S-2878 • L3 Sintoluna • D02 Silenli
"Sintoluna tunes sky and tide. Silenli kindles the radiance of a living beginning. The air becomes a thread of resonance. The narrative carries lightly on, luminous."
I spent the afternoon reading, accompanied by the Enchantress's energy. Then it was time. I put on a long black skirt and prepared to go to Centrália.
A cheerful, colorful atmosphere. Spreading into every corner. Music mingling. The region's vibrant sounds. A playful melody. Passersby laughed along the streets. Nightlife was gathering strength.
Maia appeared shortly afterward. Her white hair reflected the surrounding lights. Made her even more…
"Did I keep you waiting?" Her voice interrupted my thoughts.
"No. I just got here."
"Let's go."
We walked. A group of noisy young people appeared. Loud voices echoed down the street.
With gentle firmness, Maia pulled me close. Wrapped her arm around my shoulder.
My heart raced. So aware of her. Of every gesture. I tried to distract myself. Admired the illuminated neighborhood. Except… it was inescapable. Her presence filled all the space.
We reached Bar&Pub Centro. Its purple neon sign flashed at the entrance.
A holoreceptionist appeared and greeted us. "Miss Relaisse, the floor you requested is available. Take the elevator at the end of the corridor."
Relaisse? Was that her surname?
We went up.
The floor was empty. Violet lights illuminated it. Cast soft reflections on our skin. A vast window. Extending from the walls across part of the floor. Revealing an aerial view of Centrália. Holograms and LEDs floated like a pixelated veil over the airways. Vehicles sped past. Left trails of light in the air. The entire city, a vibrant symphony of colors.
I approached the transparent part of the floor. A slight dizziness struck me.
Attentively, Maia held my arm. Her touch, gentle. An unexpected wave of safety.
"I-it's wonderful." I tilted my head to look. A breathtaking view.
Her eyes fixed on me. "Yes, wonderful."
My face warmed. I smiled shyly.
"C'mon."
We sat.
A white cloth spread across the floor. A selection of little tarts, cupcakes, small cakes with cream, hot dishes, pasta, fries, and breaded fish. Steam rose from the food. Released the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal.
She was so… so cute. Surreal to think that, when we met, I had actually believed she might kill me.
"Wow. This is so incredible. It smells delicious." I smiled, delighted.
"Let's eat."
Every dish, a delight. I tried the breaded fish. Closed my eyes, amazed by the flavor. The seasoning, laden with care, as though telling a story. Had she prepared all of this?
"The buildings keep us from seeing the sky." I delicately wiped my fingers. "Either way, pollution is all there is to see."
"Yeah, but there's a place in Brasil where they say you can see the night sky. Full of stars…" Her voice held a dreamy tone. "Must be incredible." She cleared her throat, as though remembering something distant.
My eyes smiled involuntarily. I had heard of it. A place known as 'Where You Touch the Sky.' A mountain about 2,995 meters high. Sky and earth merged in an almost divine way. I imagined seeing her beneath that starry sky. Perhaps her barriers could disappear completely.
"Do you like music?" she asked suddenly.
"Hmm… I rarely listen, but I do."
"This moment needs a song." She took out a cellphone. Wired earbuds.
I raised an eyebrow. Such old devices. It surprised me that they still existed. How did she have one?
"Wanna listen with me?" Her tone hesitant.
I nodded, shy.
"Better come closer, then."
I swallowed hard. Took a timid step toward her. Took one of the earbuds and put it in my ear.
The music began. An enveloping beat. Captivating from the first few seconds. A female voice entered, rich and emotional. Singing:
Ah, oh, ah, ohWe want moreAh, oh, ah, ohA life worth living ♪
The melody filled the air around us. Centrália's nightlife vibrated. Colored lights. Pixels lighting up. In sync with the music.
I closed my eyes. Felt the woody fragrance emanating from Maia. Our arms touched lightly. Her head rested against mine. Perhaps… her eyes were closed too. Sharing that moment of intensity.
A phrase came to mind: the best sensations in life are invisible. That is why we close our eyes to feel them.
I smiled at the thought. Let myself be carried by the simplicity of that moment.
The song ended.
I returned to reality. Emerged from the trance. Opened my eyes. Found Maia very close. Her face too near. Freckles. Disheveled white hair. Amber eyes staring back at me, as though searching for something within.
I took out the earbud. "Beautiful song." My voice came out timid, almost a whisper.
My face burned so much. I lowered my head, unable to hold that gaze.
The silence stretched on.
My breath faltered. My heart beat against my ribs, far too hard. As though Maia could hear it. Her closeness awakened something. Unnameable, but as real as the illuminated city below us.
Maia chuckled. A sound that sent shivers down my spine.
Silence.
A silence laden with words vibrating invisibly. Questions hung in the air. Both of us too afraid to voice them.
Her presence beside me, like a magnetic field. An irresistible pull.
Time to leave
Maia stayed with me until the bus arrived. Her company brought disquiet and familiarity at once. Why did she act this way?
I fidgeted with my fingers. Looked at the ground. Tried to control the storm of emotions.
The bus finally arrived, and I began walking toward it.
Maia gently took my arm. Turned me to face her.
I frowned, confused.
She only smiled. A gentle smile.
I fell silent.
She leaned in. Kissed my forehead tenderly. A warm touch. Soft.
I blinked. One second more, and I would have closed my eyes.
"See ya, Akiko." She turned before I could react.
My mouth opened. My body wanted to call after her, but the words stayed.
Maia walked away in the opposite direction. Disappeared into the crowd. Left me motionless.
"W-what?!" I whispered, lost. "What… just… happened?" My body grew hot. My cheeks… I wanted to laugh. Or scream. Or turn back time.
My mind, completely blank. Inside, a whirlwind of joy and confusion. Something I could only describe as happiness, as though my body were dancing in celebration.
The touch of that kiss still lit up my skin.
The loud music playing nearby woke me; otherwise, I probably would have stood there for hours. Taking in every second of that moment. Before finally going home.