The sun was just starting to warm the morning as Reverie slipped into the common room, where Theodore and Danielle were tying up their shoes, preparing for their dance practice with the other trainees.
“Hey, guys, I’m thinking of visiting my aunt today. She’s been asking me to come by, and... well, I thought it’d be nice if you could all come along too,” Reverie said, her expression hopeful.
Theodore looked up apologetically. “Ah, I’d really like to, but we’ve got a whole day of dance practice lined up. The showcase is next month, remember?”
Danielle nodded, sharing the same regretful look. “Yeah, today’s practice is pretty intense. But I’ll catch up with you later, okay? Just give her my regards.”
Reverie’s shoulders sagged slightly, trying not to let the disappointment show. Just as she was about to say it was fine, Noah stepped in. “Hey, I’ll go with you. I’m not doing anything today anyway, and I haven’t seen your aunt in ages.”
Reverie’s face brightened. “Thanks, Noah. She’ll be glad to see you too!”
Later that morning, Noah drove Reverie to her aunt’s home. They talked lightly during the drive, Noah cracking jokes to lighten the mood, sensing that Reverie was feeling a bit anxious. When they arrived, her aunt greeted them with a warm smile, pulling Reverie into a hug.
“Oh, my dear! It’s so good to see you,” her aunt said, patting her back. “And Noah! You’ve grown taller since I last saw you.”
Noah chuckled. “Either that, or everyone’s just getting shorter.”
The three of them settled in the living room, chatting for a while. They exchanged stories about life, school, and plans. After a while, Reverie’s aunt took a deep breath, looking at Reverie with a gentle expression.
“Erie, dear,” her aunt began softly, “would you mind taking me to your parents’ grave today? I haven’t visited in a while.”
Reverie’s face froze for a moment. She glanced away, her fingers fidgeting slightly as she tried to keep her composure. Visiting her parents’ grave always stirred something heavy within her, a feeling of sadness mixed with guilt that she couldn’t quite shake. But she forced a small smile and nodded.
“Of course, Auntie. We can go together,” she replied, her voice steady though her heart felt otherwise.
Noah’s gaze softened as he watched her, sensing the reluctance beneath her words, but he stayed silent, offering her a reassuring nod.
At the cemetery, Reverie walked slowly beside her aunt, her steps feeling heavier the closer they got to her parents’ resting place. Noah stayed close, his presence comforting as they finally stopped in front of the graves. Her aunt knelt down, whispering a quiet prayer, while Reverie stood there, her eyes fixed on the headstones, feeling a pang of sorrow wash over her.
Noah noticed the way her fists clenched at her sides, and after a moment, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”
She managed a small nod, though her eyes were misty. “It’s just… harder than I thought. Sometimes, I feel like I didn’t do enough. Like… I should’ve been there for them more.”
He looked at her, sympathy in his eyes. “I’m sure they knew how much you loved them, Rev. You don’t have to feel guilty for anything.”
Reverie nodded, wiping a stray tear before it could fall, and gave him a faint, grateful smile.
After a few more minutes, they said their goodbyes to her aunt, helping her into her car and waving as she drove off.
Once her aunt was out of sight, Noah stretched his arms with a yawn. “Hey, why don’t we take a walk through the park? Just to clear our heads?”
Reverie perked up a bit at the suggestion. “Yeah, let’s do it. And maybe we can grab some ice cream too?”
“Oh, absolutely,” Noah grinned. “Theo’s not here to make us dessert, so it’s up to us to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours.”
The two strolled through the park, a light breeze rustling the leaves around them. They wandered aimlessly, savoring the calmness of the afternoon, and stopped by an ice cream stand. Each of them got their favorite flavors, and they sat on a nearby bench, enjoying the treat as they people-watched.
“So,” Noah began, hesitating for a second. “You know, you don’t always have to be so strong, Erie. I’m here, you know? We all are.”
Reverie looked at him, a little surprised by the tenderness in his voice. “I know… and I appreciate it, Noah. Sometimes I just feel like I don’t want to burden anyone.”
“Come on,” he said, nudging her playfully. “You’re not a burden. You’re my best friend.” He looked down at his melting ice cream, a nervous look crossing his face, as though he wanted to say something else. But instead, he took a deep breath, his expression shifting back to lighthearted.
“Anyway,” he said, quickly changing the topic, “have you heard that Mr. Han is going to make us write a 10-page essay for history class? I mean, who even has the patience for that?”
Reverie laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, I bet Danielle’s going to get a kick out of that.”
“Yeah, she’s probably going to ace it while we’re all struggling with the first paragraph,” he chuckled, shaking his head in mock frustration.
As they finished their ice cream, the sun began to dip lower, casting a golden glow over the park. They walked back toward the car, chatting about random things, enjoying the easy camaraderie that always existed between them. For Noah, it was moments like these that he cherished most, even if he couldn’t quite bring himself to confess how he truly felt about her.
When they finally reached home, the familiar warmth of their shared space awaited them.
-14SEPTEMBER2004
YOU ARE READING
Echoes Of The Unseen
RomanceAfter the breakup with Aries, Reverie's life took a dramatic turn. Heartbroken and lost, she thought she'd never be able to move on from her first love. But with her best friends Noah, Danielle, and Theodore by her side, she found a way to smile aga...
