Never be forgotten

"It has been a long time since I last saw you," she grumbled, her voice muffled against my chest. I gently patted her back, speaking softly in a tone filled with warmth and affection, "There, there, I was just out for a bit and had to spend some time with my husband." The younger woman shifted her weight slightly, and I couldn't help but let out a low chuckle, eagerly waiting for her to respond. As always, she did not disappoint me with her quickness to speak.

"Si-Si, then will you make time for me?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"My grandmother's birthday is coming up in just a few days. You should come and be my special guest; you can bring your parents along and invite two other people if you'd like," I replied, trying to encourage her excitement. Anyway she will be a welcoming distraction. 

"Si-Si, I haven't seen Grandmother in such a long time. Okay, I will remind them about the celebration," she said, her enthusiasm evident in her voice. 

"Mm, knowing how busy my grandmother tends to be, she might have also forgotten that her birthday is approaching," I added, sharing a knowing smile with her.

With her still clinging to me like a little koala bear, I walked further into the room, making my way directly to my beautifully designed corner that was complete with a selection of my favorite makeup brands. I was even more pleased by this visual, I did not spoil her for nothing. 

'In my eyes you will always be the adorable little thing I once took care of like a little sister and watched grow up.'

"Si-Si, will you be wearing full makeup today?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, I will be, but I'll change first; then you can give me the full glow-up," I said, looking down at the younger woman with an indulgent smile that I couldn't help but wear.

As I walked in the direction of the changing area, I quickly stripped off my clothes and stood there in my undergarments. As a fan of flowing dresses, I initially thought to wear one for the occasion, but I ultimately decided against it. Although it was the finals of a well-known event, I didn't feel the need to wear an extravagant gown. What was most important to me was that my makeup looked stunning.

That is why, when I spotted the butterfly dress hanging in the corner, adorned with intricate silver and gold designs, I instantly fell in love with it. I quickly pulled it on, fastening the strings at the two sides inside to accentuate my figure, raising my hand to expose the stunning lotus silver and gold designs that danced across the fabric. I was so thrilled with this design that I let out a soft squeal of delight.

When I first searched the internet for inspiration and sketched out my idea, I never imagined it could be crafted to fit my exact taste. But as usual, the design was, without fail, never disappointing. With its wide sleeves and flowing sides, the dress was elegant and gave me a graceful, ethereal look that I adored.

As for the shoes, I decided on a pair of eighteen-centimeter boot heels with three straps. I simply couldn't let go of this particular pair, as they were the perfect complement to my outfit.

In my heels, I walked confidently from the changing room with a smile on my face. "Oh, this dress is so pretty! Si-Si, I did a great job picking it out, didn't I?" I exclaimed, twirling slightly to show off the dress.

"Yes, you absolutely did," I praised her, watching as the younger woman smiled up at me, her eyes shimmering with undisguised affection and admiration.

I then sat down, closing my eyes to allow her to work her magic on my face. 

"Si-Si, the contestants this year are really good, but I saw my enemy in the finals," she said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. I hummed my reply, acknowledging her concern. "It will be fierce either way, and I must admit she has a lovely voice," she continued, gently exfoliating my face and neck with care. "Si-Si, one of the guys competing is also quite impressive. His voice reminds me of the European Vikings," she added, her tone shifting to one of admiration. A few taps and a deep voice filled the room, singing a powerful melody; not even a few seconds passed before his voice rose dramatically, before falling into a soft whisper. "Si-Si, when you use—"

"Ilra, why are you mentioning the past?" I interjected, speaking in the dialect from the Sunken Islands. Although I identify as Blasian by birth, I had spent my early childhood on the chain islands from the time I was just a month old, raised there with my parents and grandmother. This one, Lee Ilra, was born to one of the managers who helped manage our company on the mainland. She then gave birth on the island and stayed until that event happened.

Though I remember it, I still have black parts in my memory that refuse to clear up, even in this life. I am seven years her senior and had always protected her no matter what, now even after those series of events that brought us back to the mainland, we remained close friends, even deciding to keep speaking the language that had become increasingly rare due to the disappearance of the islands.

It is a place that can never be forgotten even if I knew some are still missing.