"Aren't you coming in first?"
"Maybe next time…"
Sandra nodded slowly before handing over the helmet.
"Sandra…"
"Yeah…?"
Laura paused. Her breathing was uneven.
"I… I'm sorry…"
Sandra frowned. "For what?"
Laura looked straight at her — at the scar.
"That scar on your face… It's all my fault…"
Sandra gave a small smile, trying to hide the tremor in her chest.
"Laura… that's all in the past. I never blamed you. Not even once."
"But I still feel guilty. When I have money one day… I'll fix this. I promise."
This time, Sandra's heart truly tightened. Her eyes glimmered.
"Hold onto that promise… don't forget it."
"Of course."
Laura tried to laugh, but her smile wavered.
"Send my regards to your mom, okay?"
"I will."
"I'll get going now."
"Be careful."
Sandra could only watch her best friend walk away — the weight in her chest pressing harder, stealing her breath.
"I'm sorry, Laura…" she whispered, the words barely leaving her lips.
Tears she'd held back began to gather.
She knew — this year might be their last together.
Laura was smart. She was strong.
She had a bright future waiting ahead of her.
While she… was just someone trying to survive here.
-----------+
On her scooter
Tears streamed down Laura's face, trapped behind her visor.
Her chest felt crushed — guilt swallowing every bit of sanity she had left.
How could I be that cruel?
Only 12 years old… and I hurt my own friend…
"Arghhhhh!"
Laura screamed, twisting the throttle all the way.
The evening wind slapped against her face but did nothing to cool the fire inside her.
Cars around her blared their horns nonstop.
"Hey! Are you insane?!"
"Idiot!"
But Laura heard nothing — the world was blurred by tears.
The traffic light turned red.
She hit the brakes abruptly, her breath hitching.
She glanced to her left — the road leading to Cassidy's house.
I just punched her at school…
And now I'm going to show up at her house like nothing happened?
Her fingers trembled around the handlebars.
A war between ego and guilt raged inside her chest.
"Ah, who cares! I just want to know… where Halen is living now."
Ignoring the red light, Laura twisted the throttle again and turned left.
The scooter sped forward, as if trying to outrun the weight of her own sins.
After several minutes navigating through the busy streets, Laura finally slowed her scooter as she entered a luxurious residential area. Her eyes — still damp behind the visor — scanned left and right, inspecting each house she passed.
Evening crept closer; the warm orange sky gradually deepened into blue. One by one, the house lights flickered on, making Laura's nerves spike even more. She couldn't quite remember which house was Cassidy's — she had only been here once since entering high school… and that was merely to accompany Omar delivering a box of sports uniforms to Justin. Not to visit Cassidy at all.
"Which one is it…" Laura muttered under her breath, feeling painfully out of place in the midst of this unfamiliar, wealthy neighborhood.
She had already entered four different lanes and still couldn't find the right house. Biting her lip, she forced herself to recall anything — any small detail that could help.
Then she saw it — a wide, fenceless yard adorned with maple trees, their leaves scattered beautifully over a marble walkway. And right in front of the garage… a bright, fire-red sports car.
Laura inhaled sharply — that was Cassidy's car. She would never forget it.
Every morning on the road, that car always sped past her like it owned the street. And each time, Laura would curse silently.
"Ha… found it."
Her scooter rolled to a stop by the curb. Her hand trembled as she switched off the engine. Not from the cool evening breeze… but from the turmoil inside her — anger, fear, and guilt squeezing hard around her heart.
The engine went silent. Laura removed her helmet slowly—her hands still trembling. Her breaths rose and fell unevenly, but she tried to calm herself. Her footsteps on the marble pathway sounded soft, as if every step added more weight on her shoulders. Even the neat green grass on both sides couldn't soothe the chaos in her heart.
Standing before the door, Laura took a deep breath, wiping the last traces of tears still stuck on her cheeks. She tried to force her expression into something calm before her cold index finger pressed the doorbell.
"Just a moment!"
A woman's voice called from inside. Laura clutched the hem of her shirt nervously as she waited.
A few seconds later, the door opened. A blonde woman in her 50s froze at the sight of her.
"Laura!"
Her tone was shocked, but filled with warmth.
"Hi, aunty…" Laura lowered her head, embarrassed by her condition.
"Laura… I haven't seen you in so long…"
The woman instantly pulled Laura into a tight hug. A hug that squeezed her heart and made it ache.
"How have you been, dear?"
"I'm fine..."
Her gaze was soft and sorrowful, as if she could read every sadness written on Laura's face.
"How are you, sweetheart?"
"I'm okay… Is Cass home, Aunty?"
"Yes, she's upstairs. Come in."
"Oh no, it's alright, Aunty… I'll just wait outside. Could you call her for me?"
"Of course, dear. Wait here."
The woman walked back inside. Laura clasped both hands tightly, her chest pounding.
"Cass!!! Hey, Cass!"
A shout echoed from the foot of the stairs.
"Yeah! What is it, Mom?"
A careless voice.
"Come down! Someone's here for you!"
"Who?"
Footsteps came rushing down—quick and irritated.
"Laura."
Cassidy's steps halted instantly.
"Laura?"
"Yes… hurry down. She's waiting outside."
"She actually dared to come here…"
Cassidy muttered before continuing down with a proud, ego-filled stride.
"Where is she?"
Cassidy asked with an arrogant expression.
"Outside. Talk nicely to her. Don't start a fight."
Her mother's tone was firm, a warning.
"No promises…"
Cassidy rolled her eyes and strutted towards the door. The moment their eyes met through the doorway—
"Oh my god. The girl I hate the most at school. And now she has the nerve to show up at my house?"
"Hey!"
Her mother tapped Cassidy's shoulder in warning.
"I told you to speak nicely."
"Mom, don't interfere…"
Cassidy clenched her jaw, anger evident.
"Cass… can we talk for a moment?"
Laura asked softly—doing everything she could to hold herself together.
"Don't count on it."
Cassidy crossed her arms, mocking.
"Cass!"
Her mother snapped again.
"It's okay, Aunty."
Laura looked at Cassidy with pleading eyes.
"Just a moment, Cass… please."
Cassidy fell silent. Her eyes burned with hatred, pinning Laura in place. If it weren't for her mother being there, Laura knew she would've been thrown out instantly.
"Go, Cass. Don't be so rude."
Her mother gently pushed Cassidy's back.
"Ugh, Mom…"
Cassidy grumbled as her mother closed the door behind them.
"What do you want? Say it quickly. I'm busy."
Her cold tone stabbed straight into Laura's chest.
"Cass… can you please tell me where Halen lives now?"
Laura's voice cracked. She tried wiping her tears but they kept falling.
"Huh?" Cassidy shot her a shocked look, as if Laura had just said the most ridiculous thing.
"OMG! Now you remember that name?"
"I'm sorry, Cass. All this time I couldn't remember any of it…"
Laura's voice trembled — she was afraid… afraid of reopening the wounds she caused.
Cassidy tilted her head, folding her arms tight.
"You found out from Sandra?"
Laura nodded weakly — she couldn't hide anything anymore when all her guilt was chasing her like shadows.
"But I just don't understand, Cass… If we were such close friends back then… why do you hate me now?"
Laura's voice broke. She wanted to look at Cassidy, but shame and regret forced her gaze down.
"Because you're selfish!"
Cassidy's scream erupted, years of buried anger bursting out.
"Just because of a boy you did all that. You hurt us, you hurt everyone. You have no idea how painful Halen's life is now!"
Laura's tears flooded once more. "I'm sorry, Cass…"
Her heart shattered hearing Halen's name — guilt she couldn't remember was now stabbing again.
"What's the point of saying sorry now? Nothing's going to change!"
Cassidy stomped her foot in rage. Her fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white.
"I know… but please, Cass… give me a chance to fix what I've done to Halen. I just want to know where she lives…"
Laura begged… It was the only hope she had left.
Cassidy yelled again, louder — harsher — because her pain was too deep.
"How are you going to fix it, Laura? How!!"
Cassidy's eyes glimmered — but pride stopped the tears from falling.
"God, why did my brother save your life that day… I wish you had died instead!"
Those words killed — they didn't just hurt.
Laura froze. Her breath stopped. Her eyes hollowed — she couldn't believe Cassidy meant it.
"Cass?"
Her small voice carried the weight of every wound she carried.
Without another word, Laura turned away. Her steps were slow… defeated.
"I didn't mean to bother you. I'll leave now."
This time, her tears weren't just sadness — they were heartbreak.
"God… what have I done…" Cassidy whispered, guilt tightening her chest.
The sight of Laura walking away stabbed old memories back into her mind — two girls who once laughed together.
"Wait, Laura!"
Cassidy couldn't stand watching that broken figure disappear.
Laura turned around. Her swollen red eyes made Cassidy feel worse than anger ever could.
"Give me your phone."
Cassidy held out her hand. Her defiance gone — replaced by a small truce she wasn't sure would help.
Laura walked back and placed her phone in her trembling hand.
Cassidy lowered her gaze, typing quickly — but every letter felt heavy, dragging the dark story behind them.
"There. That's Halen's address."
Laura clutched the phone like it was life itself.
"Just one thing, Laura… If you plan on meeting Halen… don't let her see your face. Just… watch from afar."
Her tone tried to sound tough — but it was clearly protection.
"Alright," Laura nodded. "Thank you, Cass. Really."
"Whatever."
Cassidy slightly turned away, hiding the shift in her expression.
Laura looked at her once more.
"I'm sorry, Cass."
This time, she truly meant every word.
Cassidy only crossed her arms — holding back emotions she refused to show.
A crack of the door — Cassidy's mother had been watching all along.
"All this time, I always wondered… how did you and Laura end up like this, when you used to adore her so much?"
Cassidy exhaled harshly.
"That was before, Mom."
"What's the difference between before and now?"
Her tone was disappointed — yet full of love.
Cassidy looked away, eyes trying to remain strong though her soul had shattered long ago.
"There's a reason why we became like this, Mom."
Her mother slowly let go of her shoulder.
"Whatever you say, Cass…"
The woman walked inside again, leaving Cassidy staring at the closed door…
…asking herself,
Why do I still care about her?
On the way home, behind her closed visor, Laura sobbed uncontrollably. Her breaths came short and broken. Cassidy's words kept echoing in her ears.
Selfish.
You hurt everyone.
I hope you die.
Laura's world spun. Her fingers tightened around the scooter's handles, knuckles turning white without her noticing. Of course… that explained it — the way Rachel and Cassidy always looked at her. It wasn't just coldness… it was hatred, buried deep.
But why couldn't she remember anything?
Why was everything dark inside her memory?
If she truly was the one who caused it…
Why wasn't she punished?
A wave of anger toward herself clenched her chest.
Ignoring the red traffic light, Laura accelerated even faster — as if her life held no worth anymore. A car nearly crashed into her from the side, horns blaring loud, but Laura didn't even look. She only wanted to escape from herself… even if just for a moment.
When she finally reached home, she killed the engine and hurriedly got off.
The scooter toppled into the grass.
She yanked off her helmet and threw it aside without a second thought.
Her steps were rough as she stormed toward the door—
but the knob was pulled open from the inside.
"Laura?"
"Mama…" Laura's voice cracked. "Aren't you supposed to be teaching today?"
"I came home early," Patricia replied, gentle voice, but worry clear in her eyes.
Laura clenched her jaw. Uncle must have told her everything.
"Uncle called you, didn't he?"
"Yes, sweetheart." Patricia tried to smile, trying to calm her.
"Don't blame your uncle, Laura. He's just worried—"
Laura stopped halfway up the stairs.
She turned around, her face full of hurt and anger fighting to escape.
"Why did Mama hide everything from me?"
Patricia froze. "Hide what, dear?"
"Don't do this, Mama!" Laura's voice trembled, nearly shattering.
"I know already. Everyone knows what I did… except me! I was never punished. What am I, some special case?!"
"Laura…" Patricia's voice grew more anxious.
"Now I understand why Cassidy and Rachel hate me…"
Tears kept falling, unstoppable.
"I'm ashamed, Mama…"
Patricia immediately pulled her into a tight embrace.
Her daughter's body was trembling so badly.
"It's all in the past now, sweetheart…"
"Yes! But their scars never went away!"
Laura's cry rose into a broken scream.
"Sandra… Mama saw her face… I did that!"
Laura shoved herself away, as if disgusted with her own existence.
Patricia tried to hold her, but Laura struggled violently.
"Why can't I remember?! Why didn't Mama ever tell me?!"
"Please, calm down… Mama was afraid the truth would destroy you…"
"It's too late, Mama… I already know. I hate myself now!"
Laura collapsed to her knees.
Her cry turned into a wail so raw that it shattered the silence of the house.
Patricia wrapped her arms around her daughter tightly,
tears threatening to spill as well.
"Sweetheart… not everyone knows. Even the teachers—"
"Mama!" Laura screamed, her voice hoarse from the pain crushing her chest. "I burned Halen… I was jealous… I'm a monster, Mama…"
Patricia froze. That was the first time she had heard that name.
"Halen?" she whispered.
Laura nodded rapidly, tears shaking through her body. Patricia slowly loosened her embrace — fear now clear in her eyes.
"She's hunting me, Mama…" Laura's voice trembled. "Every night… she comes… the woman with the silver hair… that's Halen…"
Patricia shook her head quickly. "No, sweetheart. That's impossible…"
"It's all true!" Laura stumbled upstairs, her steps frantic.
"Laura!" Patricia tried to follow, but Laura shouted:
"Don't follow me!"
Patricia stopped halfway up the stairs, her breathing fast and panicked. She rushed to the kitchen, grabbing her phone.
Her fingers trembled. She almost dialed her husband — then hesitated. He's at work. Don't disturb him… don't…
She scrolled — and tapped a name.
"Hello, Maman…"
A woman answered with a French accent, calm yet firm. "What is it, my dear?"
"Laura… she found out about that night…"
"Why did you tell her?"
"It wasn't me… her friends… and she can't take it…"
Patricia tried to steady her voice, but the fear seeped through.
"How is Laura?"
"She's… fragile… she keeps crying… she thinks she's… cruel…"
There was silence on the other end before the woman asked quietly:
"When does school break start?"
"In two weeks…"
"Tell Laura… I want her to come here."
"But Maman—"
"Trust me. Laura will be safe with me."
Patricia closed her eyes, her body weakened by all the years of burden she had carried.
"…Alright, Maman."
Upstairs, Laura collapsed onto the bed, crying until she couldn't breathe, her entire body trembling. Sometimes she screamed out her friends' names — regret ripping her soul apart. At times she wailed so loudly because her heart was truly shackled by a crushing guilt. How could she not? She had always been with Sandra, always displeased with her best friend's habit of hiding her face. Who would've thought Sandra looked like that because of her…
"I'm sorry Sandra… I'm sorry Cass… Rachel… Halen… I'm sorry…"
She cried and cried without stopping, and eventually her eyelids grew heavy from exhaustion… and she fell asleep.
—
"Hmmm…"
Something brushed against her cheek.
Laura slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry — then she jolted upright.
She was in a strange forest. The air was cold, misty. In front of her stood a towering tree, its roots dangling like the veins of a dragon.
"How… how did I get here…?" she whispered, fear gnawing deep into her bones as she pushed herself up.
She took careful steps, circling the massive trunk. "This tree… it's huge," she muttered, tilting her head back to look up at its crown.
"Hello…"
Laura froze. Her heart stopped for a beat.
A woman stood before her — stunningly beautiful, long silvery hair flowing as she smiled softly. But there was something in her eyes… something terrifying behind the beauty.
"Hello…"
"Who… who are you?" Laura's voice cracked.
The woman walked toward her, calm and graceful, as though she already knew every trace of fear inside Laura.
"How are you, Laura?"
Laura stiffened. "You… know me?"
The woman nodded slowly.
"But… who are you?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she walked toward the giant tree and gently brushed her fingers over its bark as if caressing it.
"If you want to know… this forest is known as the Fôret de Brocéliande."
"That's… in France, right?" Laura murmured.
"Yes." Her smile curved — too beautiful… yet chillingly cold.
"Please… tell me who you are."
The woman approached her again, her voice soft like a whispered dream:
"Laura… I know you're hurting right now…"
Laura's chest tightened. Her fingers clutched her shirt.
"I'm a horrible person…" she breathed. "I'm cruel…"
The woman stroked her cheek gently, trying to soothe her.
"No, darling… you are not."
Her delicate fingers were cold. Too cold.
And she spoke again…
"From this day on… I will no longer interfere with you. But only on one condition…"
Her head tilted slightly, those green eyes staring deep — her smile now full of secrets.
"…Laura must stop crying."