The Stray Souls ["The Diary Keeper" Sequel; "The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 28: Farewell to finals

It's 7 o'clock in the morning. Caroline and I are packing our things to head home for the summer. As I toss clothes into my suitcase, Caroline raises an eyebrow and says, "Liandra, how do you have so much stuff? Your cosmetics and jewellery take up half the room!"

I chuckle and reply, "Well, you know me, my dear. A girl's gotta have her options. Plus, you never know when a spontaneous fancy event might pop up back home."

Caroline rolls her eyes, "Spontaneous fancy events in your hometown? Really?"

I shrug, "You never know! And besides, a girl's gotta be prepared for anything. What about you? Packing light?"

Caroline laughs, "Totally. Just the essentials. Unlike someone I know."

I wink, "Hey, you never know when you might need that extra eyeshadow palette. Always be ready for a makeup emergency!"

As I glance over at Caroline's suitcase, I notice it's like a mini library - books upon books stacked neatly. I tease her, "Listen, planning to open a bookstore back home?"

She laughs, "Just a little light reading for the break. You know me, always with a book in hand."

Meanwhile, my suitcase is a colourful array of clothes, cosmetics, and perfumes. I can't resist bringing along a variety of outfits for any occasion. Caroline raises an eyebrow, looking at my extensive collection of clothing. "Liandra, are you sure you need all of that? We're only going home for a couple of months, not a fashion show."

I grin, "Well, you never know when you might need to impress someone, Caroline. Gotta be prepared!"

My friend shakes her head, continuing to neatly arrange her books. "Impress someone? I think you mean 'be ready for a photo shoot.'"

We both share a laugh, realizing our packing styles are as different as night and day. Caroline with her books and me with my wardrobe - a perfect blend of personalities ready to tackle the summer adventures that await us back home.

***
The rhythmic hum of the car engine accompanies our journey as I sit with Mom and Dad. The familiar streets pass by, framed by the car window, blending into a mosaic of memories. Mom glances at me with a curious smile and asks, "How was your school semester, Liandra?"

I look out at the passing scenery, contemplating the adventures of the school year. "Okay," I reply, a grin playing on my lips. "Surprisingly, I even managed not to destroy the dormitory."

Dad chuckles heartily, his laughter filling the car. "Well, that's a relief! What was the best part?" he inquires, steering the conversation toward the highlights of my academic journey.

I ponder for a moment, recalling the mosaic of experiences that shaped the past year. "Making friends and surviving exams," I share, a warm feeling settling in my chest.

Mom's eyes light up with delight. "That's wonderful, dear. Any plans for the summer?" she asks, her voice filled with a blend of curiosity and anticipation.

I lean back in the car seat, looking at the open road ahead. "Not sure yet," I confess, the possibilities of the upcoming summer stretching before me. "But I hope it's fun. Maybe a lot of ice cream and lazy days," I add with a playful grin, embracing the anticipation of the sunny adventures awaiting me.

Oh, if only my parents knew what I really went through...

***
I sit in my room, a wave of sadness washing over me. The upcoming summer break stretches before me like an endless expanse of uncertainty. With a heavy heart, I contemplate the weeks ahead, unsure of how to fill my time. The realization that I don't have any concrete plans or activities gnaws at me, intensifying the feeling of emptiness.

The usual excitement that comes with the prospect of summer fun is replaced by a sense of isolation. I grapple with a cloud of indecision, not knowing which direction to take or how to address the challenges I'm facing. It's as if a puzzle with missing pieces lies in front of me, and I'm unable to see the complete picture.

Staring at my calendar, those empty days just make me feel lost. The problems I haven't sorted out yet feel like this heavy load on my shoulders. Without a solid plan, it's like drifting aimlessly, trying to figure out how to deal with all the twists life has thrown at me. The idea of a summer with no clear direction? It's kinda overwhelming, and I'm stuck in this loop of feeling sad and uncertain.

I'm just moping in my room when suddenly I hear this noise by the window. I turn, expecting maybe a stray bird or something, and bam! Somebody jumps in.

What... What is it? I was scared for a moment or so and then screamed out loud...

"Stormy!!!"

My lost cat! I swear, I went from gloomy to over-the-moon in two seconds flat.

Stormy's looking all proud, like she just conquered the world or something. But that's not the best part. She's got something in her mouth - little, round, and gold. My curiosity peaks, and as she drops it at my feet, I see it's a locket. A tiny, golden locket.

I'm just standing there, staring at Stormy and this mysterious golden locket. It's like she went on an adventure and brought back a treasure or something. I scoop her up in a big hug, and we're having this joyous reunion moment. Who would've thought my day would turn around like this? I'm still trying to process it all - Stormy, the explorer cat with a penchant for golden treasures. I guess summer just got a whole lot more interesting.

"My dear, where have you been?" I asked, as if cats understand human language.

She brought me a locket. Was it a coincidence? Perhaps, it holds some meaning.

Unable to resist my curiosity, I open the golden find. There, I see a phrase engraved directly on the gold:

Face your inner abyss inside you and destroy it once for all in 'The Empty Room'