The next day felt normal. At least, it looked normal.
The sky was clear again, no sign of the storm. The air was calm, and the convent was already busy. Girls moved around with books, talking in small groups.
It should have felt peaceful.
But something still didn't sit right.
I went back to the garden and picked up the tools. The soil was still a little wet, but better than yesterday. This time, I worked carefully.
I didn't want Mother Seraphine pointing out mistakes again.
After a while, I felt it.
That same feeling.
Like someone was nearby.
I looked up.
Aelith was standing near the edge of the garden.
I didn't notice when she came.
"You move quietly," I said.
"You're doing it right today," she replied.
I glanced at the plants. "Yeah. Trying to."
She gave a small nod.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
"You always come here?" I asked.
"Sometimes."
"Do you work here?"
She shook her head. "No."
I was about to ask more, but she looked at me.
Not angry. Just enough to stop me.
I didn't continue.
After a few seconds, she turned and walked away.
Just like that.
I stood there for a moment, then went back to work.
Later, I saw Varen near the entrance.
He noticed me and smiled slightly. "You look less dead today."
"Better than yesterday," I said.
He laughed. "Good. I don't want to carry you if you pass out."
"I'm fine."
"Give it time," he said.
We stood there quietly for a bit.
"You still think something's off?" he asked.
I hesitated. "…I don't know."
He nodded. "Good. That means you're thinking straight again."
Before I could reply, someone called him.
"Varen."
He looked back. "Coming."
Then he looked at me. "Don't get lost."
"I won't."
He nodded once and went inside.
I followed after a few minutes.
Inside, the halls were quieter. Not empty, just quieter.
As I passed one of the rooms, I heard a voice.
"Morron."
I stopped and turned.
A woman stood near the doorway.
"You're back after a long time," she said.
"Yes."
"I'm Sister Mirelle."
I nodded. "Morron."
"I know," she said.
That made me pause.
"I heard you used to help here," she continued.
"A little."
"We could use that again."
"I'm already working in the garden."
"Yes," she said, "and you're doing well."
I didn't expect that.
There was something about the way she spoke. Not praise. More like she was observing.
"You'll be staying?" she asked.
"I think so."
She nodded. "Then you'll notice things."
I frowned. "What things?"
She held my gaze for a moment, then gave a small smile.
"Don't rush to understand everything," she said.
That didn't answer anything.
She stepped back. "Get some rest later. You still look tired."
"I will."
She nodded and walked away.
I stood there, thinking.
First Aelith. Now her.
People here didn't answer questions. They just made you think more.
As I turned to leave, I noticed something.
At the end of the hallway.
Someone was standing there.
Smaller. Younger.
I couldn't see clearly, but I knew I hadn't seen her before.
She didn't move.
For a moment, it felt like she was looking at me.
Then someone walked past.
And when I looked again—
She was gone.
I stayed there for a few seconds.
Trying to understand.
But nothing made sense.
And somehow, that felt normal now.
End of Chapter 5