Garden of Withered Roses || ON HIATUS

The Return of Spring

Penelope wasn't at the Inoaden Estate. Not even close. Ever since Hilise's 7th birthday, she had been going all over the country, scouting for news, observing small changes in everyday life. It's the most peaceful thing she'd been doing since Hilise's 2nd life.

She was near the seaside. While out in town earlier, she had heard that the shoreline had been decreasing rapidly since a while ago. Although it was nothing of note at the time, she had decided that a sudden change in tides was not something to be ignored.

"Shame I never got to see where Axion Berzet was going all these lifetimes." She thought to herself, letting her hand touch the wave that retreated to the sand.

It was half-way through the day already. In truth, she never really liked returning to the Inoaden Estate since Hilise hadn't regressed yet. Every year, she would return to the Inoadens during Hilise's birthday, hoping that Hilise had regressed and then leaving once more. Since last year, however, she had been staying for another week. She had turned nineteen a while ago, and Penelope waited, but for some reason, Hilise had still not regressed.

"Time to return, I guess." She thought to herself reluctantly. Hilise never liked the lady who only she could see that only ever returned for her birthday.

Penelope envisioned Hilise's room, remembering all the small details like her small animal toys she kept tucked away in her closet, and the small journal that was neatly tucked into the side of her mattress.

She opened her eyes slowly, the room was a haze and she could only make out the figure of the bed. She had only learned of this ability to teleport during Hilise's fifth life, because of this, Hilise never changed her room for Penelope's benefit. Although she was getting better at it, she would always be disoriented when she had successfully teleported.

"Huh, she's not here" Penelope thought, looking around.

She sat down on her bed, not looking at anything in particular. Although the Inoadens were insufferable to her, she couldn't deny that their estate and the way they presented themselves in general was remarkable.

She ultimately decided to take a look around the estate. It has been a while since she had a casual stroll around the place. She stepped out of the suffocating atmosphere of the estate, she covered her face with her hands as the sunlight hit her, she wanted to lay in the grass and bask in this summer day for a while.

"Gosh! Did Lady Hilise really inherit Blossom instead of young master Ricardo?" One of the maids whispered, clutching a broom in one hand.

She sat upright. There were people, it seemed as though half the staff was here. Most of them had left by now, but she had bolted upright when she heard those whispers. Hilise had bloomed.

Looking carefully, she sees a glass-like pink rose. It was the same color as Hilise's hair. She touched it, and sure enough, the rose had broken, leaving only glass-like pink dust.

A small smile formed on her lips. She was back. In her excitement, she had decided to teleport to Hilise's room instead of walking.

"Woah!" Penelope cried as she toppled over.

"Penny... Urgh" Hilise muttered, Penelope had accidentally re-appeared right on top of her.

"Lise! Oh I'm so sorry!" She apologized repeatedly, reaching out a hand to help her stand back up.

Immediately, Penelope enveloped Hilise into a tight hug. She didn't want to let go. She felt Hilise's tears dampen her dress.

"Shh, it's okay Hilise. I'm here now." She consoled Hilise, in response a small sob escaped her lips.

"Shh, you've been so strong already... let it out."

Penelope didn't know what the future had in store for them, but at the very least, she'll always be here. No matter what.