Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

THIRTY FOUR

The school auditorium buzzed with energy, parents and students filling every corner, their excitement palpable. The bright, colorful decorations matched the lively atmosphere, but amid the joy, there was a palpable tension between Lada and Earn.

Lada stood near the entrance, her arms crossed, scanning the room with a restless gaze. Her heart pounded in her chest. Tonight is supposed to be about Narin's performance, a chance to reconnect if only for a few moments. Maybe in Narin's happiness, the distance between her and Earn could close.

Behind the curtain, Narin was a bundle of excitement, rehearsing her lines with an infectious energy. Her sparkly blue dress glittered under the lights, and her joy was clear. For her, this night was perfect.

Earn sat in the back of the auditorium, her crutches resting beside her, her posture rigid. She seemed more like an observer than a participant, her eyes fixed on the stage but distant. The space between her and Lada felt like an unbridgeable chasm.

The lights dimmed, and the room quieted. Narin took the stage, her voice clear and full of energy. Lada's heart swelled with pride, a smile breaking through her emotional turmoil. For a moment, she is just Narin's mother, her biggest supporter.

As the audience clapped and cheered, Lada's gaze drifted to Earn. She wanted to see some sign of connection, some flicker of emotion that mirrored her own. But Earn's face remained impassive, her eyes focused on the stage but avoiding Lada's. The ache in Lada's chest deepened.

The performance ended with applause, and the room erupted in cheers. Lada was the first to stand, rushing backstage. She enveloped Narin in a tight hug, her voice trembling with pride. "Princess, you were incredible! Mommy is so proud of you."

Narin beamed, her arms wrapping around Lada. "Thank you, Mommy! I'm so glad you liked it!"

Earn approached slowly, her limp pronounced as she moved on crutches. She bent slightly, offering Narin a warm smile. "You did so well up there, Narin. I'm proud of you, too."

Narin's eyes sparkled with joy. "Thank you, Auntie Earn! I was so nervous, but I knew you and Mommy were watching."

The exchange was bittersweet for Lada. There was a time when Earn's smile had been for her as well, but now it felt like a distant memory. The warmth between Earn and Narin was comforting but also a painful reminder of what had been lost.

The excitement shifted as Narin's teacher invited families to take pictures. Parents lined up, eager to capture the moment. Lada's heart raced at the thought of posing with Earn. The idea was almost unbearable, given their estrangement.

Narin's voice cut through Lada's thoughts. "Mommy, Auntie Earn, come on! We need to take the picture!" She tugged at Earn's sleeve, her eyes pleading. "Please?"

Earn hesitated, looking at Lada with uncertainty. "I'm not sure, Narin. I'm not really part of the family."

Narin's small hand clasped Earn's, her eyes wide with hope. "But you are like family to me. It wouldn't be the same without you."

The plea in Narin's voice softened Earn's resolve. With a resigned sigh, Earn agreed and followed Narin to the front of the stage.

The photographer arranged everyone with practiced ease. Lada, Earn, and Narin were grouped together. The gaps between Lada and Earn were noticeable, a testament to the distance that had grown.

The photographer's cheerful voice cut through the tension. "Alright, everyone! Let's get nice and close for this shot. Family photos are all about togetherness!"

Lada took a deep breath and gently rested her hands on Earn's waist. The touch was tentative but filled with longing. Earn's breath caught, and she leaned slightly into Lada's touch, a flicker of something—hope or recognition—in her eyes.