The world slowed.
Leaves hung in the air mid-fall. The wind died to a hush, like the forest itself held its breath. The boy sat up from where he'd fallen—scraped knees stinging, breath hitching in his throat. He blinked rapidly, trying to wipe away the tears.
That's when he saw her.
A soft shimmer, like moonlight through morning mist.
She was just… there.
Standing between two tall trees, golden strands of hair drifting in the air like they had a will of their own. Her dress flowed like water, pale blue, glowing faintly at the edges. Her eyes—warm, like sunlight after rain. Gentle. So, so gentle.
Then she stepped forward, barefoot on the forest floor, not making a sound. She knelt in front of him, one hand cupping his cheek. Her fingers were warm.
He blinked up at her. "…Wh-Who…?"
She smiled, soft as feathers. "Hey there."
The boy flinched. "Wh—Where did you come from?"
She tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Just now."
"You… You weren't here."
