Chapter 2: A Quiet Morning
Katrina stepped into her big, beautiful room—the one with soft cream walls, elegant wooden furniture, and a wide balcony that overlooked the peaceful neighborhood. The room was perfectly organized, untouched, and filled with warm sunlight, yet it felt strangely unfamiliar. Beautiful... but distant.
She placed her bag gently on the floor and looked around, her eyes growing soft.
Katrina: "I'm home... huh."
The words escaped her lips in a whisper, carrying exhaustion and sadness. She sat on the edge of the bed, hands resting on her lap as silence wrapped around her like a heavy blanket.
After a few moments, she stood again.
Katrina: "I should get fresh."
She walked into the bathroom, splashing cool water on her face, brushing her hair, and changing into comfortable clothes. When she returned, she looked calmer, cleaner—but still weighed down on the inside.
As she picked up her phone to check the time, she noticed a missed call from Aunt Rose. A small smile touched her lips, and she quickly dialed back.
Katrina (on call): "Hi Aunt, how are you? I just reached home."
Her aunt's familiar voice filled her ears, warm and full of love—the kind she desperately craved.
Aunt: "That's wonderful, honey. I'm good. I miss you already."
Katrina's smile trembled slightly.
Katrina: "I miss you too... but don't worry. I'll visit whenever I get the chance."
Aunt: "Of course, sweetheart. You are always welcome here."
When the call ended, the room fell silent again.
The smile slipped from her face, replaced by a quiet sadness she couldn't hide anymore.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
Katrina: "Come in."
A maid walked in respectfully.
Maid: "Miss Katrina, breakfast is ready."
Katrina: "Thank you, but I'm not hungry right now. Could you bring me some coffee instead?"
Maid: "Right away, Miss."
A few minutes later, Katrina held a warm mug of coffee between her hands, letting its warmth seep into her palms. She took a slow sip, releasing a soft sigh.
Katrina: "Ahh... that feels better."
She stood and walked toward the balcony. Pulling open the glass doors, she stepped into the fresh morning air. A gentle breeze moved through her hair, carrying the scent of rain and wet grass.
From the balcony, she looked out over the neighborhood—rows of fancy houses with blooming gardens, children laughing as they hurried to school, sunlight reflecting off wet pavement. Unlike her silent room, the world outside felt full of life.
She rested her hands lightly on the railing, letting her eyes wander, when a voice from across the street caught her attention.
Guy (shouting lightly): "Bye! I'll be late today!"
The front door of the house directly opposite hers opened, and a tall young man stepped out, adjusting the strap of his university backpack. He wore dark clothes and had a sharp, serious expression—someone who didn't smile easily. Someone who looked cold and distant.
He turned to leave—but then his eyes lifted.
And they met hers.
He froze on the spot, breath caught, body stiff.
Shock flickered across his face—surprise, confusion, and something deeper he tried desperately to hide.
He stared at her as if seeing a ghost.
As if the world around him had stopped.
For a moment, neither moved.
But Katrina, thinking he was simply looking around, glanced away casually, missing the intensity in his eyes.
The young man swallowed hard and finally broke his stare, forcing his feet to move as he walked down the street, though his steps were uneven—almost shaken.
Katrina took another sip of her coffee, unaware of the storm she had just awakened.
Katrina (softly to herself): "Day one... let's see how this goes."