut up and follow me."