It sounds silly, but it feels like the sun is beginning to shine a bit brighter. It feels a bit warmer. The cold doesn't hurt as much as it did anymore. It's like I'm untouchable. I haven't been able to stop smiling since the picnic, and you would almost think that I learned of a secret family inheritance. But instead, I have entered the honeymoon phase of my very first relationship.

I've said before that I've never had much luck at love. I never truly have. It took months on end for Garroth to even return my feelings, and Vylad never loved me, no matter how long I waited. Never once in the orphanage did I get a boyfriend. I was too young, and Laurance forbade it. Even as I grew older in my teenage years, few batted their eyes my way. Having my own crushes then were seldom too.

But now, I feel a bit of hope inside me as I think that Garroth could be different. He's returning my feelings to me. I can't help but feel warmth inside my chest at the happy thought.

It's become clear to me now that most people know about our newly formed relationship. It feels strange for looks directed at me that were once of empathy and pity to transfer to happiness.

I feel happy. Being around Garroth has made me the happiest I have been since before Laurance left. And now that we're together, it almost makes me forget how hurt I've been in the past.

Though, it makes me think. It makes me think about Laurance, and the sadness hits me all over again. Laurance will not know of our relationship. He will not know that his best friend and little sister finally found happiness in someone who shares their feelings with one another. I can't talk to him, nor can I write. It saddens me to know that Laurance will not be a part of this, my present, or quite possibly my future. It hurts to know that Laurance may just be in my past.

I've written to Cadenza. It makes no sense of me to rush over to her on horseback to deliver the news orally. I've walked to Phoenix Drop in hopes of Logan sending the letter for me. I have been to Phoenix Drop many times before now, but it hasn't been to stop and chat with many people. It's really for my gossiping with Dante and to spend time with the children.

He looks up at me in surprise. "Alex, I haven't seen you in a while."

I give him a little smile and make my letter noticeable. "It's my fault for not making myself present more. I'll make sure to stop by and take the children off your hands when I come for Nekoette and Dimitri next. Though, I was wondering if you could send off this letter to my sister."

I can't help but allow myself to beam at the thought of the contents of the letter. Every time I think about what's happened, I become happier and happier.

"Good news, I hope."

"The best news."

He nods his head and eyes me for a moment, lifting an eyebrow. He lets out a hum before turning around with my letter in hand. Our conversation is short, and I begin to walk away after bidding a goodbye and being told my letter will be sent out shortly. He'd send Cadenza's response back to me through one of the children, most likely Yip. I suppose I've managed to walk myself into watching three more children. Though, I'm unsure Donna and I will wish to bring little Luca outside for quite some time more.

On my walk back to the others, I am stopped by Aphmau. We do not have a name for our little area of residence, so it's up in the air. She looks me up and down before putting her own smile onto her face. Though with hers, it doesn't beam with happiness like mine does. Instead, I think it resembles one of pity instead.

"It's a wonderful day to take a walk. I'm glad you're taking advantage of it," she tells me, looking around at the surrounding area.

"One of the finest days I've seen in quite a while," I comment. "I decided it was time to take a walk to send a letter to my sister. I'm sure she'd enjoy the update on what's been happening."

Aphmau's voice dims into silence. She looks at me and sighs to herself. "Oh, Alex, I simply cannot get over this horrid thought." There isn't much time for me to question her words. Instead, she barely gives me enough time to take a breath before she continues. "I can't stop thinking about your relationship. I'm not sure how to say this, and I feel horrible for saying it. But Alex, do you think that your feelings for Garroth could be a misplaced brotherly love you had for Laurance?"

My face crunches up in disgust from the thought. I understand she doesn't mean actual brotherly love regarding Garroth, but the thought both disgusts and angers me at the same time.

"Just because my brother has left does not mean that I have placed my love into Garroth for a replacement," I say, trying my best to stay calm and control the tone of my voice. "You may not have noticed before, but I had fallen for Garroth long ago."

She doesn't seem to believe me as she begins to think. "You loved Vylad though. You couldn't have possibly loved Garroth as long as you'd think."

I shake my head, pulling the bottom of my shirt down to straighten it. "I loved him. Though, my love didn't last as long as you think. Please, don't assume you know my emotions more than I do because it is very clear you do not. I'm hurt you think this way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I told Garroth I would help him with planning the garden."