Without You

20

I can see the summer sun shining brightly overhead, illuminating the park where Ella and I are having a picnic. We're sprawled out on a checkered blanket, surrounded by an array of snacks—sandwiches, fruit, and a few of Ella's famous chocolate chip cookies.

"Okay, Amore, what's next on the menu?" Ella asks with a playful grin, her hair catching the sunlight.

"Definitely the cookies! You know that's the best part," I reply, reaching for the tin she brought, already excited.

Ella laughs, handing me the tin. "Alright, but only if you promise to save some for later. We can't have a picnic without dessert"

I nod enthusiastically, taking a bite and letting the sweetness melt in my mouth. "These are the best cookies ever!"

As we munch on our treats, Ella pulls out a small sketchbook from her bag. "Wanna draw? We can create our own summer scene!"

I sit up, intrigued. "What should we draw?"

"How about a magical garden with flowers as big as our heads?" she suggests, her eyes shining with inspiration.

I grab my colored pencils, and we both dive into our artwork, laughing as we sketch oversized daisies and whimsical butterflies. Ella's talent shines through with every stroke, while I follow her lead, trying to keep up with her imaginative creations.

"Look, mine's a rainbow butterfly!" I exclaim, holding up my page proudly.

Ella giggles, her laughter ringing like music. "It's perfect! But it needs a little sparkle." She reaches into her bag and pulls out some glitter. "Add this!"

Together, we sprinkle glitter over our drawings, transforming them into a fantastical masterpiece.

"Promise me we'll always have days like this," I say suddenly, the thought spilling out of me. "Just you and me, creating art and eating cookies."

"Always, Amore," she replies, her voice steady. "No matter how old we get, we'll find time for our adventures. Sisters forever, right?"

"Right!" I beam back, feeling the weight of her promise wrap around me like a warm hug.

As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow around us, we pack up our picnic, but not before Ella pulls me in for a quick hug. "We need to do this more often."

"Agreed" I say, squeezing her tightly. "You're the best sister ever."

I wake up the next morning with an ache in my neck. Azriel's is asleep in my bed while I slept in the chair, well I fell asleep in the chair by accident. I stayed up last night to see if he needed anything.

I get up and walk out of the room and take a shower afterwards I walk downstairs to see my mom standing by the stove...cooking?

"Mom?" I say surprised. "What are you doing?" she smiles slightly, the bags under her eyes prominent. 

"I'd thought I'd cook breakfast for us. Auntie Cassidy is coming over." I smile and walk over to her. "That's...sweet."

She nods and then sighs. "I made french toast, it was...Ella's favorite." I frown and look down at the toast sizzling in the pan. 

"It looks great." 

She looks at me and nods. "You should get ready." I nod and can't help but feel a sense of excitement. Maybe things will get a little better.

I walk back upstairs to my room putting on a floral pink dress and a light blue denim jacket and I walk back downstairs.

My mom sits down at the table placing the plates and silver down she smiles slightly when she sees me.