…”I assumed you might want to have answers.”

“You–”

“Yes, me. I am back and it is all thanks to you,” she smiled. It was like a dream. Her voice resonated gently, like a stream of fresh sparkling water into every corner of the room. Her hair of silver waved at the wind’s tender command. Her face spelled the very word beauty; skin indistinguishable from pearls. It was almost impossible not to stare at her. Entrancing presence, Sophia’s very being was surreal beyond Shiri’s words.

“Shiri?” Sophia’s words woke Shiri from her trance.

“I– Uhm, I’m sorry. I must’ve–” Shiri muttered, feeling embarassed of what she might have looked like when she stared at the other lady.

“It is alright, my friend. I am the one who must apologize. My presence must have startled you,” she smiled apologetically.

“No, it’s not that. Anyway, I’m glad you’re back,” Shiri said as her eyes fell on the floor. It was awkward. She was happy that she could help, but her whole being was overridden by grief. Nothing could take her away from the pain she was suffering from; the pain of losing someone her heart held so dearly. She was not even sure if he was really gone. That is why it tears her soul more.

“Your actions tell me otherwise, Shiri. You need not hide your true feelings from me. Hmm, it seems that my assumption is true. You want answers and you have every right to have them,” Sophia said as she led Shiri to the balcony.

The sun was setting, turning the sky into a sea of orange, purple and red. It was beautiful. But for Shiri who was in an intense state of sorrow, it was sardonic.

“Love, perhaps?” Sophia, with her vision focused faraway, asked even though she already knew the answer.

Shiri’s gaze turned to Sophia.

“He loved you, Shiri. You do not have to worry about having the wrong conclusion,” Sophia smiled as she gently supplied Shiri with the first answer.

“What?” Shiri blurted out. Did she hear that right?

…

No, it’s not about me. That’s an excerpt from the novel I’m writing hahaha