That night, Hazel was so lost in her work that she completely forgot to make dinner.
The only light in the apartment came from her desk lamp, casting a pale glow over the sketches scattered across her studio table. Her eyes moved from one pattern to another, hands steady but mind adrift in thought.
When she finally leaned back and glanced outside, the sun had already vanished. The sky was streaked in deep hues of violet and indigo, the kind that came just before the night took full hold. For a moment, Hazel simply stood there, her eyes fixed on the half-drawn curtains — silent, distant, as if searching for something far beyond that horizon.
She walked out of the studio and turned on the balcony light. A soft golden warmth spread across the empty space, illuminating the quiet plants and polished railings. The rest of the house remained in darkness — she hadn’t turned on any other light.
After a deep sigh, she moved to the kitchen, deciding to make a quick dinner. The faint hiss of boiling water soon filled the silence as she prepared a bowl of noodles.
Next door, Robert sat on his balcony, reviewing some documents under the dim outdoor lamp. He looked up when a sudden light flickered from the neighboring apartment. The balcony light.
He froze for a moment, brow slightly furrowed.
“Strange,” he murmured under his breath. “Why turn the lights on this late?”
But after a short pause, he pushed the thought aside and returned to his work — though his attention wasn’t as steady as before. Something about that quiet, next-door apartment felt… unsettlingly alive tonight.
On the other side, Hazel finished her noodles, washed the bowl, and soon after went to bed. The room fell into complete stillness, the only sound the faint rustle of curtains as a cool breeze passed through.
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The next morning, Hazel woke early. The soft light of dawn filtered through her curtains as she dressed for her morning walk. Exercise had always been important to her — not just for health, but for peace.
After tying her hair loosely, she stepped outside. The colony was almost silent; only a few guards were wandering lazily near the gates. The air was cold and fresh, carrying the faint scent of morning dew.
The colony itself was vast — almost like a private city of its own. It had everything: a school, a hospital, long green walkways, and a massive park that looked more like a forest than a garden.
As Hazel entered the park, the path ahead shimmered with moisture from the morning mist. Sunlight filtered through the trees, painting golden patterns across the stone pathway. Birds fluttered from branch to branch, their soft chirps echoing faintly through the trees. The serenity of the place was breathtaking.
For a moment, Hazel forgot everything — her thoughts, her worries, even herself.
Two and a half hours later, she returned, slightly flushed but refreshed. The colony was awake now — people jogging, children heading to school, maids carrying baskets of groceries.
She walked calmly toward the elevator area. As she almost reached it, she spotted Mrs. Han — elegant as ever, wearing a light sports jacket and holding a small towel.
“Ah, Miss Hazel!” Mrs. Han greeted warmly, smiling. “You went out for a walk so early?”
Hazel smiled softly. “Yes, ma’am. I wanted to start the day early.”
“I was going too,” Mrs. Han chuckled, “but I forgot my water bottle. I’m going back to get it.”
As they talked, they reached the elevator. Robert was already standing there, waiting quietly. When he saw them approaching, he stepped aside politely to make space.
YOU ARE READING
My Darling I am no More
RomanceA girl who lost everything because of love. However can't get the love she desires unfortunately. After losing everything I don't desires anything anymore and want to sleep forever. However life play a strange game to her. She came back to time. Whe...
