Eve, you're still bleeding, Soren says.
Yeah, but it's gotten better. I'll fix it later, she replies.
As they arrived at the doorstep, something felt different. The palace felt bigger than life or maybe they felt smaller than it. Either way, the weight of it pressed against them.
Every footstep rang in their head as they walked.
They were escorted to the queen's garden. With each step, questions filled their minds. Why had they been called? Why was it urgent?
On the way there, they saw the damage. Broken plates. Broken walls. Wet floors. The expensive furniture scattered and destroyed. Guards looked worried like there was an infestation in the garden.
When they arrived, they found Somi standing among the flowers.
Her hair was pulled out. Her clothes were torn. Her shoes were broken. Everything pointed to a fight.
But even at this state, most people couldn't reach how beautiful she still looked. She was still stunning. Still carrying herself with the posture of someone who had to hold themselves up because they couldn't afford to fall under their own weight.
Eve was drawn out of her thought by Somi speaking.
The most beautiful thing about flowers, she said, is that they're just like humans. They don't all start fine. But some bloom. And those who don't they're still very important in the ecosystem. There are so many things we might never know. So many types we'll never find. And some we won't keep because they don't look good after the time we expected them to.
The group looked at her in confusion.
She noticed.
Confused, I see. Don't mind me. I just love gardening. Ever since I was a kid.
She paused, looking at the flowers around her.
My father got me so many different flowers. He said I looked as beautiful as any kind he brought. He was never consistent with the type. And I asked him why one day. Her voice softened. He said: because they're all beautiful in different times and ways. He said even when I cry, I looked beautiful. When I slept, I looked beautiful.
She turned to face them directly.
And he said the worst thing to happen to a flower is to remove it before you can see it bloom.
Her eyes were distant.
I do wonder what flower he would give me now. Or have I not bloomed yet.
She paused.
But enough with that.
Her tone went serious.
What I called you for was a matter of urgency. What decision have you all come to.
It's understandable if you don't want to, she continued. I would never force anyone to do what they don't want. I don't believe in that. I believe everyone has a time and place to bloom. And the thing that would hurt me the most is to let you go before you bloom.
She moved closer.
But it would mean a lot. Most of the people here aren't built for this type of situation. These past few weeks you've been here you've done so much. Everyone feels safer with you around.
Eve cut her off.
I don't know. We've been doing what we thought was needed. She took a deep breath. I don't know if we are heroes. I don't know if I want to be responsible. I don't want people having faith in me. Believing in me.
Somi turned back to face the flowers.
A drop of tears fell from her eyes.
You know one thing a flower can't do. Her voice was steady but breaking. They can't miss someone. They can't feel loss or anger.
She paused.
But I do. And by no means do I intend to tell you to change your mind. If you believe you can't, you don't have to. You're free. I could never exchange freedom for someone to do my bidding.
She walked closer to the group, cleaning her eyes as she passed them.
*But I hope you come to a change of heart. If not, I might lose someone who is a flower to me. Her voice cracked. *And I might never be able to have another one.
She closed the door behind her.
The silence was complete.
Soren, what just happened here, Naomi said.
I don't know, Soren replied. Omg this feels scary for a reason.
The room was filled with questions that had no answers.
As they were directed back out by Siah, Eve asked him a question.
What's wrong with Somi.
He went quiet for a long moment. Like he was thinking of possible ways to avoid answering.
Finally, he broke.
I don't know if I should be telling you this, he said. His voice shifted. No longer hesitant. Now careful. Compassionate. Like someone who actually loved the person he was talking about.
But I'm going to.
He told them.
The queen has a son. Four years old. Hidden for various reasons. But he was also hit by the sickness affecting everyone here. She's been crying. She's covered in bruises.
I really feel bad for her, Siah said quietly. I just want her to be happy.
When he finished, his tone changed completely. It became serious. A warning.
Don't tell anyone about this. Please. Don't tell anyone.
He closed the door on their faces as Eve was about to ask something.
Naomi spoke as they walked.
Maybe that's revenge. For locking him outside.
Eve replied quietly.
Let's just hope now we're even.
They walked back to their place of rest in silence.
Then they heard it.
A cry. Familiar. The same girl from earlier.
They followed the sound and found her on the ground, crying so hard it was clear she'd been at it for a while.
Naomi reached to console her.
The girl looked up at Naomi and hit her hand away.
Liar. Liar. Liar. She was sobbing. You promised to help my mom. You said she'd be fine.
She threw dirt at Naomi's hair and ran away as her aunty called for her in the distance.
Something felt off in both Eve and Naomi as they walked home.
The weight of what Siah had told them. The weight of what they'd promised and couldn't keep.
Their bodies felt heavy.
Naomi looked at Eve.
Eve, we have to do what we can. I don't think I'll be able to stay in a place where I didn't at least try to help when they had issues.
Eve's mind was elsewhere.
Naomi screamed: Eve. We have to do something.
It pulled her back.
Eve took a deep breath.
Tomorrow we will go to the queen's place.
Are you sure, Naomi asked.
Eve didn't answer. She didn't need to.