Elena stepped quietly into the library the soft hush of the room wrapping around her like a familiar comfort. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows casting pale golden patterns across the wooden tables and towering shelves. She walked slowly between the rows her fingers lightly brushing the spines of the books as she searched for the one she needed.After a moment she stopped in front of a tall shelf and tilted her head up spotting the book she had been looking for. Rising slightly on her toes. she reached up and tried to pull it down but the shelf was just a little too high. She tried again stretching her arm further her brows knitting together in mild frustration.Across the library Aira stood beside another shelf a book resting loosely in her hand. She had been skimming through its pages when her gaze drifted absentmindedly through the quiet room and landed on Elena.
For a moment she simply watched.A faint smile touched Aira's lips as she noticed Elena struggling to reach the book. The height difference made the scene quietly amusing and Elena's determined effort only made the smile linger a little longer.
Closing her book softly Aira walked over without a word.Just as Elena stretched her hand up again another hand reached for the same book. Their fingers brushed lightly against each other.
Elena paused.Aira glanced down at her briefly her expression calm almost unreadable. Without saying anything she easily pulled the book from the shelf and placed it gently into Elena's hands.
Then as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world Aira looked away again.Turning back toward the table where her books were waiting she walked off quietly her attention returning to her own reading.Just then a voice called out from behind.
Oh Mira!
Aira who had been walking toward the table while glancing down at the book in her hands paused. The moment she heard the name she lifted her gaze and looked ahead.A few hurried footsteps echoed softly across the quiet library.
ooh Mira wait! I needed to tell you something.Elena said this as she approached slightly out of breath stopping beside Aira's table.
Aira turned her head toward her. A soft smile formed on her lips as she gestured gently toward the chair across from her.Sit. Elena nodded and pulled the chair back before sitting down. Aira did the same sliding her chair slightly before settling into it.For a brief moment there was a quiet pause between them.Then Aira spoke her voice calm and warm.How are you feeling now?Elena looked at her and answered easily a small relieved smile appearing on her face.I am fine now thank you. And thanks for that day as well.Aira's smile softened further.It's nothing she replied gently. But what did you want to talk about?Elena hesitated for a moment.Um… actually I wanted to say sorry
And thank you.Aira tilted her head slightly.
For what?Elena lowered her gaze for a second before speaking again.I'm sorry about that day. I know you were trying to help me and the notes getting ruined wasn't really your fault but I overreacted. She paused briefly before continuing. And thank you as well for today and for that day too. Even though I did thank you before.For a moment Aira simply looked at her.Then she smiled again this time with a gentle warmth in her eyes.
It's alright she said softly. I'm just glad you realized your mistake.Although it wasn't entirely one sided. She gave a small shrug. Mira had a bit of fault in it too. So we can't exactly call it only your mistake.
Elena frowned slightly in confusion.
Huh?The moment the word left her mouth realization flickered across Aira's face. She had almost forgotten Elena thought she was Mira.
Oh I mean mine Aira corrected quickly.I'm sorry too she said softly her voice gentle but sincere. Forgive me for the mistakes I've made and even in advance for the ones I might make in the future.
A small warm smile played on her lips as she spoke.Hearing this Elena laughed softly. Well in that case she said extending her hand across the table we both forgive each other right?
She raised her brows playfully.
Friends?Aira looked down at the hand extended toward her.For reasons she couldn't quite explain even to herself a small genuine smile appeared both in her eyes and on her lips.She reached forward and took Elena's hand.
Hm she said softly. Friends.
Elena still held Aira's hand and suddenly a thought flashed through Aira's mind. She looked at Elena and asked softlyThat day you argued with Aira too didn't you? Aren't you going to say sorry to her?
Elena pulled her hand back slightly and replied shaking her head Not at all.Aira raised an eyebrow. Why not?She's very rude Elena said bluntly a small smirk tugging at her lips.My friends would call her a red flag. I'd say a red banner.
Aira looked at her with quiet surprise. Hmm interesting.Elena added quickly Sorry if that sounds harsh she's your sister after all.
No no Aira said waving her hand smiling gently. Don't apologize. I know she can be very difficult and very toxic sometimes.Elena laughed softly. Yeah exactly.Aira nodded humming softly in agreement.Elena leaned closer curiosity in her eyes. You think she manipulates people?
Aira shrugged. And what do you think?
I don't know about others Elena said carefully but she could never control me not even a little
Aira replied aww cool.They continued talking quietly when Sita suddenly appeared from behind. She carried a cup of coffee and approached Aira.
Here she said placing the cup in front of Aira.
Your coffee Aira.Aira looked up at her briefly. Elena sitting nearby watched with amusement as Sita patted Aira on the arm.Elena glanced briefly at Sita then stood and lightly tapped her on the arm.
You make mistakes too she said warmly just like everyone else.Aira looked at Elena and gave a slight nod. Ahaaa
Sita still surprised turned to Elena.What? she asked her eyes wide.Elena gathering her books from the table spoke calmlyThis is Mira not Aira.
With that she picked up her bag and walked away leaving a quiet thoughtful silence in her wake.
Just then, Mira appeared from across the room. She spotted Elena and raised a hand in greeting. Elena ignored her at first and moved toward another table picking up a book to distract herself. Mira's face fell slightly a shadow of disappointment crossing her features. Sita still curious asked What's wrong with her?Aira sipped her coffee smiling softly. She was saying sorry.
Mira blinked confused. Sorry to you? Why?
Not me.Aira clarified.Sita raised her eyebrows. But she was talking to you?Yes Aira said looking at Mira.She thought she was apologizing to Mira. I went ahead and accepted it for her mistakes in advance too.Mira's face brightened with relief.
Standing up Mira walked over to Elena and sat down beside her dramatically. Oh my dear Elena she said exaggerating slightly, there was no need to apologize. You forgiving me was enough.
Aira and Sita exchanged amused glances sipping their coffee watching the scene unfold.
Elena turned to Mira eyes wide. What?
Mira pointed toward Aira. She the one behind Me is Aira. I'm Mira! Elena. Elena blinked slowly, finally realizing the mix-up. Huh? she said softly. She glanced at Aira sitting behind Mira her expression a mix of mild irritation and surprise. Ufff.
From across the table Aira offered a small gentle smile and gestured offering the coffee cup toward her.Moving her lips silently as she spoke she murmured softly Do you want it?Elena momentarily caught between surprise amusement, and slight confusion, got up and started moving away.Mira called after her. Hey listen!Yes? Elena replied pausing.
I'll catch you later. I have some work now.
Mira walked toward Aira and asked quietly So what did Elena say?Aira shrugged. She just talked about friendship. I agreed.Sita looked at Aira with curiosity. But why didn't you tell her? You're Aira not Mira.Aira looked toward Sita and asked softly Who even cares?Sita said nothing remaining silent her gaze fixed quietly on Aira.Aira placed her coffee cup on the table picked up her book and started flipping through the pages leisurely. Mira tentatively reached out with her fingers toward the table glancing once at Aira then quickly toward Elena. Hey what are you reading? MIRA asked a playful note in her voice trying to catch Aira's attention.Aira glanced up briefly a small knowing smile tugging at her lips and shook her head. Without a word she returned to her pages letting the quiet afternoon settle around them.
The gentle murmur of the library the faint clink of coffee cups and the soft rustle of turning pages marked the end of the little moment.