Be prepared for some eating disorder mentions.
A full year had passed, and finally, I could return home, to the people I loved.
Spotting my favorite grey zip-up hoodie in the small room, which once served as a kitchen, I instinctively walked towards it, dropping my bags by the counter. Carefully donning the hoodie, I relished the feel of the fabric against my skin and new body. Stepping outside, the jingle of keys locking the door resonated—this time, I was truly leaving, unstoppable. Letting the keys fall into the mailbox, I embarked on my journey. For a while, time seemed to stand still as my steps echoed on the pavement, indifferent to the passing cars and the presence of drunken men.
Awareness dawned when the bus station appeared around the corner. Following the white stripes of the crosswalk, I reached the station and began waiting. Surrounded by darkness, the only illumination came from the streetlights. The biting cold became a pressing concern, and just as I was about to complain, the sound of tires on wet streets signaled the approach of a vehicle. Looking up, a bus stood before me, and after contemplating my options, I hesitantly entered the musty, run-down single-decker. Occupying one of the more decent-looking seats, I clutched my bags, hiding my face with a shawl.
A few stops later, a human presence registered beside me. Lifting my head from the cold window, I observed a man with a lighter, mesmerized by the flickering flame. Various thoughts crossed my mind about how I could harm him without moving, but before these thoughts could consume me, I realized it was my stop.
Exiting the bus, I resumed my aimless walking, my soul dissolving into my body. Familiarity grew with each step, and as I passed a group of teenagers heading home, I estimated it was around 3 or 4 am, just a few hours before everyone would wake up.
Finally, I stood before the heavy, black gates of the 'Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies.' Taking in the euphoria of memories, I concluded my frail body couldn't open the gates—I had to wait until morning.
Seated on the wet ground, leaning against the pillar-like lanterns, darkness engulfed my vision, and I surrendered to it.
Upon reopening my eyes, I found myself on the Academy's giant stairway. A faint smile played on my lips as I ascended the stairs.
Entering my old room, I hoped Cordelia hadn't assigned it to another student. Struggling to see in the dark, I navigated to the shared bathroom Cordelia and I once used. Shedding my damp clothes from days past, I enjoyed a quick shower, savoring the hot water and the comforting scent of vanilla.
Post-shower, I searched cabinets and luckily found an unused toothbrush. Attempting to locate clothes I might have left behind, fatigue overtook me. Sneaking into Cordelia's room, I confess I was terrified for reasons unknown. Eventually, I settled into the bed where Cordelia peacefully slept. Surveying her unchanged form, soft gold locks spread across her silk pillow and plump lips slightly parted, I couldn't resist snuggling into her familiar warmth.
Feeling Cordelia shift slightly, my eyes were already closed, and my body succumbed to a deep sleep.
Cordelia's POV:
Today marked the anniversary of losing our beloved (y/n). Or rather, my beloved girl. Her departure during an episode had left me in pain, knowing she believed herself a curse to us all. At first, I used magic to check on her, but it hurt witnessing her struggles, knowing I couldn't intervene.
Awoken by the sound of the shower, relief washed over me as I realized my dearest had returned home. Remaining in bed, I pretended to sleep, not wanting to startle her.
When she settled into bed, I instinctively held her close, warming her cold body with mine. Despite the difference I felt against me, my eyes revealed the reason—(y/n) had lost a significant amount of weight. She never was overweight, but the toll of her thoughts had manifested physically. Regardless, she was home, and that was what mattered. Checking the time, 5:12 am, I cherished another hour of sleeping with my love in my arms. Placing a gentle kiss on her head, I whispered, "Welcome back, honey," before drifting back to sleep.
