The mansion's grand front doors felt heavier than they looked. I pushed the half-open one with a soft *clack*, stepping out onto the wide stone porch. Behind me, a couple of the younger maids paused in their morning chores, dusting the banisters, carrying trays of fresh flowers and gave me small, polite waves. I lifted my hand in a quick goodbye, smiling back, feeling oddly like I was leaving a whole little world behind.
I turned one last time. Elizabeth stood just inside the doorway, framed by the tall columns, wearing that same loose grey sweater and black pants. The sunlight caught her blonde hair, making it glow like gold. She raised her hand and gave a small, warm wave, lips curved in a soft smile that made my chest tighten.
I waved back, just as small, just as real.
I guess this is it. Now I should leave this safe heaven and go to my real heaven i.e: Aeri.
