Keiko’s eyes flutter open, her breath catching as she hears the faintest echo of Nadia’s voice. For a moment, the sound stirs something deep within her; a yearning she can’t quite place. She glances around the unfamiliar room, its soft white and yellow hues bathing her surroundings in warmth. It feels oddly reminiscent of the orphanage she’s frequented in the past several months.
Before she can make sense of it, a familiar voice breaks through her thoughts. “Kei?” She freezes. The voice is warm, gentle, and filled with care and love she had forgotten she needed.
“Elliot?” she whispers, turning toward the source. Seeing him now makes her heart flutter. There he stands, just as she remembers him. His bright orange hair catching the golden glow of the room, his vibrant green eyes filled with the unwavering kindness that once made her feel safe. His smile is as soft as ever, and when he steps forward to hug her, she melts into his embrace.
