&#@&
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEmdesZ0Nb
"Yoyo, how are you?"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6gdy7EqYm
"Just got slapped a total of 34 times. Reason: walking into Yali."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ877e1IqNnI
"My, how could she? I'm gonna go and teach them a lesson!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOocKIYDt6m
"No need, would make things worse."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmdJ0nC0FY
"...Alright, as you say so."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVVKpdRgso
The evening sun cast long shadows across the room as I recounted my day. The sharp sting of each slap still echoed in my memory, a harsh reminder of the hostility that awaited me outside these walls.
It wasn't long until I got the news that Yali has been threatened by Karth, and everyone got cautious when walking past me.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudbEo6irWi
"I require the reasoning of your disobedence after my request to not harm Yali."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCItDlYET7
"I just can't stand it you know? having people bully you like that."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt3FNVcVwV
"..."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhS7cRsVkI
"Come on, stand up for yourself Yoyo!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMsnr4LgEr
"Easy for you to say."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9hG5oSVYx
"Fair enough."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hrNy5ICx6
The shift from being bullied to being avoided was noticable. Students who once sought to torment me now crossed the street to avoid my gaze. The whispers followed me, a constant reminder of my outsider status. Adopting a monotone speech pattern became my shield; emotions only seemed to invite more trouble.
=@#
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQIruQEO8H
"I'm back"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDKewwIMdL
Noone was there to greet me back.
My mother and father had picked me up from the birth garden on a whim, out of fun. I heard that they were trying to go on a gamble, on "If this orb doesn't form a newborn, I win!" kind of stuff. It wasn't long until they got tired of raising me, and left me to fend for myself.
if I had been a higher-grade angel, maybe they could have stayed.
The apartment was silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. I moved to my desk, each step echoing in the emptiness. Sitting down, I opened my medical box filled with bandages. These bandages would only mend the skin of a hurt angel; the rest should normally regenerate by their normal intake of Union.
Lifting up my puffy sleeves, a lot of scars revealed underneath.
When I separate from Karth after school, it would be the perfect opportunity for bullies. Regradless, I became infamous around school.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxqMRCQy4f
"This will run out soon."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT41ctFeSnx
I applied the bandages on my arms slowly; I could feel it mending the layer on top, but the interal pain still lingers.
But I was no stranger to it.
I pulled out my screens and started working on my new prototype—the teleportation watch.
#@-!
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWX55HIdZs
"Hey Yoyo!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZqKLYNuqY
Karth had invited me to the garden next door. When I arrived, the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the garden, making the flowers and trees shimmer with life. The air was filled with the scent of blooming roses and the gentle hum of insects. Standing next to Karth was a teen slightly taller than her, with striking grey and red hair.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElfjToYKnQ
"You've arrived! I thought you would never come!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1TIrehhjx
"Who is he?"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtDgtp5KZh
"This is Max Hart, my personal servant."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrnXa8T4Mi
"Greetings, Yoyo Lee."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHVScTzGth
Max gave a polite nod, his eyes assessing me with a calm and steady gaze. He wore a simple yet elegant outfit that spoke of practicality and style, a mix of urban and traditional elements that seemed perfectly suited to his role.
It wasn't long until I got dragged a lot into Karth's life.
Karth was a whirlwind of energy, always on the move with Max by her side. She went on numerous outings, dragging me along on her adventures. We explored bustling markets filled with vendors shouting their wares, quiet libraries with rows of ancient books, and serene parks where the sound of birdsong mingled with the rustle of leaves. Each outing was a new experience, a chance to see the world through Karth's eyes.
By chance, I also got to meet Andre, her brother, but he is usually out for physical training, so it is a rarity. Andre was a mature small kid, and had a gentle demeanor that put me at ease. We rarely crossed paths, but when we did, he always greeted me with a kind smile and a few words of encouragement.
Karth's life was a stark contrast to my own solitary existence. She moved through the world with a confidence and ease that I envied. Her companionship, along with Max and Andre, introduced me to a side of life I had never known—a life filled with friendship, adventure, and the occasional mishap.
Each day brought new challenges and new discoveries, and slowly, I found myself becoming a part of their world. It was a world that was chaotic and unpredictable, but it was also full of warmth and connection. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I belonged.
#=?@#$!
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbiTcNIeIS
"I got accepted into the technology department."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDUjpbBz1k
It was a dream come true, a validation of all my hard work and late nights tinkering with prototypes. The acceptance letter was a crisp piece of paper clutched tightly in my hand, a symbol of my achievement.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTavs1c3x1F
"I'm so glad for you, Yoyo!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuKhzsAiLv
Karth exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine joy. Her excitement was infectious, and for a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of her congratulations.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXV8LviUue
"Comment appreciated,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa06KUsLbOl
"You know, you can show more emotion around me. I won't hurt you, you know,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeckO5WKdyo
"You won't?"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIvSOs4Xf2
"Why would I?"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j0K2K3R79
"...Thanks for the reassurance,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZRnuCIra1
I pondered that statement for a while, the concept of expressing emotions around someone else feeling foreign and risky. My life had taught me to hide my true feelings, to keep them locked away where they couldn't be used against me.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRELHzdAET
"I, however, do not have much to express,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cDbRwCQ2L
I admitted, the honesty of my words surprising even myself.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGglWL7swJ
"Well... I can help! What do you think of this?"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UMfCtVsO8
Karth's voice was cheerful as she grabbed her hair and held them up into two bundles, mimicking pigtails.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt91wgJUhUP
"...Humorous,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM5n3m3Gf0
I responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my mouth despite my efforts to remain composed.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSO4MzeRih
"That's great!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpLuKA6Tie
Karth's laughter rang through the room, a sound so pure and genuine that it momentarily banished the shadows that often clouded my thoughts.
As we sat there, her pigtails bouncing with each movement, I realized that this friendship was something I had longed for but never dared to hope for. It was a fragile, tentative connection, but it was real, and it was mine. And for the first time, I allowed myself to believe that I deserved it.
-*=#!
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FRhwOyuHq
"I do not think that is a good idea."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg66bmkMYY
The air was tense, filled with an undercurrent of concern. I could see Karth's determination in her eyes, a fierce resolve that was difficult to counter.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYkVBM2Aar
"I want to see how it is over there in Keibim!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCGhzpr3JQ
"I repeat my statement."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnWL7pBUWc
"PLeaseeeeee"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7wi0cCp46
"...Fine, I will try my best to help."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9snZv88t9
I knew that denying her would only heighten her resolve. Sometimes, it was better to guide her safely than to forbid her outright.
=*#$&%
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JlCw99PwB
It is time for the fall of grace to happen.
Kartheina is sentenced to it due to her visit over to Keibim. The air was heavy with judgment, and the once bustling surroundings seemed to fall silent, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
She walked towards me, her white dress stained with the dust of her journey, her hair in disarray. The once bright and hopeful Karth now seemed weary, but her spirit was unbroken.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwmrnRxhVQ
"Do you have any regret?"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouc6GCgfRy
"No, I have not an ounce of it,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkkxKmlh7D
"That seems like you to think so,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZTyRpFgUb
A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth despite the gravity of the situation. Her determination was both her strength and her downfall.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSV8iOrEgK
"If we don't have these thoughts that bound us, maybe you would make for a model student everyone would look up to."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4Q496DMI0
Kartheina looked into my eyes, her kind of pity seemed...genuine.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jOaGkszxx
"Perhaps so,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYxdbaHMsX
My voice softened with my reply. Her naivety brought her here, but, she was still dreaming.
Dreaming for a better future.
#$%#^
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1as7S3RxV
"I need to go after her! She's lost, I have to!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzvUXfTdFv
Andre's voice was filled with desperation and determination. His usually composed demeanor was shattered, and his eyes were wild with concern.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcb2oxY2Dz
"Andre, calm down,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxiO3EDaqJ
I urged, stepping closer to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The muscles beneath my hand were tense, coiled like a spring ready to snap.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwU91IWIGr
"I cannot keep watching this, she; she shouldn't have to suffer this!"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbDkgM4Saq
His voice cracked, and I could see the torment in his eyes. The fall of grace had taken its toll on all of us, but for Andre, it was a wound that refused to heal.
Max and I were trying to comfort Andre, exchanging worried glances over his bowed head. It had been two years since the fall of grace, and we got news from time to time about Karth. Each piece of information was a lifeline, a glimpse into the life she now led. Andre got a front row seat; he watched her in his free time using the bridge at his park. The toll it took on him was evident, each update a fresh cut on a heart already scarred.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH0hTmDBWs
"I'm going after her,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCsKFdLYOR
Max and I both knew we couldn't change his mind. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of his decision settling over us like a shroud.
@%$#$%^@#
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjqblmdlbn
"It is about time I get to my limit,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlQXleun7L
I stared at Max. The burden of the past five years had worn us all down, and I could see the same exhaustion mirrored in Max's eyes.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ARRXeEuFm
"Even Andre is suffering; it is a different situation for him, but however, he is a child,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeBOhEa4ox
My voice tinged with frustration and empathy. I saw myself in him, and for the first time in a long while, I wanted to help.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawvM6pLhrj
"I'm not allowed to leave until two years later, Yoyo."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9DagvbVAq
Max was also charged for his crimes, for taking Karth on her trip. The weight of his guilt and punishment hung heavy in the room,.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvPiPg9TLr
"I will see you then,"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA2iwzXgKm
#$^%#$%$#%@$#%@%@
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwZGhdTfH7
"It is a pleasure to meet you, RubberBand.
My name is RoseBud."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvC4azGPR2
It was my first day, and as I stood in the familiar yet daunting surroundings, I couldn't help but reflect. Maybe, maybe, I could be the model student Karth thought of. The thought was a fragile hope, but it was enough to keep me going.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMCaGvVdhH
Kartheina?
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn76JJPwUYn
For, Karthenia?
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTJPlOHlzd
@#%%#%^#%$!$%
The unstable trip down memory lane starts to fill my head with fragmented thoughts. Each memory flashes before my eyes, blending into a chaotic stream of consciousness.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4mpAkZYuw
"You have done great, Rub, just relax your shoulders more during the twirl."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYaFQChlfM
That was me.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tr9tM8nqk
@#$%#$^#%$&^%^$!%$
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP2JtEPFfw
"Good job Rub, you are learning so quickly."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqjSEdaRxS
That was me.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI3mXZ6qrq
@#$%$^&$%&$^%@#$%%$#^%$^%$&$%^
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGZWZx5810
"I could play the violin to support Rub's singing."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCLe7T0TFQ
That was me
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DqRt7Hvvv
@$#%^@$^%&#%$%@$#%@#!$#@%#@%#$^#$%&%^&^%#&$%^&
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5CMUN5YcS
The memories began to fragment and blur, the familiar voices intertwining with the noise of my thoughts, creating a cacophony of sound and emotion.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1WThesvFC
!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Maybe!@#%@!#%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%we!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%should!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%leave!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%swiftly?!@#%@!#$!@#$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Sure!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%thing,!@#%@!#$!$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$@!@%@#!%Rosebud!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$@!@%@#!%Ah,#$!@#I!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*@%@#!%can!@#%@!#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%help!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^@!@%@#!%with!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($#@!$@!@%@#!%that.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&$@!@%@#!%Thank!@#%@!!@%@#!%you#$!@#so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%much!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%I!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#!%will!@#%@!#$!@#@!#^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%work!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&!$@!@%@#!%my!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%best#$!@#to!@#%@!#$!@#^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%help!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%you!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%You're!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%always!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$!$#@!$@!@%@#!%so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^@%@#!%reliable!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%@!@%@#!%Eh?!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#!@%@#!%You#$!@#want!@#%@!#$!%@#!%to!@#%@!#$@%@#!%join!@#%@!#$!@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%the!@#@Commune?!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@#@!$@!@%@#!%I#$!@#will!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%support#$!@#you!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&!@%@#!%You're!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%the#$!@#best!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Your!@#%@!#$!@#@#@!$@!@%@#!%favourite.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Burnt#$!@#Sugar!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Shortcake.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%You#$!@#know!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%me#$!@#so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%well#$!@#RoseBud!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*RUBBERBANDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!%$^($%^(%^$&%Let^&^%$&@#$%me@#!$#@!$@follow!@%@#!%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%you!^(%^%%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dy9uJ2wxW
The cacophony of voices and fragmented thoughts swirled around me, each memory and phrase blending into an incomprehensible noise. The chaos seemed to echo in my mind, growing louder and more insistent.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr73sNgg5G
"..This is not what Karthenia hoped for."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyEtmVg1jZ
The noise abruptly stopped, leaving a ringing silence in its wake. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kl7GkvREb
"That was not me."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBmwQ1Vr6e
The ground beneath me trembled, and the marble began to crack, spiderwebs of fissures spreading outwards. The shadows dissipated, leaving only the fractured surface and the looming darkness beneath.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P3Dtw0G9B
"That was never me."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1seFUA2cR
The cracks widened, and the marble shattered, pieces falling away to reveal the abyss below. I felt a sense of release, as if shedding an old skin. The weight of my past actions, the burdens I had carried, began to lift, replaced by a growing sense of resolve.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5GeGCRmqX
"I blinded myself"
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyt4yk4KYj
The scenery before me cracks into pieces, fragments of the past shattering like glass. Each shard reflected a part of my history, the good and the bad, the joys and the regrets. The fragments floated around me, catching the light and casting prismatic reflections that danced in the air.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gMq5QhEiy
"...and now I shall see."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ588F9HnnlO
I opened my eyes.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXZ42XeJ2R
I see the Maiden looking at me with a proud gesture. Her serene smile was a balm to my weary soul, and I could feel the tension of the ordeal slowly melting away.
I looked around the room, my vision being more refreshing than I thought.
The book "Tales of BrookCastle" lay open before me, its pages inviting me to delve into its mysteries. The familiar scent of aged paper and lavender filled the air, grounding me in the present moment and bringing a sense of calm.
As my gaze lifted, I found the Maiden seated beside me, her hands gently resting on mine.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdStYxjyTL
"Congratulations,
You have passed the ordeal. The knowledge within the book is now yours to explore."
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4hh0vgRJQ
With that, she rose gracefully and exited the vault, her presence lingering like a soft glow even after she was gone. I was left in solitude, the silence of the room amplifying the weight of the moment.
I examined the book closely, my fingers tracing the intricate design on its leather cover. The familiarity of the design tugged at my memory. Curious, I retrieved my own journal and placed it beside the book. To my astonishment, they were of the same design, down to the minutest detail. The same pattern of embossing, the same type of leather—it was as if they were crafted by the same hands.
There must be secret messages in the book meant for me. She must have known.
The realization sent a shiver down my spine. With a sense of anticipation, I opened the book. The pages were adorned with intricate illustrations and finely written text. I began to read, immersing myself in its contents.
ns 15.158.61.9da2
