Vatica..
While weeks passed, the Supreme Regional Court bustled with life as its workers—and angry citizens—filled the surrounding streets, proceedings keeping the city awake long into the night. Roadsides and public spaces were covered in writings, stamps, placards, and chants, all echoing the same message; No to crimes against humanity. Yet despite the crowds, a noticeable wave of peace washed over the city.
Back in her hometown, Orea noticed similar movements among her people, though their chants also carried praise for President Zha'rik's remarkable role in the revolution.
Sitting alone on a mattress-covered bed, her curly hair falling loosely behind her, Orea stared through an open window, reminiscing over everything that had happened in the past year. Her expression, blank. She closed her eyes, breathing in the calm air as the breeze brushed gently against her hair.
The door to the medium-sized room suddenly flung open.
"Sis!" an excited voice called out.
Orea turned, her gaze landing on her sister. The eighteen-year-old—who looked so much like their mother, she could've been her twin—raised an eyebrow. Her big, round eyes searching Orea's face.
"What are you doing?" she asked, crossing her arms. "You're not having any deep thoughts again, are you?"
"No," Orea shook her head. "No, I'm not." She walked closer, then paused. "What?" she half-laughed as her sister continued to scrutinize her.
"You were never a good liar," her sister said simply. "At least that's one thing that hasn't changed."
Orea's expression twisted. "Isn't that a two-sided compliment?" she muttered.
"Seriously though," her sister said, stepping closer. "Mum and Dad asked you to think less about the past and focus more on the present. You're already home." She shook Orea playfully. "Stop dwelling on things you can't change."
She pulled Orea into a partial hug, arms wrapped around her, while Orea absentmindedly played with her thicker curls.
Orea sighed. "Okay, Raya. I'll try."
Raya straightened, a satisfied smile on her face.
"So why did you call me?" Orea asked.
"Mum and Dad asked me to," Raya replied. "The community head heard about your story and wants to talk to you personally."
Orea nodded. "And Mum and Dad are…?"
"In front of the house, waiting."
"Okay," Orea said as they started toward the door. "Where's Adriel, by the way?"
"Probably out with the neighbors". And remind me to corner him when he gets back—he owes me something," Raya added.
Orea smiled faintly. "You know, you remind me of one of my friends. You sound and act just like her sometimes."
"Really?" Raya exclaimed. "Well, I'm sure she's wonderful," she said with a proud grin as they stepped out of the room.
...................
Kyrena..
Zara stood in front of the bathroom mirror, comb in hand as she brushed through her wavy hair, its length now past her shoulders. She smiled at her reflection, impressed by her overall look. Months ago, she hadn't thought about it for a second thought—and now, with her memory intact, she felt like a brand-new person.
Turning away with a smile, she glanced down and pulled open a drawer just as a pair of feet strode in, followed by a tight hug from behind.
Zara peeked through the mirror, catching her mother's face resting against her back, her similarly wavy—though longer—hair draped over Zara's bare arm.
"Mum, is everything alright?" Zara asked softly, earning a muted "Mmhmm."
"I just wanted to hug you, that's all," her mum added.
"That's like the seventh time today," Zara said playfully.
"Sweetheart, you have no idea how much I've missed you," her mum replied, turning her around for a proper hug.
"I missed you too," Zara said, her voice softening.
Seconds later, her younger brother ran into the bathroom, finding them still locked in an embrace.
"I want a hug too!" the ten-year-old beamed.
"Come join in," their mother invited.
The boy rushed forward, then halted.
"What about Dad?" he asked. "I'll go get him!" he decided, already heading for the door. "Don't stop hugging till we get back!"
"No, Zack, you don't need to—" Zara tried to voice out, but the pre-teen was already out of sight.
Her mum let out a soft laugh while Zara sighed.
"I wonder what the others are up to", she thought.
..................
Regions away, in his homeland—Nexis, Kymani lay sprawled on a soft couch, staring at the projected screen ahead while eating from a pile of snacks huddled on either side of him. His eyes remained fixed on the display until a small shift on the couch caught his attention.
He glanced over at his older sister, who had joined him in his idling.
She smiled. "You know, this used to be your favorite thing to watch when you were younger."
Kymani nodded. "I remember. And it still is," he replied, tossing a corn chip into his mouth.
"Just how many snacks did you take?" she asked, eyeing the pile around him.
"Mum said I could eat as much as I liked," he said.
"I can see she's still indulging you," she retorted.
"It's not that—it's because I just got back," Kymani defended.
"Or because you were born last," she corrected.
Another sibling—a boy—joined them as they bickered. "Where's Mum and Dad? I haven't seen them in hours."
"They went to join the protest," the girl replied, glancing at their eldest brother whose expression hardened.
"That council—or whatever they call themselves—they deserve to suffer for what they did to innocent kids. They're monsters."
"Yeah," the girl said quietly, patting Kymani's shoulder. His smile faltering at the sensitive mention.
"It's okay, Ky," his brother reassured him before heading toward the kitchen. "Sara, can you pass me a bottle of water?" he called to their remaining sibling, who was busy there.
Kymani turned back to the sister seated beside him. "I try not to think about everything that happened," he admitted, "but I miss my friends. They were all I had for a long time."
"I get it," she said, nodding. "You guys promised to meet up, right? You've all had time at home—so why don't you agree on a date?"