Breathing Soul

╰┈➤ ❝ [P R O L O G U E] ❞

Rain gently pattered against the stained-glass windows of the old church, a melancholic accompaniment to the solemn silence that blanketed the air. Rena sat in the front pew, her eyes fixed on the gleaming oak casket at the altar, Ren's name etched into the polished wood. The weight of grief pressed heavily on her chest, making each breath a struggle. How was she here, alive, breathing, but Ren laid there in the casket, unable to move? Was it not unfair? Why wasn't Ren given a chance to breathe just as Rena was?

Ren's photograph, radiant and full of life, stood beside the casket, a cruel juxtaposition to the finality of one's life. Rena reached out, her fingertips grazing the cool glass, as if she could somehow touch Ren one last time. Rena forgot how much she looked just like her sister. She ran her thumb through the soft, earth-coloured ringlets of hair cascaded over one shoulder, framing Ren's face that held a small dimple on her right cheek that peeked out when she smiled.

A lump formed in her throat. A sweet, endearing quirk that she had always found inexplicably charming. It was the only feature that truly set them apart, a subtle but distinct difference that only those closest to them could readily identify.

"She looked just like you," a hand landed on Rena's shoulder, the familiar touch sent warmth through her skin.

Rena sniffled a sob, turning to her side. "Kaz."

"How are you holding up?"

"Like shit," Rena set the framed picture down, her eyes still tracing the face that still smiled back at her. "It's funny. She looked so much like me. I might as well be the one in that casket."

Kaz furrowed his eyebrows with concern. His arm wrapped around Rena's shoulder, fingers brushing her arm in a circle. "Don't say that."

Rena scoffed, sniffling another tear. "Why not? Maybe the universe fucked something up and accidentally switched our fate. Maybe it should've been me in that-"

Rena didn't get to finish her words. Kaz held her by both her arms, leading her away from the casket and towards the seat. Her feet were reluctant in protest, but her body had been going on autopilot since the morning when the funeral started. So when Kaz led her to one of the seats, she plopped down, her eyes holding onto the casket as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded.

Kaz looked around, a small sigh escaping him the moment he had his eyes back on Rena. "You don't have to do this."

Rena didn't respond immediately, her thoughts swirling as she struggled to process his words. A part of her wanted to stand up and continue her vigil by the casket, to be near the only thing that seemed to provide her with any sense of connection to her sister. But another part of her was exhausted from the weight of grief and the exhaustion of maintaining her composure in front of everyone. Finally, she spoke, her voice hoarse from crying. "I have to."

Rena lifted her eyes to meet his, her expression a mixture of pain and gratitude. She knew he was right, knew she didn't have to bear the weight of her grief alone. But it was easier said than done. "I just don't know how to let her go," she whispered, her voice cracking as a fresh wave of tears threatened to spill over.

Rena felt Kaz moved closer, wrapping one arm around her shoulder in a firm, supportive embrace. His presence alone was a comfort to her, his warmth radiating through the fabric of her black dress. "You won't," he said quietly, his voice filled with a certainty that Rena found was both reassuring and unsettling. "You don't have to. She's always going to be a part of you, whether she's here or not."

Rena leaned into him, her head resting against his shoulder as she fought back a sob. His words stung, but only because they were true. "It's not fair. We were supposed to grow old together. We were supposed to have more time."