I was walking with snow in my hand when suddenly, I saw a familiar face.
âWe meet again.â
It was Layla. She didnât look surprised, but I looked like I saw a dead man walking. Why was she here?
âBecause youâre in my path.â
âReally?â
Still, I had encountered her in this garden from time to time since I met her the day I forgave Graecito. Of course, it wasnât enough to say that I had seen her often.
âWhat are you doing? Reading again?â
Every time I had seen her, we would have a brief conversation, and afterward, I would go back to the palace. Was she reading outside in such a cold day? Sheâs such a bookworm. Layla laughed when I raised my head in amazement.
âJust watching the snow.â
It was really weird when a blue woman smiled, beaming pale like snow. Should I say it seemed mysterious? I would believe if someone said sheâs the snow queen instead of a normal human being. Layla stared blankly at the scenery filled with longing.
âIt doesnât snow where I used to live, so I keep looking at itâ
âWhere did you live before?â
I asked without any thought, but she didnât reply. I looked up at Layla since there was no reaction, and I saw her face stiffened slightly. Oh, I was sure Layla wasnât here because she wanted to be here.
Ah, that wasnât polite, but the moment I realized my own wrongdoing, it was already too late. Oh, I felt so regretful for what I had done. I didnât know. I should just go back to the palace.
âAre you just leaving?â
I didnât look at her face since I felt apologetic and tried to head back to the palace, but Layla stopped me for a moment. I looked back in wonder. I saw her usual expression. She wasnât always friendly, but that didnât mean sheâs being cold to me. I was a bit curious.
âWhy? Do you have something to say?â
Why was she stopping me? It was the first time Layla had done so. Since it was our routine to always say a few words between one another and return. She didnât start the conversation, and I was always the one who greeted her first. Layla smiled when our eyes met.
âNothing.â
It was a smile that was particularly filled with melancholy
âIâm just a little bored.â