Whispers in the Hallway

Rossi slapped the beautiful woman's arms which she skillfully dodged, "Don't mess with my friend like that, Alyx!" They both shared a life while Irene looked at the two of them weirdly, a hint of confusion was written all over her face, uncertain whether to be at ease or to be frightened.

"Look at her frightened face, Rossi!" Alyx laughed so hard while holding on to her belly.

Rossi, Irene, and Alyx are traversing in the palace gardens where a green and well-maintained labyrinth is also situated. Alyx is a mischievous and energetic person which is in contrast with her sophisticated and reserved appearance. She is hopping up and down as they walk to a wooden bench under a giant mango tree.

It was mid afternoon and the scorching heat of the sun was at its peak. However, unlike in the world Irene lives in, the heat in Rosemoor is much more tolerable than it is back home. The refreshing breeze swept their loose hairs. The trees and all the flowers on the ground swayed gracefully with every blow of the wind. The gushing sound of the river flowing against small rocks on the river bed made distinct sounds which complimented the melodic chirping of the flying birds.

From afar, someone is playing harmonic sets of instruments which magically sets the entire mood. Rossi and Alyx sat beside each other while observing how much in awe Irene is. Irene chose not to sit but to look around, her dress swaying along with the fascinated movements she has while getting amused with every little thing she encounters such as a monarch butterfly landing peacefully on her pointer finger without any fear.

Alyx is amused observing Irene getting interested with everything in this boring labyrinth which is why she brought all of them to an elevated part of Rosemoor, on the hill of Cersei where the entire 360 degree view of the Kingdom of Rosemoor.

"Some of the houses are floating up in the air! Look!" Irene looked absolutely shocked as she pointed to hundreds of houses indeed floating up in the air and the residents flying around while doing their daily chores.

Irene covered her mouth in awe, slightly shaking. "This is paradise! I never knew that Rosemoor is so big and…" She stopped to think of an appropriate word to describe how moving and beautiful the place is. Irene added, "Rosemoor is beautiful and ethereal," She said softly while she took her time witnessing the view from, her jaw slightly open.

The Kingdom of Rosemoor is more beautiful than what she imagined what a fantasy world would look like. No words would describe how magnificent and perfect everything is.

It was already beginning to get dark outside, a swarm of fireflies led them back to the palace thus illuminating their way.

On their way home, Irene spoke. "It's saddening I could not travel your entire Kingdom," She pouted her lips as they went inside her room. In a low voice, Irene added. "Too bad I am leaving tomorrow. Your world is so beautiful, Rossi. My eyes and heart could not contain the happiness I have right now," She squealed and hugged Rossi.

Irene looked at Rossi wistfully after she hugged her, "Thank you so much for your kindness. I know it would be impossible for us to meet again after I leave but you will always be in my heart," Rossi smiled like she was about to cry but she looked away.

For the past few days, Rossi became so attached to Irene because of her personality. As much as she wants Irene to stay, she news that they live in two separate and contrasting worlds.

Wiping tears off her rosy cheeks using the back of her hands, Rossi held Irene's hands as they stood on the doorstep of her room. "Take good care in your world, Irene." Rossi's mouth curved upwards and then let go of Irene's hands.

Irene slowly opened her palms and asked Rossi, "Wh-... what is this?" Her eyes glimmered with delight when she picked a gold necklace with a shimmering purple heart-shaped pendant.

"A token of our friendship." Rossi smiled.

Irene scratched the back of her head, "I don't have anything to give you Rossi but if we were in my world, I can buy you anything you want. I can even buy you a car or a house!" Irene proudly beamed.

Rossi hung her head low and let out a deep sigh. " It was nice knowing you, my first and only mortal friend."

A tear escaped from Irene's eyes, "It was nice meeting you my magical and beautiful friend." For the last time, they embraced each other before Rossi left to go to her chamber and call it a night.

Later that night, Irene could not sleep. It was as if her entire being knows that she is out for a big adventure back to her world that night. In Rosemoor, there are equal hours between day and night. She doesn't know how she will leave Rosemoor and maybe that is keeping her awake.

While laying down on the bed, she caresses the crystal pendant of the necklace Rossi gave to her. Irene wore it the moment she stepped inside her room. She flipped on the other side of the bed, hoping she would get sleepy.

"Irene…" A soft voice called her making Irene almost fall from her bed. She immediately stood up and looked around the room to see who it was.

The soft voice called her once again, making her stand up. "Irene…" She swallowed a lump in her throat, briefly shut her eyes close, and rapidly shook her head. "Irene, go back to bed. You are probably just too tired which is why you're hearing voices. Yeah, that's right," She talked to herself.

Just as Irene was about to crawl back to bed, she heard the echoing voice again which right now resemble Rossi's voice.

"Irene…"

In an instant, Irene paces out of the room and finds herself walking on the dark alleys of the palace. It was pitch dark and she even had to grope on the walls and whatever's in front of her to avoid bumping her head into something.

"Irene…"

"Irene…"

The voices sounded nearer and nearer which made Irene walk faster forward.

"Irene…" This time, it sounded desperate like Rossi was in need of desperate help. Irene ran as fast as she could in the dark, no longer groping around as it would waste her time. She ran faster and faster as the voice called her repeatedly. Her heart was beating rapidly that she could not even catch her breath.