SHADOW

Whimsical hours

In the whimsical hours leading up to the dreaded yet exciting grand ball, Sha sprawled on the floor, savoring the cool, reassuring touch of the stone beneath her. She couldn't help but chuckle at her newfound habit of lounging on the floor. But before she could dive deeper into her thoughts, a knock at her door startled her.

Her eyes narrowed with playful suspicion as she contemplated the audacity of the intruder. Should she pretend to vanish into thin air? But it was too late; the door creaked open, and in walked her ever-curious neighbor, Floriana.

Floriana, in her usual dramatic style, exclaimed, "What on earth are you doing on the floor, Sha? Has this room become the aftermath of a pixie party gone awry?"

With a sigh as heavy as a dragon's treasure, Sha replied, "No, dear Floriana, I haven't lost my mind enough to turn my room into a fairy frenzy. It's just a bit of creative reorganization."

Floriana, thoroughly entertained, burst into laughter, filling the room with infectious joy.

Floriana—never the top student but undeniably stunning, with her captivating blue eyes, radiant complexion, and shampoo-commercial-worthy hair—stood in stark contrast to Sha's more unassuming appearance. It wasn't jealousy, just an awkward self-awareness that surfaced whenever they walked together, drawing inevitable comparisons.

Their friendship was a delightful contrast. Sha, with her quiet charm, seemed an unlikely companion for the resplendent Floriana. Yet their bond was unbreakable, and Sha's quirks only seemed to strengthen it.

Floriana teased, "Shall we rescue you from this frigid floor? Your magnificent gown awaits—a masterpiece crafted with love by your dear mother."

Sha, still lost in her thoughts about the mysteries beneath her bed, didn't respond.

Floriana persisted. "Come on, my reluctant muse. We can't have you ending up in some labor camp or dreary monastery. And those unsightly bruises must be hidden; the elders won't appreciate your avant-garde artistry."

The mere thought of labor camps and monasteries sent a shiver down Sha's spine. She relented with a grin. "Very well, I shall be your canvas once again. Paint away, my dear artist."

Floriana retrieved the gown, and Sha's eyes widened in awe. The dress—a cascade of deep, enchanting blue silk—shimmered with an otherworldly glow. It embraced her like a long-lost friend, accentuating her features and enhancing her presence. Sha traced the lovingly written note from her mother, her heart swelling with warmth.

"'May this gown envelop you in regal splendor. Love, Mother,'" she recited, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

The dark silk complemented her raven hair and graceful figure. "I truly don't deserve such a treasure," she admitted, a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she glanced at Floriana's less extravagant attire. Floriana was the daughter of a wealthy merchant—her mother always sent extravagant gifts, though not always to either Floriana's or Sha's liking.

Floriana looked at her with mischief. "Oh, Sha, you're a gem in your own right. This gown just adds a sprinkle of stardust to your radiant self. All the men will fall over themselves to dance with me, but I'll spare you a few."

She chuckled and pinched Sha's cheek. "What I wouldn't give for some makeup. We look positively ghostly."

With those words, Floriana began slapping her cheeks with dramatic flair until her pale skin turned rosy.

"If you want to look more lively, prepare yourself. I can apply this technique to you too," she added, stepping menacingly toward Sha, who was now backing away in mock horror.

Sha gasped dramatically, feigning offense. "Of course! How could I forget that my mere presence can outshine the brightest stars? But you will not dare slap me—I prefer my ghostly self!"

"Don't make me laugh, I'll get wrinkles," Floriana replied with a grin, giving Sha a friendly smack on the back before stepping away. "I brought some crushed lavender and mint to freshen our hair. We're not allowed to wear perfume, but smelling good isn't a crime."

She clapped her hands together and began rubbing the mint between her palms.

"I'd rather chew some mint," Sha said with a laugh. "I feel like the afternoon onions are still lurking in the background."

She wondered if they would be as cheerful after the ball as they were now.

"I'm worried I'll end up with a geezer," Floriana whispered as they stepped out into the hall. "And you'll have to help me escape."