CRIMSON SHADOWS

𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝟔: 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝟑 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊

𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐍:

''We are already here so let's just part guys.'' Obviously this idiot Tony is is enjoying this. ''Hey guys I don't know if I'm the only one who is normal enough to get hyped over free drink.''

''I agree with Tony guys, yall are so boring.'' Typical Cass, always agreeing with Tony. It's concerning, considering that ninety percent the time he is disagreeing with her twin brother. ''Liam is looking like he saw a ghost and constantly looking around, Nolan is also looking around as well and seems like buddy is in his head. Were you dragged her Nolan? And Samira is... well she's just Samira, dry ass bitch .'' She says the last part in a low voice but judging by the way Mira looked up and rolled her eyes, she heard it.

''No Cass I wasn't dragged I came here cause I enjoy being in a room filled with elders discussing stuff that has nothing to do with me.'' I respond, my voice toned with sarcasm. Obviously I didn't wanna be here, but my mom started giving me a speech of how much she has done for me in life, so i just agreed to come.

I keep looking around the room searching for the familiar curly haired head, she's not here, that's strange. As I was about to give up looking around, there comes the familiar pattern of steps, it's as if she is in a runway of some sort. Coming down the right side of the double staircase. Goddess like facial features and hair always perfectly done, whether she let her curls loose or she ties it up as she has right now. Perfection at it's finest.

Amara looks around the room like she is shocked and it's almost as if she zones out for a couple of minutes. Suddenly she straightens her shoulders and puts on her smile, it looks like it's been practiced a million time, a kind gesture but lacks genuine-ness.

A couple of people talk to her and through out those conversations she looks bored? No no, annoyed, that's the right word. After the couple of talks she turns and walks out of the room, trying to go unnoticed, well I noticed, I always do.

''... and so to our defense, weed is healthy Mira.'' I hear Cass's words as I turn my attention back to our table, she's clearly defending her and Tony's weed obsession. Don't get it wrong, they don't smoke the weed. They just go for their baking sessions in Tony's warehouse and then boom they are high on weed, that should explain a lot, right?

My mind keeps going back and forth between the argument here and Amara Torres. She has changed. She wasn't always the loud, friendly, social butterfly, Cass-like girl, she was the quiet, confident, proud, elegant and... present. She was quiet but her presence and aura spoke volumes. Now her confident seems to be a cover up for whatever turmoil is inside her and her pride seems to be a wall of defense to keep everyone away, her elegant still there but shadows of her grief seem to be looming over it, you'll notice if you observe a bit more, and then her presence , non-existence. She is constantly in her head or in the past I assume but she is definitely not here.

''Guys please excuse me I really need some fresh air, I'm gonna be back by the time food is serve, save me a space on the table.'' I head out to the balcony by the staircase. I can't handle the chatters inside and I need to free Amara from my mind.

As I walk through the passages I can't help but admire this strategically and neatly set house, the ash grey walls accompanied by the gold pieces to add a bit more life to the wall, and the gold mirror that covers a large fraction of the wall. The art pieces quite intriguing. This mansion is beautiful, it's eye catching and a reflection of the wealth held by the owner but it lacks the warmth, that homely love and comfort to it. I think it's safe to say this is just a house not a home.

I reach the balcony and take a deep breath. The silence in the empty balcony is a soft breath, a delicate hush that drapes itself over the world. It lingers like a forgotten song, whispering secrets only the stars can hear. The air is thick with stillness, where every pause between heartbeats echoes endlessly, and the night, in its quiet grace, holds its breath, waiting for the dawn to break its perfect, fragile peace.