The campfire crackled and danced, its flickering flames casting a warm, golden glow against the encroaching darkness of the night. The evening breeze whispered through the trees, carrying a chilling air that prickled their skin like tiny shards of ice. Yet, there they sat together by the tranquil banks of the Volanthis River, as if time had paused to grant them this moment. A heavy silence enveloped them, rich and profound, deeper than the words they had exchanged, filled with a burgeoning tension that promised a more intimate connection.
Fitran's gaze was fixed intently on the vibrant flames, yearning for the right words to break free from the chaos swirling in his mind. As Rinoa shared her reflections on nostalgia intertwined with an undercurrent of anger, he felt a mysterious vibration stirring within him — a sensation that began to unravel the depths of their emotions, long buried beneath fragile layers of confusion and unspoken wounds.
Rinoa inhaled deeply, her eyes drawn upward to the velvety expanse, where the stars began to twinkle like distant diamonds scattered across the infinite canvas of the sky. "Fitran," she spoke softly, her voice enveloping him like a gentle embrace, "have you ever pondered the nature of our love? Or... what love truly signifies?"
Fitran lifted his gaze, the intensity of his eyes revealing a depth of feeling he struggled to articulate. In the labyrinth of his thoughts, countless sentiments surged forth, yet expressing them felt like a weight he could not bear. Finally, with a voice heavy with yearning, he began, "I believe that loving might transcend mere words or actions. Often, in our relentless pursuit of how to love, we forget that love can also mean wholeheartedly accepting each other as we are."
Rinoa furrowed her brow, her eyes searching Fitran's face with an intensity that seemed to probe the very depths of his thoughts. "Accepting? Isn't love also about giving? About what we can offer to those we cherish?"
"True," Fitran replied, his voice laden with contemplation as he gazed into the distance, lost in a reverie of swirling memories that danced like autumn leaves in a gentle breeze. "But I believe we cannot truly give anything if we do not first learn to accept ourselves—and to accept others with all their delightful imperfections. In our relationship, I often find myself wanting to shield you, to erect walls that keep you safe. Yet, I frequently overlook the need to embrace our shared flaws, Rinoa, to accept that they are parts of what makes us whole."
In a thoughtful silence, Rinoa paused, her eyes flickering to the shimmering flames before them, which twisted and turned like ethereal dancers, casting fleeting shadows that mirrored the complexity of her emotions. "Sometimes I feel... as if I don't know how to love someone without risking harm. Without making them feel ensnared or burdened by my expectations," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, the flicker of the fire illuminating the vulnerability in her expression.
Fitran nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of Rinoa's heartfelt confession. "I truly understand that feeling," he said, his voice soft yet steady with resolve. "Loving someone isn't about completely possessing them or controlling every aspect of their life. Perhaps love is about providing space, offering the freedom to grow. It's about allowing the one we love to flourish without feeling stifled, much like a flower yearning for sunlight and fresh air to bloom in its full, breathtaking splendor."
Rinoa looked at him with deep, soulful eyes, as if she longed to dive into the vast ocean of emotions swirling behind his words. "But what if, in giving that space, we end up drifting apart like ships lost in the fog? Can we still call it love if we don't share everything along the way?"
Fitran lowered his head, his thoughts swirling in uncertainty, reminiscent of a leaf gently spiraling downwards in a soft autumn breeze. "I believe love doesn't always require continuous closeness. Sometimes, it's more about understanding that we each need our own space to breathe and grow. Within that space, we can still be present for one another. Nothing must be forced; love simply needs to be appreciated in its own time and form."
"And what if one of us feels neglected?" Rinoa asked, her voice quivering like a fragile candle flame, reflecting the looming pain waiting to be unleashed. "How can we know if our love is truly enough?"
Fitran turned to look at her, his gaze intensifying as if he sought to touch the deepest chambers of her heart with his honesty. "I can't answer that with certainty, Rinoa. Perhaps love doesn't always manifest as we imagine. It may not revolve around giving everything, but rather around giving in ways that resonate with each other, even amidst our limitations. If we can appreciate one another, even in the comforting silence, love will endure. It may not always be flawless, but it is enough—yes, a love that is enough."
Rinoa lowered her gaze, her eyes shimmering like a thousand untold stories within the flickering light of the fire, each one a silent echo of her fears and dreams. "Maybe I've been too afraid to give. I'm terrified of losing, afraid of the hurt that can sometimes accompany such deep connections."
"I feel that way too," Fitran replied, his voice softening like a gentle breeze that swept through a hidden grove, revealing the vulnerable pieces of himself that had long been concealed by towering walls of fear. "But sometimes, we must confront the harsh reality that love comes with its own set of risks. Love can indeed be painful, yet within that very pain lies the strength that inspires us to grow and evolve as individuals. We cannot evade suffering, but we can choose to face it together, hand in hand, as allies on this journey."
The silence enveloped them like a soft, warm blanket, yet this time it felt different—more tranquil, more peaceful than the storm that had preceded it. The tension that once loomed like dark clouds had dissipated, replaced by a budding understanding blooming between them like wildflowers in spring. Rinoa gazed at Fitran, her heart swelling with a mix of awe and gratitude, and for the first time that night, she felt a soothing calmness radiating not only from the flickering flames of the campfire but also from the very depths of her own heart, as if a hidden reservoir of peace had been uncovered.
"So... loving isn't about avoiding pain?" Rinoa asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty. Yet, beneath her wavering tone lay a sincere yearning to grasp the truth of this complex emotion.
"Exactly," Fitran replied, his soft, cool smile radiating warmth and understanding like the flickering flames of their campfire. "Loving is more about facing it. Together."
Rinoa nodded slowly, her deep gaze locked onto him as if she were trying to explore the vast ocean of emotion within Fitran's soul. "I want to learn that. I want to learn how to love you, without fear overshadowing our hearts."
Fitran took Rinoa's hand, clasping it gently, the warmth of their touch binding an unspoken promise between two longing hearts. "I want to learn that too, Rinoa. I will wait for you, even if it means we must take it slow. We will learn together, like two explorers discovering the path home to each other."
The crackling campfire danced with vibrant flames, casting a warm and flickering glow that cast shadows on their faces, illuminating them with a soft light that felt almost magical. Beyond the physical warmth of the fire, a profound understanding began to bloom between them like the first flowers of spring breaking through the winter's frost. Beneath the surface lay many unspoken words, a tapestry of fears and hopes intricately woven within their hearts. Yet, for the first time that night, they felt an undeniable connection—a bond that transcended mere conversation.
For both of them, love had evolved into something far deeper; it was no longer solely about what they could offer each other, but rather about creating a shared space for growth—free from the constraints of perfection. Despite the long and winding road that lay ahead, they were filled with confidence that as long as they journeyed together, their love would continue to blossom, nurtured by patience and understanding, even if it took its time.
As the campfire's firelight gradually dimmed, the last flickers still managed to envelop Rinoa and Fitran in a golden hue, highlighting their features against the backdrop of the starry night. Rinoa sat in quiet contemplation, her gaze unwaveringly locked on Fitran, as though she were trying to absorb every intricate detail of the figure before her. A new radiance emerged on her face—one that was more transparent and sincere than ever before. In the midst of that cold and silent night, amid the few spoken words, Rinoa found the courage to let her feelings flow freely, like a gentle stream finding its way through the rocks.
"Fitran," Rinoa said, her voice soft yet resolute, resonating with a clarity that cut through the stillness. "I want to be your canary."
Fitran turned quickly, his eyes wide as if he had just awoken from a vivid dream. At first, he couldn't grasp the weight of Rinoa's words, but in an instant, a dazzling smile blossomed on his lips, transforming his expression. This smile radiated warmth that cut through the chill of the cold and silent night, casting a glow around them like the first light of dawn. "Who always sings beautiful melodies to you," Rinoa continued in a voice as melodious as the softest lullaby, her words flowing like music into the stillness of the evening, serenading the hopes and promises nestled deep within her heart.
The impact of her words shook Fitran to his very core, leaving him momentarily suspended in time as if the universe itself paused to witness this intimate exchange. His body seemed to freeze, caught in the stillness of the night, as if the world around him held its breath. In this suspended moment, Rinoa smiled with an innocence so pure that it lit up the darkness; each word she spoke resonated with emotional depth, making Fitran's heart race with an unfamiliar exhilaration. He had never encountered anything so beautiful or profound—no expression had ever touched him with such depth or significance. Rinoa's desire to be his "canary," the little bird that always sang beautifully, painted a delicate yet profound picture, as if she were offering him the gift of her voice, turning every note into a brushstroke of beauty that painted the very essence of their connection.
Fitran closed his eyes, attempting to steady the frantic beating of his heart, which thudded like a drum in the silent night. Wasn't this the moment every man dreamed of, the pivotal instant to unveil his innermost thoughts and feelings? Wouldn't this be the right time to lay bare his heart, not just for himself, but also for Rinoa, the radiant soul who meant everything to him? Doubts gnawed at the edges of his resolve, yet deep within, he understood he could no longer conceal his fears or keep his feelings locked away behind the formidable wall of toughness he had constructed over the years.
As he slowly opened his eyes, Fitran's gaze drifted to the sprawling dark sky above, where stars shimmered like scattered diamonds on a velvety black canvas, each one a beacon of dreams that seemed just out of reach but filled with an intoxicating promise of hope. "Rinoa!" he called out, his voice breaking the stillness of the night, resonating with the urgency of someone desperate to share the weight of the emotions that had been building up inside his chest. "I'm so grateful for your words! For too long, I have been lost in my own misguided beliefs, trapped in a cycle of certainty that blinded me to the truth. I was wrong. I'm sorry."
Rinoa gently shook her head, her expression a serene canvas devoid of any signs of annoyance or anger. "I feel the same way!" she replied swiftly, her voice intertwining with the rhythm of Fitran's heartbeat, almost as if they were dancing to an unseen melody. "There are no words that fully capture my gratitude. Fitran, you have indirectly illuminated my path in ways I never imagined. I will not harbor regret or blame as I surrender myself to the comforting embrace of darkness." Her gaze held a torrent of emotions, sparkling like stars in the midnight sky, and though heavy words remained unuttered, the depth of her look spoke volumes.
"I want to always be by your side," Rinoa continued, her voice flowing like a gentle stream, rich with sincere earnestness.
In that moment, Fitran could no longer contain the swell of emotions within him. With a sudden rush of impulse, he dashed toward Rinoa, his heart pounding with urgency. When he reached her, their bodies collided in a tight embrace, the world around them seemingly melting away in the warmth of their connection. As they gently tumbled to the ground, time appeared to stretch, the air thick with an undeniable intimacy. All traces of tension and doubt evaporated, leaving behind only the pure, powerful energy that coursed between them, enveloping the night in a cocoon of unspoken understanding.
This is what one might call the mirror of life, Fitran thought to himself as he lay on the cold, damp ground, the chill seeping into his bones. It was a mirror that had haunted him like a dark shadow, refusing to fade into the abyss of forgetfulness. Every time he glimpsed its surface, it reflected a terrifying image of himself: an angel of death, with blood spilling through the cracks of a silent scene behind the shattered glass, each scratch a chilling testament to a life snuffed out. The mirror was not merely a physical reflection but also a haunting portrayal of his soul, ensnared in a web of regret, trembling precariously between the depths of darkness and the fragile glimmer of hope. Each time he dared to gaze into it, he was confronted by the devastation he had wrought, as if the very souls he had extinguished ignited a searing fire of anger and despair within him. Each reflection became a grotesque manifestation of his fears, a suffocating guilt that loomed over him like a dark storm cloud, perpetually refusing to dissipate.
Fitran knew that the mirror reflected not only his sorrowful visage but also the multitude of spirits he had claimed, those lost souls lingering in silent desperation, yearning for justice. He feared that one day, when the mirror was turned, the very souls he had taken would surge forth, haunting him with whispers that pierced the silence—an incessant, ghostly chorus echoing in the depths of his mind. What if they sought him out, stalking him like an ominous specter, threatening to unleash chaos upon those he held dear, much like a tempest crashing massive waves upon an unsuspecting shore? Rinoa. The thought of bringing calamity upon her sent shivers down his spine, a curse that invaded his dreams night after night. The mere idea of her suffering, of being burdened by his past transgressions, felt like an unbearable weight pressing upon his chest. This is why he had kept his distance, retreating into the confines of that mirror, terrified that anyone who dared to approach would become ensnared in the consuming darkness he carried. He longed to shield Rinoa from the shadows of his oppressive past, yet every moment spent away from her was a tormenting ache—a relentless pulse that throbbed with regret.
However, when Rinoa lovingly expressed her unwavering desire to stand by his side, her words pierced through the tangled fears and doubts that had enveloped him like a suffocating fog. It was as if the world around him faded into obscurity, dissolving into a misty backdrop where only the warmth of their presence remained, cradled in an embrace that melted away all tension. In that sacred moment of togetherness, he felt an extraordinary relief wash over him—no more trepidations, no more reasons to seek refuge in the shadows. The genuine love that radiated between them beckoned Fitran, inviting him to break free from the shackles of darkness that had held him captive for far too long.
Rinoa felt a deep emotional resonance that mirrored Fitran's, and as she sank into the warmth of his embrace, her confusion began to dissolve like morning mist under the caress of sunlight. In that moment, she found herself enveloped in an unshakeable sense of safety, a comforting sanctuary where the need for answers faded into the background. Their love, woven with complexities and challenges, blossomed into a stunning and undeniable reality, a tapestry of shared warmth and connection. They didn't seek perfection, nor were they burdened by the weight of having every answer; what mattered most was the purity of their love, its presence illuminating their path forward, guiding them toward the dawn of new hope.
Fitran gazed at Rinoa, truly seeing her for the first time within his embrace. She had transformed from a mere reflection shrouded in the shadows of doubt into a radiant being capable of love and deserving of affection in return. "Rinoa," he spoke, his voice rich with warmth and sincerity, resonating deep within their hearts, "You are the mirror I've longed for. You are the light I've sought throughout this tumultuous journey."
Rinoa's smile blossomed, radiant enough to rival the twinkling stars scattered across the velvet night sky. "And you are the sanctuary to which I will always return, Fitran," she replied softly, her words laced with tenderness and understanding, "a haven filled with love, even when we may not grasp its entirety."
That night, beside the shimmering banks of the Volanthis River, they discovered true peace. Gone were the mirrors that had once distorted their reality. In this serene moment, it was simply the two of them, wrapped in a love that blossomed like the night flowers around them, ready to conquer all the fears and doubts that had lingered in their hearts.
As the stars twinkled brightly in the velvety midnight sky, Rinoa stood beneath the gnarled branches of the ancient banyan tree, its roots sprawling like arms in embrace near the crackling campfire. A soft breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the intoxicating aroma of blooming jasmine, awakening cherished memories from deep within her soul. With her heart swelling with profound emotions, she began to hum a gentle melody, a timeless song passed down through generations, as if seeking to align her spirit with the very essence of the universe.
Rinoa's pure and resonant voice floated through the cool night air, weaving a captivating tapestry of sound that wrapped around them like a warm blanket. Each note seemed to dance upon the wind, forging a tranquil atmosphere that embraced them in a cocoon of serenity. The night itself appeared enchanted, a mesmerized audience captivated by the warmth of her song shimmering amidst the starlight.
"In this tranquil moment," Rinoa sang softly, her voice flowing like a gentle stream over smooth pebbles, "I find serenity beneath the twinkling stars. Each note is a whisper, a promise to the night that my dreams will soar like the soft breeze caressing the leaves." Her eyes sparkled with the moonlight's warm glow, and in that instant, she felt a mystical connection to the vast cosmos, as if every star above was listening, responding to her hopeful lyrics with a silent nod of encouragement.
As she continued her song, the shadows cast by the towering trees swayed gently in the moonlight, as if they too were enchanted by the beauty of her soothing voice. Her melody wove a tale of profound love, unquenchable hope, and wondrous adventures waiting just beyond the mysterious horizon. Rinoa felt the energy of the night envelop her, coursing through every curve of her soul, igniting a passionate flame within her that urged her to pursue her deepest desires, as if the universe itself were cheering her on with each yearning step.
"Oh, let me soar like a bird in the endless sky," Rinoa sang, her heart racing with the enchanting allure of freedom and infinite possibilities. "Because in the embrace of the night, I can become anything I dream of." Each phrase she uttered resonated through the stillness of the night, echoing with hope not only within her but also among every soul brave enough to dream and seek meaning beneath the vast, starry canopy above.
As she completed her song, the final notes floated delicately in the air, slowly fading into the profound tranquility of the night, as if time itself had paused to honor the beauty of the moment. Rinoa smiled softly, her spirit feeling light and uplifted, ready to welcome whatever was to come next. She sensed that the night had listened, and within its silence, it vowed to safeguard her most cherished secrets.
"Fitran .....
Rinoa beamed her most beautiful smile ... Then she continued her song ....
i want to be your canary
singing only for your eyes
a fragile flame in your hollow hands
a golden breath in your sky
Chorus
i want to be your canary
the song you never outgrow
i'll live and fall in the hollow of your heart
if you'll only let me go
Verse 2
i'll wear the hush of your longing
i'll weave my wings from your sighs
if i break, i'll break for your keeping
if i fly, i'll fly through your light
(Repeat Chorus)
Bridge
hold me like a secret too sweet to be said
kiss me like the morning's first thread
Final Chorus
i want to be your canary
soft and wild and true
i'll burn all my colors in a single flight
just to fall into you