Elements Of Harmony

2. Affinities ࿔*:･ﾟ

Two days had passed since Sarah left,
and Emma felt the absence keenly.
The lake house, once filled with the comfortable presence of her cousin, now seemed overwhelmingly quiet.
She wandered from room to room, trying to find something to occupy her mind,
but everything felt dull without someone to share it with.

The morning sun filtered through the large windows of the living room,
casting golden patches on the hardwood floor.
Emma decided to take her sketchbook outside
and find a quiet spot to draw.
As she passed through the kitchen, she heard a soft melody drifting from the back patio.

Curious,
she followed the sound and found a girl,
sitting on a cushioned bench,
gently strumming a ukulele.
A fluffy white bunny—Angel,
if Emma remembered correctly—hopped around her feet.
Her head was bent over the instrument,
her dirty blonde hair falling in loose waves
around her face.
She looked so serene,
lost in her own world.

Emma hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "That's really beautiful," she said softly,
not wanting to startle her.

The girl looked up,
her green eyes widening in surprise.
"Oh.. hi!" She blushed slightly but smiled.
"Thanks. I didn't think anyone was around.."

"I was just heading outside," Emma said,
sitting down on the edge of the bench.
"You're really good."

"Just something I picked up for fun,"
She replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Emma sat down beside the girl,
offering a friendly smile.
"What's your name? I'm Emma," she said,
her voice steady, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

The blonde girl remained quiet,
her attention focused on her ukulele,
her fingers gently strumming. After a brief,
tense pause, she glanced up at Emma but didn't say anything. Emma waited, a little thrown by the silence, but stayed patient.

"I'm..." the girl mumbled something softly,
her voice barely a whisper, making it impossible for Emma to catch.

"Sorry, what was that?" Emma asked gently,
careful not to pressure her.

"Allison," she repeated, a bit louder this time.
"Sorry.. I'm not the best with new people."

Emma's expression softened,
understanding the feeling all too well.
"That's okay. You don't have to worry,
I can be the same way," she reassured her with a kind smile.

Allison returned the smile, relaxing a little before turning her attention back to her ukulele, continuing to play softly.

"It's kind of calming, you know? When I'm not with my animals or gardening, I like to play a little."

Emma glanced at Angel,
who had settled beside Allison's feet, content and still. "I can see why. It's like you're in your own little world."

"Yeah, exactly," Allison agreed, her voice soft.
"I like being outside, too. It feels more... peaceful."

They chatted for a while longer,
talking about their favorite music and the plants Allison was growing back home.
Emma found herself relaxing in the girl's quiet,
gentle company.
There was something soothing about the way Allison spoke,
as if she carried a little bit of that peace with her wherever she went.

As they talked,
the back door swung open,
and a boy with strawberry blonde hair and a casual, easygoing air stepped out.
He was tall, with hazel eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
He was carrying a guitar slung over his shoulder,
and he paused when he saw them.