SERAPHINE
I was still sitting by the window in my trailer, the night quiet except for the distant hum of the city outside, when my phone buzzed.
A name flashed on the screen Liora.
My best friend.
The pianist.
The friend I hadn't seen in nearly a year, ever since Liora had left to tour across Europe and Asia, playing in concert halls that seemed impossibly far away.
My heart skipped. I picked up the phone immediately.
"Seraphine! Are you there?!" Liora's voice came through, warm and bright, almost spilling over with excitement.
"Liora!" I exclaimed, practically jumping in my seat. "I can't believe it… you're back?"
"I am! Just landed in New York yesterday. I couldn't wait to call you!" Liora laughed, the sound like music itself. "Girl, we have so much to catch up on! I've missed you so much!"
I felt my lips curl into a genuine smile. For the first time in days, the tension about the media, the rumors, and even Azrael's silence seemed to lift just a little.
"I've missed you too," I said softly. "It's been way too long… I don't even remember the last time we sat together without schedules pulling us apart."
"Too long," Liora agreed. "We need a proper reunion. Dinner, drinks, maybe a little impromptu piano session at your place? You know, like old times?"
I chuckled. "You remember how you used to insist on teaching me how to play just a single song every time I visited? I'm still terrible."
Liora's laughter echoed through the phone. "That's fine! I just want to see you again, hear your voice, see that gorgeous smile. You need this, Seraphine."
"I do," I admitted. My eyes softened, thinking about how much life had pulled them in different directions. "I can't wait to see you. Honestly, it feels like… forever."
"Forever, yes!" Liora said, her excitement contagious. "Okay, you're free tomorrow night? I'll come by, we'll order dinner, laugh until our cheeks hurt, and I'll tell you everything about my tour. I have so many stories, you won't believe it!"
Seraphine laughed, the sound ringing like relief through the quiet trailer. "I'll be free. Tomorrow night, it's a date. I can't wait, Liora. Really."
Let's go have some fun girl.
They both laughed happily.
They talked a little longer, their voices weaving between laughter, teasing, and quiet confessions about how much they had missed each other.
After hanging up, I leaned back in my chair, the city lights reflecting across my thoughtful eyes. A sense of warmth filled my chest, chasing away the stress of the past few weeks, if only for a little while.
For the first time since Azrael's silence began, she felt… normal. Connected. Grounded.
"Tomorrow night promised laughter, music, and the comfort of a friend who knew her better than anyone else in the world.
And for now, that was enough."