Beyond

Back to the routine?

The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the small house. Piper stirred beneath her blankets, the gentle chirping of birds outside slowly pulling her from sleep. She blinked her eyes open, momentarily disoriented as her gaze settled on the familiar beams of the wooden ceiling above her. The peaceful quiet of her home wrapped around her like a blanket of its own.

Her cottage was small but cozy, tucked away on the edge of a sleepy town that was just far enough from the university to give her space to think, but close enough to walk there every day. It was a place she'd fallen in love with instantly when she moved here—a sanctuary away from the bustle of campus, surrounded by trees and nature. A small fireplace stood against one wall, its warmth from the night before lingering faintly in the room, while the scent of lavender from the garden outside drifted in with the morning breeze.

With a yawn, Piper stretched, her limbs still heavy with the remnants of sleep. She pushed herself out of bed, her bare feet touching the cool wooden floor. After wrapping herself in her robe, she shuffled toward the kitchen. The smell of coffee was always her favourite part of the morning—its rich, earthy aroma filled the air as she brewed a fresh pot, her movements unhurried, savouring the calm. While the coffee brewed, she stood by the window, gazing out at the dew-covered garden. The small patch of herbs and flowers she'd planted had flourished over the past few months, bringing bursts of colour to the green backdrop of the surrounding woods. She watched as a butterfly flitted from one bloom to another, her mind wandering to the day ahead.

A quiet sigh escaped her lips. University had been her escape for a while now—a place where she could focus, dive into her studies, and forget about the lingering questions in her mind. But lately, even that felt like a temporary refuge. The memories of the forest, the portal, and him were still there, just beneath the surface, creeping into her thoughts when she least expected it. Shaking her head, Piper moved away from the window and poured herself a cup of coffee. She sipped it slowly, relishing the warmth as she mentally prepared for the day. It was time to focus. She had responsibilities here, in this world. Classes, deadlines, her degree. That was all that mattered now, she reminded herself.

After finishing her coffee, she headed for the shower, the hot water easing the tension in her muscles as it cascaded over her skin. She let herself get lost in the routine—washing, drying off, and dressing for the day. The mirror reflected her emerald eyes back at her, still carrying a faint trace of the weariness she hadn't quite shaken off since she returned from the other world. Strands of her auburn hair fell in loose waves around her face, a braid pulling it back, a style she had adopted recently. It reminded her of something... someone. But she didn't linger on the thought. Piper pulled on her favourite pair of jeans and a soft sweater, something comfortable for the long day of lectures ahead. She grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder as she made her way out the door.

Outside, the air was crisp, a slight chill that hinted at the changing seasons. The trees lining the path swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves just beginning to turn golden. Piper took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, clean scent of nature, feeling a bit more grounded with each step. The walk to the university was always peaceful, giving her time to clear her mind. She followed the familiar route along the winding path, past the old stone walls that bordered the town, and through a small wooded area. The sunlight filtering through the trees created a mosaic of light and shadow on the ground, and the quiet rhythm of her footsteps against the dirt trail was almost meditative. As she neared the university, the peaceful quiet gave way to the bustling sounds of students going about their morning routines. The main quad was alive with activity—groups of friends chatting, students hurrying to their classes, and the occasional professor striding purposefully across the green.