Page 35 of Our Little Moments

“Magic is an extension of us. Every ability is different, becausewe’redifferent. Unique.”

I smile faintly. “The more time I spend here, the more I wonder if that’s the problem. Maybe I pushed myself too hard. Maybe I drained my magic, and it just couldn’t recharge.”

Layla shakes her head. “I don’t think it’s like that. Our powers adapt. We lose them because something inside us needs us to. It’s as if you were underwater and, since you lack oxygen, you’re forced,pushed, to go back up for air.”

I sigh heavily. “It’s all so confusing. Every time I think I have it figured out, something happens and I realize I’m wrong. Then I have to start over again.”

“It’s a part of the process. You’ll get to the finish line eventually.” Layla gets up. “Well, I’m going to look for books to read. You can explore the library if you want to. Come see me if you find something,” she says cheerily, a smile on her face.

I get up and start walking down hallways and bookshelves.

Nothing catches my eye. I sigh and head for the stairs—

But something makes me stop.

A hallway. I could’ve sworn it wasn’t there before. There’s a window at the end, the light filtering through dust-covered panes. The hallway feels forgotten.

Curious, I jog toward it, feeling a strange pulse in my chest, all the way to my toes. My hand finds the doorknob, and I pause for a second.

That’s when a green petal falls from my hair.

I catch it in my hand—Hazel’s flower.

A warm, unexpected joy blooms in my chest. I know, deep down, that something important awaits in this room.

I twist the doorknob, and the door creaks open. On the other side is a large window, sunlight streaming through, illuminatinga piano.

My childhood dream sinks back into my bones, my heart, my soul. Without even thinking about it, I sit down on the bench and begin to adjust the piano.

I press my fingers to the keys, and the notes float in the air. I giggle.I’ve missed this.

The life I’ve been living is just . . . It doesn’t feel like it’s for me anymore. I begin to play, humming the song I wrote as a teenager, the melody flowing through me. For the first time in a long time, I feel at peace.

And for the first time in my entire life, I am nottwistingmy reality, but enjoying it as it is.

Adrian

“Come on, you can’t be slacking off on me right now,” I call out with a grin to Isabella. She’s always had a competitive streak, and I often use it to get her more motivated while we run.

“Hey! I have to prepare an entire shop in a few days for the busiest month of the year! Forgive me if I can’t get as much rest as you can!” she calls back, stopping to catch her breath.

I laugh quietly and slow to a stop, waiting for her to catch up. My racing heart begins to settle, and my breathing slows. That’s when I hear a soft melody fill the air. Isabella’s eyes find mine, mirroring the curiosity I feel.

It doesn’t take long for us to find the town’s library. My sister looks uneasy. She doesn’t like intruding on Layla’s space, especially since we know she goes to the library to recharge and be alone.

We exchange a look.

Without a second thought, I start running, knowing the large window on the side of the library will give us a clear view of the room.

“Wait! Adrian, I can’t keep up!” Isabella calls out from behind me, out of breath.

I don’t stop. Not until I reach the window.

My chest tightens when I finally see her—Stella—sitting at the piano, lost in the music.

Wow.Her music is freaking enchanting.

Isabella catches up to me, and I hear her breathless whisper. “She’s . . . She’s really good.”

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