I took out my key and inserted it into the lock. The door slowly creaked open. I stepped inside and breathed in the musty air. I sat down at one of the dusty tables, sighing. Once, this place was full of customers, music, food and drinks. Now it's dust, tables and me.

I looked around, reminiscing of the better days. Since the accident, this place had fallen into disrepair. No one came here anymore. Probably because I'd spent all my time at the academy.

I spotted something glimmering through the grime over by the kitchen. I walked over and leaned down to pick up the object by the door. I brushed it off, revealing a silver locket. What? I thought. How did this get here? Who's is this? I tried to open it but failed. I sighed and tucked it into my dress pocket, taking one last look around the tavern before stepping out the door once more.

I ambled up the cobblestone path to my home, gazing at the flower garden we had planted together. The tulips were in full bloom, and the daffodils attracting bees. I reached the door and stepped inside.

The smell of lavender washed over me. A certain warmth I hadn't felt in so long covered me like a blanket. The flowers may have wilted, but their scent was still there. There was a gentle ring of the bell at the doorframe. I turned around.

"Hey Riley," they signed.

"Hey Kae," I signed back, using their name sign of a K bouncing off my chest.

"I saw you come up the street and I wanted to make sure I caught you before you left again. How have you been?"

"I've been okay. It's been hard but I'm making it through."

"That's good to hear. What would you say to me staying here for dinner? I brought food." They held up a wicker basket with a cloth covering it.

I smiled softly and nodded. They entered and gave me a kiss on the cheek, which I returned - our signature greeting for one another. They set the basket on the kitchen table and pulled out a pot of chili, setting it down on the table.

"You're lucky I had just finished making this when I saw you," Kae signed. I smirked.

"Boy am I ever," I signed back, exaggerating my gestures. They laughed. We poured the chili into bowls and ate.

The time came when it was dark and Kae needed to head back home. We kissed each other's cheeks once more before signing goodbye and closing the door. I smiled, happy to see my friend again. It had been too long. I turned and headed to my bed.

Sitting down on the mattress, I felt something in my pocket. I pulled out the locket I had found at the tavern earlier. I wiped the rest of the dust off and looked at it. It was heart-shaped, with rather simple detailing. It looked familiar. I tried again to open it and this time succeeded with a small pop from the locket. Inside was a small picture. I felt shock burn through my veins as I looked at the image.

It was a picture of me and Cleo the day she proposed to me.

Now I knew why it looked so familiar.

The locket was Cleo's.