Aura kicked off her shoes and flopped onto the bed, the plush covers embracing her with a familiar softness. Spread-eagle, she relished the comforting weight beneath her; it was a soothing reminder of all the hours spent dreaming and laughing in this very spot. As she gazed up at the ceiling, memories flooded her mind, each one a cherished echo of time well spent.
Sinking into her cozy bed, the sanctuary she craved before her time away, she admired the mound of plush pillows—some in soft pastels, others showcasing subtle, inviting patterns. Together, they formed a cloud-like haven that had witnessed both her restless nights and her tranquil moments. The duvet, a gentle blue, beckoned her with its softness, promising peaceful slumber. At the foot of the bed, a favorite knitted throw rested, adding texture and warmth to her retreat.
Aura refused to let herself linger in laziness. She sprang up and strode over to the bathroom door, where it swung open to reveal a treasure trove of memories.
The bathroom, with its thoughtfully arranged items, showcased robes made of soft linen hung neatly on gleaming hooks, their smooth folds inviting her to unwind. The calming neutral towels were perfectly folded on a nearby shelf, ready for use. Each bottle of her beloved soaps and essentials stood proudly on the counter, arranged with a touch of artistic flair. The gleaming shower walls infused the space with an air of peaceful order.
Everything was exactly as she had left it—untouched and perfect.
After enjoying a long shower, Aura slipped into one of the soft robes. She had initially planned to indulge in her facial routine, but time was not on her side.
Dressed and rejuvenated, Aura sauntered into her walk-in closet, a sartorial archive brimming with her past and present wardrobe. The racks overflowed with an array of shirts—crisp cottons and flowing silks—meticulously organized by color and style. Her collection of skirts spanned from tailored workwear to whimsical prints, each piece telling its own story. The dresses cascaded like a waterfall of fabric and silhouettes, ready for any occasion that might arise.
Beneath it all, her shoes were arranged neatly, from elegant high heels to comfy sneakers, perfectly matched for every outfit. Her sharp, tailored suits reflected her professional side, while her collection of bags, spanning from chic clutches to practical totes, offered versatility for any outing.
She chose a bold bolla top and sea blue shorts to match before heading down to savor her ice cream.
But first, she had to face her two best friends: Wren and Ivy—the only people in her world that truly mattered.
The guilt of not sharing her plans of heading to A city tugged at her, knowing they would likely confront her about her "selfish" behavior.
Ignoring her makeup area for now and missing her perfumes and jewelry, she focused on what truly mattered—her friends and, of course, her ice cream.
"Alfred, I want vanilla and coconut flavors," she called out, suddenly aware of Ivy's unmistakable voice.
"Here she comes," Wren quipped, alerting Ivy to Aura's arrival.
"The ditcher!" both Ivy and Wren exclaimed, folding their arms in feigned disapproval while momentarily forgetting about their ice cream.
"Guys," Aura approached them confidently.
"Halt," Wren commanded, signaling her to stop. With her hands raised in surrender, Aura went in for a hug.
Ivy took a lick of her ice cream, focused but ready for a conversation.
Alfred picked up on the tension and wisely excused himself, but Wren wanted him to stay and witness how they would respond.
"You look so thin!" Ivy remarked while scrutinizing Aura's figure.
"What happened to you, girl?" Wren's tone softened as she wrapped her arms around Aura in an embrace.
"Girl, I missed you so much," Wren declared, suddenly uninterested in her ice cream.
Wren took a moment to sniff Aura's hair—an instinctive check to see if she had been using the right shampoo.
"You have a lot to share with us, right?" Wren's demand was tinged with eagerness.
Ivy, still focused on her ice cream and always the health expert, remained skeptical about Aura's condition. Alerting her clients about their health was second nature, and she was particularly vigilant with her friends.
"Now, ditcher," Ivy said, finishing her ice cream. "Time to explain yourself. You know I'm not like Wren, who easily softens."
The dynamics of their friendship were distinct. Ivy had been raised among gentle-hearted individuals, shaping her personality. Aura was more unpredictable, flitting between places and moods. Meanwhile, Wren exuded confidence and wasn't one to easily forgive. She chose her circle carefully.
"Wren, I know I have a lot to tell you both," Aura remarked, breaking free from Ivy's embrace to grab her own ice cream from the freezer. Strawberry cheesecake awaited her, and she was ready to dive into the conversation, determined and undeterred.