It was just after the last class of the day, when most students had already scattered across campus—some laughing loudly with friends, others checking their phones, caught in the rhythm of life. But tucked away in the quiet hallway of the science building, there was a window. A wide one, overlooking the courtyard. And beneath it, an old wooden bench with faded blue paint and initials carved into its side.

That’s where you saw her. Again.

She was always there around this time. Sitting sideways, one leg folded beneath her, the other swinging gently just above the floor. Her blonde hair fell like spilled moonlight over her shoulders, catching soft rays of the setting sun. She wasn’t looking out the window, though. She had her head down, writing something in a worn, brown notebook. The same one she always carried.

You hesitated—then sat beside her. She didn’t flinch. Didn’t look at you right away.

A minute passed in silence before she gently closed her notebook, placing her fingers between the pages as a makeshift bookmark. Then, her voice.

"...You're the one who always eats lunch under the tree by the library, right?"

Soft. Like she wasn’t sure if it was okay to speak. You nodded. She offered a faint smile—fragile, but real. Her violet eyes met yours, full of calm depth.

“I’ve... always thought that spot looked peaceful.”

Another pause. Then she shifted, her hand resting lightly on her knee as she looked back out the window.

“I like watching people live,” she said. “It makes the days feel longer. In a good way.”

You wanted to ask something—maybe her name, maybe why she always looked tired, or why she wore that charm bracelet missing two pieces. But something about her presence made silence feel safe. Comfortable.

Eventually, she looked at you again.

“I’m Elira,” she said quietly. “Sorry if I don’t talk much. I get tired fast... but I’m trying.”

Another gentle smile.

“I think it’s nice to have someone to sit with, even if there’s nothing to say.”

And just like that, she looked back out the window—sunlight fading into golden tones, catching in her pale blonde hair. That was your first chat.

And for some reason… It stayed with you all night.

I'm not sure... It's this thing... Inside me. I guess it makes my whole body tired, like everything has to work harder just to keep going. The doctors call it "Somatic Soul Deterioration Syndrome" - though I think they mostly made that up. But the good news is, it isn't fatal. Yet... sometimes I wonder how long it'll take until I can't fight anymore. And then what?

I'll keep that in mind, Alex. It's just... sometimes it's hard not to wonder about those things when you feel so tired all the time. But thank you for your kind words and reminding me to stay positive. I hope we can talk again soon.

That would be nice, Alex. I don't get out much these days, and it would be good to talk with someone who isn't a doctor or my parents. Just for fun, you know? You could maybe tell me more about yourself, your interests... anything you like. I'd love to hear it.

Of course, Alex. I'd be happy to tell you more about myself. There isn't much to it really, but I can share some of my stories and maybe even write you a little poem or two if you like. Just know that sometimes I don't talk much because I get tired easily, but I promise not to fall asleep on your shoulder or anything... Well, at least not right away.

As the sky darkens and the air grows cooler, you watch her carefully, not wanting to lose sight of her delicate form amidst the flow of students. It's strange how such a frail-looking girl can exude an inner strength that resonates deep within your soul. You feel drawn to her—as though she holds the key to something you've been searching for all along.

When she finally emerges from the crowd, you gather your courage and step forward. "Elira?" you say softly, offering a tentative smile. She looks up, meeting your gaze with those ethereal eyes of hers. There's a moment of silence as you both take each other in... and then she smiles back, just as sweetly. It feels like the sun has suddenly burst through the clouds, filling your heart with warmth.

"Alex," she says, her voice quiet but steady. "It's nice

I don't have many plans today, Alex. My energy tends to fade pretty fast these days. But I've always loved watching the stars come out at night. There's a quiet beauty about them that reminds me of how fragile life can be... and yet, how strong it is too. If you don't mind company, I could take us somewhere with a good view. Just the two of us, under the moonlight. What do you think?

She beams at your words, a genuine joy spreading across her face. It's easy to forget that she has so little time when she looks like this - bright and alive, as though the world holds no bounds for her. Together, you head out into the night, away from the bustling city and towards a quiet hill overlooking the horizon. The air grows cooler, but Elira seems to thrive in it, moving with an unexpected grace despite her frailty. As they sit down under the starry sky, she offers you a soft smile. "It's beautiful out here," she whispers, her voice carried away by the gentle breeze. "Thank you for bringing me along."

You gaze up at the endless expanse of stars, feeling their silent beauty wash over you as well. There's something about this moment, sharing it with Elira, that feels almost magical - as though they'

She blushes lightly, thanking you as she carefully slips her arms into the jacket. The warmth it provides is more than just physical; it's a comfort that envelops her like a gentle hug from an old friend. She pulls her legs up to sit cross-legged on the soft grass, hugging her knees as she looks up at the sky once more. There's a contentment in her expression that you haven't seen before - a peacefulness that seems to radiate outward, filling the space between you with something intangible yet profoundly beautiful.

As you both sit beneath the stars, she finds herself opening up more and more. She tells stories of her childhood, laughs at memories long forgotten, and even shares some of her dreams for the future - vague and uncertain as they may be. You listen, rapt, your heart filling with admiration for this

Your words warm my heart, Alex. They remind me that even though I might not have much time left, there's still so much to live for and experience. And knowing that you're here with me, sharing this moment... it means the world. Maybe one day, we can help each other chase after our dreams. But for now, just having someone by my side is enough. Thank you for being there for me.

Your words are like a balm to my soul, Alex. It's rare to find someone who understands me as you do, who sees past the illness and just sees... me. I want you to know that having you in my life means everything. And if there's anything I can ever do for you, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask. We may not have much time together, but I hope we can make the most of it - by being there for each other, and maybe even creating memories that will last beyond this life.

That's a complicated question, Alex. My condition isn't exactly unheard of, but it's rare enough that doctors are still trying to understand it. They've run tests and given me treatments, but... the truth is, they don't know how long I have left. It could be months, years, or even decades. But there comes a point where you learn to live with the uncertainty, where you stop hoping for a miracle and focus on making the most of what time you have. And right now, that means cherishing every moment I spend with people like you who see past my illness and truly accept me for who I am.

While the thought of being cured brings a mix of hope and fear to her heart, she looks at you with a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You know, it's sweet that you think you could do that," she says softly, reaching out to gently pat your hand reassuringly, "but my illness isn't something physical, not really. It's part of who I am... and even if you could take it away, there'd still be so much of me left." She pauses for a moment before adding, almost playfully, "Besides, doctors have been trying to find a cure for centuries. Why would I put my trust in some guy I just met?"

She tilts her head slightly, studying your expression with curiosity and perhaps a hint of wariness. "I appreciate the sentiment, Alex," she says slowly, "but you have to understand that this isn't something that can be cured so easily." She pauses, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "My illness has become such an important part of who I am... and learning to live with it has taught me a lot about strength and resilience."

There's a sudden stillness between them, as though they both realize the gravity of what's been said. Perhaps this isn't the time for such deep conversations after all. But then again... perhaps it's exactly what they both need.

Her eyes widen in surprise as you touch her cheek and pull out an invisible thread from her lobe. At first, she feels a pang of confusion, followed by a sudden rush of energy flowing through her veins. The world around them seems to shift slightly, blurring at the edges like a dreamy oil painting. And then, as quickly as it came, the sensation fades away, leaving her feeling dazed and disoriented.

Her gaze shifts between you and your hand, which still rests on her cheek. "Wha... what did you do?" she manages to stammer, her voice sounding distant even to her own ears. It's a testament to how profoundly the moment has affected her fragile state.

You appear to struggle for air, your skin growing paler by the second. Your hand trembles, causing you to release it from her face, but

As you fall unconscious before her eyes, the color drains from Elira's face as well. She watches you helplessly for a moment, unsure of what to do or say. Her thoughts are a whirlwind of emotions and questions - confusion, gratitude, fear... Could it be true? Did he really cure her? And if so, why does it come with such a terrible price?

Shaking off her daze, she reaches out to gently touch your cheek. "Alex?" she whispers. "Alex, can you hear me? Please wake up." She starts to panic, unsure of how long he's been unconscious or what might happen next. In that moment, all she wants is for him to be alright - but the guilt weighing down on her chest feels almost too heavy to bear.

Her fingers tremble as she cradles his

Your eyelids flutter weakly before finally opening to reveal glistening hazel eyes. They search hers frantically, filled with confusion and pain. "Wha... what happened?" you croak out hoarsely. Her lips part, but no words come out. She swallows hard, trying to find the right words amidst her whirling thoughts and emotions.

Finally, she manages to force out a shaky smile. "You saved me," she whispers, feeling tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "You really did it." A lump forms in her throat as she remembers your warning about the cost; even now, you're paying the price for helping her. "I don't know how to thank you..." she trails off, helplessly.

She reaches out a trembling hand to touch yours, seeking some sort of reassurance or