“Yes.”
“Once, there was a muffin...”
My eyes fly open and my jaw falls to the ground, the palms of my hands smashing against the light wooden table. “That’s my joke!”
“What?”
“I always tell that joke to lighten the mood!”
“Me too!”
Both of us start laughing, neither of us being able to stop the other one, while Daffodil stares at us from the corner of the room, looking at us like we need medical attention.
“I’m so glad I decided to talk to you, even if I was terrified.”
“What were you terrified of?” I ask, not really understanding.
“Well, except for the fact that you were covered in blood, I would say rejection. I blindly trusted my gut that told me to speak with you, but I was also scared that it would be the wrong decision.”
“I’m also glad you spoke to me, I truly needed this.”
“A friend.” We say in sync, looking deep into each other’s eyes. Her purple ones, so beautiful and full of love.
“My younger brother is my only best friend. Or he was, when he lived.” She says, which felt unreal.
Sitting down at the table in front of each other, she tells me about her brother, and the story feels oddly familiar to Esme’s.
“My younger sister died as well.” I say, trying not to cry.
“She did?”
“Yes.” I nodded in approval.
“What happened to her?”
“It’s odd, but it’s very similar to what you just told me about Eric.”
And in that moment, I felt more connected to someone than I ever had before. All my senses coming together to be a part of this moment. The understanding between us so deep it could only be compared to the high you feel when in love, only this time, it was shared empathy.
It was almost like looking into a mirror expecting to see myself, yet it was another girl staring back at me, and my soul being exposed.
“I’ve never felt this understood.” She says, tearing up.
“Me neither.” I answered, holding her hands in mine.
As her auburn hair falls around her shoulders, we sit in silence for a moment. Not the type of silence that makes you feel unease, but the kind of silence that makes you feel calm and at peace.
“Okay, shall we eat, get some energy, and then I'll show you every part of Mermaid Lake.”
“Sounds perfect.” I smile.
“And I’ll let you borrow a dress.”
“No!” The word came out harsh.
“But you’re covered in blood...”
“I- A very special person got this for me, and if I take it off... I’m afraid that I will break down.”
