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I felt so bare, so vulnerable. It's been so long since I last talked so much. My cheeks were red and itchy from all the crying, I could feel my throat burning, my sore and tired eyes adding a finishing touch. Yet, I felt so relieved. I felt so relieved knowing Irene won't judge me, allowing me to feel like myself and let it all out. I felt so relieved about getting everything off my chest. I talked so much I lost track of time. I couldn't tell whether or not time was moving forward, but I could tell that as soon as I finished my long life story, my eyes were closing. My eyelids felt so heavy, yet I didn't want to sleep. I would be wasting so much time just resting. I would miss her smile. I would miss her laugh. I would miss Irene. I would miss so many things. So many magical things. Why couldn't time stop then? I wanted nothing more than that. "I think that's enough excitement for one night," she whispered, softly lulling me to sleep. "You need to rest."
"But –"
"We'll talk more tomorrow." before I could further protest, her finger shushed me. "I promise."
I woke up to the sound of soft humming. Although I wanted to open my eyes, I kept them closed, allowing myself to enjoy Irene's soft melody a little longer. Her short concert was accompanied by the high pitched chirping of the birds. Just like last night, I wished time would stop, granting me more of these ethereal moments. Unlike last night, though, I felt cold. A long shiver travelled down my spine making me open my eyes, finding myself greeted by Irene's soft smile. I felt warm all of a sudden. Maybe it was because of the gentle sunlight finally penetrating my covered skin or maybe it was because of Irene, who knows? "Good morning," I muttered, my voice still hoarse. That's when I realised I was still in the gazebo, with my head in her lap. I stood up shortly after as if I was on autopilot, somewhat distancing myself from Irene. The awkwardness the atmosphere was tinted in was more than obvious. "Sorry... Didn't mean for that to happen." her sugary sweet laugh filled my ears in an instant. I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.
