Timeless | rorasa

Chapter 12: The Realization and The Resolve

For the entire week, Rora found herself buried in her music, working late into the night as inspiration flowed through her like never before. But it wasn't just any inspiration-every new song she wrote had something in common. As she played the chords and scribbled lyrics, she slowly realized they all seemed to revolve around one person: Asa.

It was as if Asa had become the center of Rora's creative universe, her muse in a way Rora had never experienced before. The lyrics described Asa's presence-her grace, her soft-spoken words, her silent strength, and the way her eyes shimmered under the glow of the evening light. Rora's songs began to explore Asa's beauty in ways she hadn't noticed until now. Every detail about her stood out in Rora's mind-the gentle curve of her smile, the warmth of her touch, the way she filled any room she walked into with a quiet, commanding presence. Rora had known Asa for a while, but it was as if she were seeing her for the first time.

Meanwhile, Asa had been just as busy, helping Rora manage her packed schedule while taking care of the house. Rora wasn't used to this type of partnership; she had always been the one in control of her life, detached from deeper connections, with a reputation as a heartbreaker in the industry. She was known to flirt and toy with people but never commit. But something about Asa had broken through that shield. There was a warmth between them that Rora couldn't ignore. More than that, Rora found herself longing for Asa's presence, her laughter, her calmness. She didn't know when it happened, but she started noticing all the little things about her.

One evening, after a long day of songwriting, Rora returned home to find Asa lying on the couch, her face pale and her body trembling with fever. Alarmed, Rora rushed over, calling Asa's name softly. Her voice was filled with genuine concern, something she wasn't used to feeling this intensely.

"Asa, are you okay?"

Asa blinked up at her, trying to sit up, but her body was too weak. "I'm fine, Rora... it's just a fever."

But Rora wasn't convinced. The worry gnawed at her, an unfamiliar sensation. She quickly called a doctor, who arrived not long after. The doctor examined Asa, but after some time, he stepped back, shaking his head in confusion. "I can't explain it," he said. "Her symptoms don't align with anything typical. Her fever is unusually high, but there's no infection. It's as if something else is happening internally."

Rora felt her heart drop. She had never felt fear like this before-not for anyone. She was always distant, unattached. She hadn't felt this vulnerable in years, not since the days before she'd gained her reputation as someone who never stayed with anyone for long. But Asa had become different. Asa had become important in ways Rora couldn't understand or control.

As she sat beside Asa's bed, holding her hand, the reality of how deeply Asa had become a part of her world began to sink in. She hadn't seen any other women in weeks-only once since Asa moved in with her. There was no desire to seek out anyone else because Asa had filled a space in her life that she hadn't even realized was empty. Rora knew she had a connection with Asa, something deeper than just the present moment. It felt like they had known each other for far longer than this life. The dreams had confirmed as much.

Rora's heart raced as she watched Asa drift off into an uneasy sleep. The warmth of her fevered skin lingered on Rora's palm, and her mind whirled with possibilities of what could be causing it. Normally composed and detached, Rora was now a bundle of nerves, her emotions teetering on the edge of panic. But amidst the fear, one thing was clear: she needed to take care of Asa.

Rora carefully tucked the blanket tighter around Asa, her movements uncharacteristically gentle. Asa had always been the one who cared for her-making sure her schedules ran smoothly, ensuring she ate properly on long workdays, and maintaining the warmth of their home. But now, it was Rora's turn.