The soft glow of the afternoon sun spread across the park. A gentle breeze moved through the trees.
Everything felt calm. "This place is amazing!" Ethan said, looking around excitedly. Ryan laughed.
"You find something amazing everywhere." Maya smiled softly as she sat down on a bench. "It's peaceful here… I like it." Aria looked up at the sky.
There was a quiet calm in her eyes. Lila stood a little apart.
Watching everything.
Laughter…
Simple moments…
They felt unfamiliar to her.
"Hey, Lila!" Ethan called out.
"Come over here!"
She paused for a second—
Then walked toward them.
"Do you never go out?" Ryan asked casually.
"…No," Lila replied.
"Then this is your first outing!" Ethan grinned.
Aria smiled gently.
"With us, it won't be so bad."
Lila didn't respond.
But something in her expression softened slightly.
A Little Later
They were all sitting together.
Ethan was telling stories.
Ryan kept teasing him.
Maya listened quietly, smiling.
Aria moved closer and sat beside Lila.
"Why are you always so quiet?" she asked softly.
Lila stayed silent for a moment.
"…I'm used to it," she replied shortly. Aria looked at her.
"Do you like being alone?"
Lila answered slowly—
"It's easier."
A brief silence settled between them.
Then Aria spoke gently—
"But the easiest things aren't always the best…"
Lila turned her head slightly.
Something shifted inside her.
"…Maybe," she said quietly.
Evening
The sky turned orange.
They were walking together.
Laughter…
Light conversations…
For a moment—
Everything felt normal.
Suddenly—
Aria stopped.
A flash crossed her mind.
Fire…
Smoke…
A small girl holding her hand tightly.
"…Sister…"
She whispered.
Lila froze.
Her eyes trembled.
"What did you say?" she asked, her voice low.
Aria looked confused.
"I… I don't know… it just came to me…"
Lila said nothing.
Her expression hardened again.
Final Scene
Not far away—
A car was parked.
Someone was sitting inside.
Watching.
Cold eyes fixed on Lila.
"It's time…"
A low voice murmured.