“Eden.”

“Yes?” I answered.

“Feel free to leave, if you like," Willow said. "I am sure there are things you would like to take care of."

Before I could reply, a middle-aged doctor in a white coat knocked on the door and entered without waiting for a response. I watched his examination of Wren’s eyes with the help of a small flashlight before he returned it to his pocket with a blank expression.

“Is everything okay?" Willow inquired of the doctor.

"I am conducting my routine examination," replied the doctor with an unchanged neutral tone.

Willow's expression soured. The doctor's breathing gradually slowed and deepened. I shook my head with a scowl, feeling irritated by him.

"If she wakes up and requires anything, no matter how small, please summon a nurse," he directed before leaving the room.

Despite his constant vigil by his patients' bedside, he remained oblivious to the yearning of a young girl needs for positive updates.

"I have made up my mind to remain by your side tonight," I declared.

Willow hesitated before reacting. She extended her hand as if she intended to make contact with me, but then stopped herself.

“You don’t need to stay,” she muttered.

I confessed, “I genuinely don't have an issue with it.'"

“Me neither," Willow blurted out, her cheeks turning a deep shade.

“You don't have any siblings?" I asked.

“My mother struggled to conceive, and when she became pregnant with me, I became her miracle child. Although she was not particularly religious, we often use the term "miracle" in a sarcastic manner.”

I found that amusing. "How was your relationship with your father after your mother passed away?"

Her countenance softened momentarily. However, a fleeting sense of dejection soon clouded her features, casting a shadow over her visage. I could not help but wonder if my own reflection would have mirrored her despondent expression.

"My father and I were…” I eagerly anticipated her response, but Willow remained silent for an extended period. The weight of her silence hung in the air.

As a vampire, I often heard discussions about the yearnings for aspects of human life: savouring beloved foods, enjoying unrestricted autonomy, pursuing romantic relationships devoid of the relentless thirst for blood, and even basking in the comforting embrace of sunlight. However, I had come to realise that what I miss most was my family. The worry of never being able to see them again weighed heavily on me, reminding me of the human connections I left behind.

I called out, "Willow," to get her attention.

"Yes," she replied, shifting her gaze away from Wren's face to meet mine with a touch of hesitation. Her tone was unsure.

“Are you tired?”

“I had a long day,” she answered.

"Perhaps you should consider getting some rest now," I suggested, turning away from the bed.

“Wait!”

I looked back at her and said, "I promised I would stay, didn't I?"

I positioned myself against the unyielding, chilly wall, endeavouring to find a measure of ease. Drawing my legs into an upright posture, I placed my hands upon them.

“How do you spend your days, Eden?" Willow asked.

“I sleep.”

“Lair.” Her voice held a tender quality. “Vampires don’t sleep.”

“It is interesting how much you know about us.”

“It’s only natural for Twilight Guards to learn about vampires.”

“Are you a member?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“Circumstances are why I am around them,” she answered, and for some reason, I knew she was telling the truth.

What circumstances led Willow to interact with people she found undesirable?

"Eden?" Willow said, shifting. I squinted and noticed her sitting up.

“Is something wrong?” I asked right away. “Are you uncomfortable?”

“You have been so quiet.”

“Is that so? My apologies. I got distracted. Please lie back down.”

“Are you not going to leave quietly?" Her question startled me.

I strolled over to where she lounged, one leg dangling languidly over the edge. Placing my hands on either side, I formed a protective barrier around her delicate form. I bend down to meet Willow at eye level. She drew in a sharp breath. She always emitted a captivating and distinct fragrance. At times, it made me ponder whether she was a young ingenue or a seducer, adept at ensnaring hearts with the promise of matrimony.

“Have I given such rude impression?” I questioned.

“You have not.”

“Then, where will I go, Willow?" I despised how her name rolled off my tongue so effortlessly. "Aren't you tired?"

“Yes.”

“Rest now,” I recommended.

“Before I do, I need you to answer my question first."

“Question," I pondered. "I spend my days avoiding mortals at the manor."

“Why?”

I retrieved my position on the floor. “Well, I cannot stomach the stench of their blood. Ironic, is it not?”

“In Greenland, you said— “neither do I feed on humans.” Did you mean it?”

“Every word.”

“But why?”

I let out a dramatic sigh, indicating my reluctance to discuss it any further.

"I fear I won't be able to control myself. I might end up killing them, and that scares me."

She paused to digest the information.

"You believe I am weak," I added when Willow did not speak.

"I would never assume that."

“Why? It’s true, after all.”

“Absolutely not true," she stated firmly. "You possess strength and thoughtfulness, even if our complex minds don’t acknowledge it."

I take a deep breath, scolding myself for being too at ease with her.

“Tell me, Eden, what is it like to be you?”

Despite my reluctance to delve deeper, the inquiry posed was never asked before. Reflecting on the time before my transformation into a vampire, I yearn to convey to her the magnificence of those days. However, the burden of my nostalgia weighed heavily upon me, consumed by a relentless contemplation of what once was. In the stark absence of passion, life had grown as cold and unyielding as the very temperature of my body. Each day unfolded with a chilling indifference, devoid of the warmth that once coloured my existence. The vibrancy of purpose had faded, leaving behind a desolate landscape where emotions lie frozen in time.

"I understand it must be challenging for you," Willow said gently.

“I do not seek pity. I alone am responsible for what I have done." With that, I let out a grunt. 

“Are you…” Willow paused thoughtfully. “Will you question me more?”

I chuckled. “Do you want me to?”

"I am fine with it. I enjoy our conversations," she confessed casually.

A faint smile appeared on my face.

“You should get some sleep.” I advised.

“I doubt I can.” She sighed. “I don’t know how to sleep with you here.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

She shouted, "Please, don’t. I am just scared that if I succumb to sleep, time will elude me. I will wake up tomorrow questioning if it was all just a dream."

“I find your point intriguing," I remarked. "Yet, remember, adequate rest is crucial. Your human body requires sufficient sleep to function effectively."

“My human body,” Willow quoted with amusement. “Such a none-human way of speaking.”

“Rest now, little lass.”

As I sat, dutifully watching over them like a nighttime guardian, conversations Willow and I shared lingered in my mind. Yet, I could not dwell on them for too long, for the gentle sound of Wren’s snoring soon enveloped me. For hours, I stayed in this state, grateful for the silence and the reassuring presence of Willow.

I found myself skirting curfew for the first time, and I could not help but feel a sense of uncertainty lingering within me. I questioned whether my actions were a product of my past experiences of doing the same thing with my sister, or if it was due to the influence of Willow. Despite these thoughts, I knew that I had to leave a small note behind.

I wrote: “It is hard to think It is a dream with someone who gave you so much to remember in one night. Eden ...”