Veronica sat by the window for what felt like hours, letting the last of her tears dry. The events of the past days hung over her like a storm cloud, but there was a quiet strength beginning to take root in her heart. She took a deep breath, steadying herself as she gazed out at the view. The world outside seemed so peaceful compared to the turmoil within her, but somehow, that calmness comforted her. She lifted a hand to her neck, her fingers brushing against the Phoenix pendant that hung there. The smooth metal felt warm under her touch, and for a moment, she let the symbolism of the firebird's eternal rebirth settle her thoughts. It was a silent reminder that even after everything, she had the strength to rise again.
Wiping her eyes, she finally stood up and walked toward the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her—eyes still red, cheeks puffy, but something had changed. The pain hadn’t disappeared, but the resolve was clear. She wouldn’t let herself be consumed by it. She wouldn’t let it break her.
She needed comfort. She needed something familiar. Something soothing.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"ძ᥆ᥒ'𝗍 ᥱᥲ𝗍 ᥣᥱss, ȷᥙs𝗍 ᥱᥲ𝗍 rіgһ𝗍." . . .
Her stomach growled, reminding her that it had been hours since she last ate. Without hesitation, she walked toward the dining hall, the sound of her footsteps echoing softly through the corridor. The large oak doors creaked open as she entered, and she made her way to her usual seat at the long, enchanted table. As she sat down, a sigh escaped her lips. She wasn’t in the mood for a grand feast or anything extravagant. What she needed was something simple, comforting.
With a small sigh, she muttered under her breath, “Tally.”
In an instant, the air shimmered, and with a soft pop, Tally appeared before her. The house-elf looked up, her large ears twitching slightly as she noticed Veronica’s expression. “Mistress Veronica, is there something I can assist you with?”
Veronica managed a small smile. “Could you prepare me some pancakes, and yogurt with fruit? Something... simple.”
Tally’s eyes brightened, and she gave a small nod. “Of course, Mistress Veronica. I shall have it ready in no time.”
With another small pop, Tally vanished, and Veronica sat back in her chair, resting her elbows on the table as she gazed out the window again. Her thoughts wandered as she waited—somewhere between the past and what was yet to come. She could feel the weight of the Phoenix pendant against her chest, a constant reminder of the strength she had yet to fully tap into.
The soft clink of dishes sounded from across the hall, but she didn’t turn her gaze. A few moments later, however, the scent of warm, buttery pancakes drifted to her, and Veronica’s stomach gave a pleased rumble. Before she could even ask, the meal appeared before her, floating gently down to the table. Fluffy pancakes stacked high, drizzled with golden syrup, surrounded by a bowl of creamy yogurt topped with fresh berries, bananas, and a handful of chopped nuts. The sight alone was enough to make her smile for the first time that day.
Tally reappeared beside her, her eyes bright. “I hope this is to your liking, Mistress Veronica.”
Veronica nodded, her gaze softening. “It’s perfect. Thank you, Tally.”
As she dug into the meal, the warmth of the pancakes and the cool sweetness of the yogurt helped to soothe her. The simplicity of the food brought a moment of peace, a small but necessary break from the storm in her heart. With each bite, she felt a little bit more like herself, the weight of the world on her shoulders just a little bit lighter.
The Phoenix pendant, still resting against her chest, seemed to pulse with quiet energy. Veronica knew that while this moment of calm was fleeting, it was a reminder that even in times of grief, there was always a chance to rebuild, to rise again.
