When Alexis opened her eyes, she was staring at her bedroom ceiling. Her body was stiff; immobile. The pain from Devin’s fall was gone, the welled up teears of joy all dried.

She was back.

Alexis: I hope he’s okay. Oh and Doc, too… after what happened…

Her voice was soft, uncertain. Just then, a gentle knock came from the door. She couldn’t lift her head, but the familiar scent that followed told her exactly who it was:

Her mother.

Darlynn: Morning, honey. Did you sleep well??

Alexis: Morning, Mom. I guess? Hard to tell, honestly.

Darlynn helped her daughter out of bed and into her wheelchair.

Alexis: Thanks, mom. You’re the best.

She blurted it out suddenly—words borrowed from Devin. Her mother blinked, caught off guard.

Darlynn: Well, that’s new. Thank you, sweetheart. You’re in a good mood today.

Alexis: You just deserve it. You are the best.

Darlynn scoffed playfully, a soft blush coloring her cheeks.

Darlynn: What a sweet talker you are, Alexis. Your father and brother would be amused to see you like this.

Alexis: Hahaha, they sure would, huh?

Darlynn wheeled Alexis to the dining table and sat beside her. She picked up a bowl of porridge already waiting for them. As she scooped the first spoonful, she glanced at Alexis,and frowned.

Darlynn: Alexis? Are you feeling alright? You look a rather pale.

Alexis: Huh? Really? I don’t know… I slept a lot, so I should be fine.

Darlynn: Let me know if anything feels off, okay?

Alexis: I will.

They exchanged a quiet glance before Darlynn began feeding her daughter.

Darlynn: By the way, it’s Wednesday today.

Alexis: Right, tea time with Nora.

Darlynn: That was the plan… but your dad wants me to join him for lunch with his boss and the boss’s wife.

Alexis: Oh… So-

Darlynn: Soooo~

She stood up and retrieved something from the kitchen counter.

Alexis: A jar of cookies?

Darlynn: Yup! I know Nora usually bakes for us, but I told her we’d bring her some instead.

Alexis: That’s a good idea, Mom.

Darlynn: Right? Sigh I just feel bad if we both cancel on her. She was so excited to see us today.

Alexis: Then just drop me at her place. I don’t mind keeping her company while you’re gone.

Darlynn: Really?? Thank you, Alex. I’ll come back as soon as I can.

Relieved they didn’t have to cancel, Darlynn fed Alexis the rest of her breakfast. After making sure Alexis had her medication, she helped her get dressed and ready before heading out.

Not long after, they left their cozy suburban home with the jar of cookies in hand. A few houses down, they arrived at a charming white cottage surrounded by blooming flowers. Nora’s place was a quaint little home tucked between trees and blossoms, a small front porch with a creaky rocking chair, and wind chimes that swayed in the breeze. Gentle. Peaceful.

And on that porch sat an elderly woman in a rocking chair, bathed in the soft afternoon sun.

Darlynn: Good Afternoon, Nora.

Nora: Hello, you two. Don’t you both look lovely today.

Darlynn giggled at the compliment.

Darlynn: And you look even lovelier.

Alexis: Hey Nora, how are you?

Nora: As fine as I can be, Alexis. Now come, let’s have some tea, and those cookies.

Darlynn wheeled Alexis up beside the rocking chair and set the jar of cookies next to Nora. Nora brought out a chilled glass of tea with a straw just for Alexis.

Darlynn: Alright, I better get going or Philip’s going to blow his top. Be good, you two… and no gossiping without me!

Nora: Then you better be quick, or you’ll miss the real tea; if you catch my drift.

All three of them laughed. After waving goodbye to Darlynn, Nora and Alexis settled into their usual rhythm, chatting, sipping tea, and sharing cookies.

Nora: Tea’s still warm. Want a sip, darling?

Alexis gave a small nod. Nora didn’t hesitate, she gently brought the straw to Alexis’ lips. The tea was sweet, lightly floral, comforting.

Nora: Still like it with two cubes, right? You always made a face if it was too bitter.

 Alexis giggled and nodded, but soon that smile faltered as she looks into the distance.

Nora: You look miles away. Want to talk about it?

Nora sat beside her, hands resting over her knees. The silence between them wasn’t awkward. It was easy. The kind that said: you don’t have to perform here. Even so, Alexis sat quiet, her eyes still avoiding Nora's. Nora leaned back to her chair as it rocked, looking away from Alexis to ease the pressure on Alexis to open up.

Nora: You know, when I was around your age, I thought being quiet was a sign of weakness. Turns out, it just means you’re listening. So whether or not you decide to talk, as long as you're listening, I'm more than happy to stay by your side.

Her voice was gentle. Not pitying, not probing. Just present. Alexis offered a small smile. She glanced at Nora again. There was something about her, the lines on her face, the way she smiled with her eyes. She looked… lived in. Like a journal full of stories — some painful, some sweet. She finally braved herself to look at Nora, who then glanced back, smiling.

Alexis: /monologue/ She’s kind. Warm. But she looks tired… I wonder what it feels like to be her… to be that strong, even with so much weight behind your eyes.

Catching Nora’s gaze for just a second — steady, curious, a soft mirror.

And just like that, the world shifted.

Her head grew heavy. Her vision blurred. That familiar swirling sensation returned. The air felt thinner — like she was falling, but through something soft.

When she blinked again, the world looked the same… but different.

Her arms felt looser. Her joints ached slightly. She observed her surroundings through a new perspective, albeit blurrier; but unfamiliar.

It wasn’t hers.

Alexis: Wait… Oh my god. I’m in Nora’s body.

As the realization dawned onto her, she was back to experiencing life through others; in this case, Nora.

Nora: Alexis?

She called out, leaning toward the girl who now hung her head low, and gently checked her pulse, still steady. A breath of relief slipped past her lips.

Nora: Phew… at least she’s alright. But really, who falls asleep mid-conversation? I’m not that old and boring… am I?

Nora mumbled to herself.

Alexis: FORGIVE ME NORA, I’M STILL HERE!!

Alexis felt Nora's feeling of surprise, to which after a minute, chuckled softly at herself. She leaned back into her chair, eyes drifting toward the porch where the sun filtered through the trees.

Nora: You know… My life’s been rather bittersweet. More sweet than not. But still…

Rocking gently, she reached up and pulled a delicate locket from around her neck. Opening it with careful fingers, she gazed at the small photograph inside; faded with time, but precious still: her younger self, her husband, and their only son in his military uniform. She smiled — not the kind that reaches your lips, but the kind that reaches all the way into your chest.

Nora: He was a kind man, my husband. Not rich in money, but richer in heart than anyone I’ve ever known. To him, no one deserved to suffer. Not a single soul. Not even those who’d done wrong. Lord, it used to drive me crazy… but deep down, I knew he was right…

 Her thumb brushed gently across the photo. A soft sigh escaped.

Alexis: He sounds perfect… I wish I could meet someone like that…

Nora: Oh, he wasn’t perfect. No one is. Once, he brought home a wild fox instead of calling the vet. Said it looked like it needed help. That fox tore through our kitchen like a tornado and ruined my favorite couch. I was furious!

She grinned wide, remembering.

Nora: But somehow… he always knew how to calm me down. Always…

 She tilted her head back, her eyes growing glossy with memory.

Nora: *Flashback scenes as she explains* That same day, while I was giving him the cold shoulder, he hummed our wedding song as he helped clean up the mess. I didn’t budge. I stayed mad. Then, without a word, he left the house!

Alexis: Ooooh, dramatic! I don’t blame you, though. Love me some drama.

Nora giggled, her eyes crinkling.

Nora: *Flashback scenes as she explains* After hours of pacing the living room, convinced he was angry… He came back, dirt on his hands, holding a single rose. Didn’t say a word. Just smiled, took my hand, and led me outside. And there, in our wild, untamed backyard — he planted it. Said it was time we started something new together.

 Alexis stayed quiet. Listening. Feeling. The breeze picked up, lifting the wind chimes by the porch.

Nora: That rose grew. And so did our garden. That’s how our life was — chaotic, messy, full of weeds… but somehow, always blooming.

Alexis: That’s… really beautiful…

Nora’s smile softened… then faltered.

Nora: But even the most beautiful lives carry pain. Our son… He died on the battlefield. That was the first time I saw him cry like a child. So I did what he always did for me. I held him. I stayed strong. *Flashback: A knock at the door. A folded flag. Her husband’s knees giving out beneath him.*

Alexis blinked away tears. So did Nora.

Nora: We kept living. We tried. We traveled, gave back, stayed busy. But four years ago… He passed away in his sleep, beside me. I woke up to a stillness I’d never felt before.

Alexis: I’m so sorry… You must’ve been so lonely…

Nora wiped her cheek with the back of her hand and closed the locket gently.

Nora: We older folks… sometimes we just know when the end is near. It’s not loud. Just a quiet tug — like a whisper in your chest, telling you to get things in order. Lately, I’ve been feeling that tug. So I’ve been… giving things away. Cleaning up. Writing my wil.

Alexis: Ohh, umm okay…?

Alexis thought, unsure of the meaning behind Nora's explanation. Nora's eyes shifted toward the far side of the porch.

Nora: I’ve started seeing things too. Faces I haven’t seen in decades. Hands I haven’t held in years… But they feel so close now.

She turns back to look at a 'sleeping' Alexis, her eyes soft, knowing.

Nora: And you… There’s something different about you today. Something… shifted. Am I wrong, Alexis?

Alexis remains silent, stunned. Her soul still inhabiting Nora’s body. Nora smiles faintly, like she’s been waiting for this moment.

Alexis: Huh, what do you mean, Nora?

Nora: Heh, I know you’re listening, sweetheart. Not just beside me. In me. The moment my thoughts went quiet and thought different thoughts — I could feel it. It took me a moment to catch on. But it was you.

Alexis froze and bewildered at Nora's words. Just when Alexis' newly found ability simmered down to being familiar, things just got weirder by the minute, especially now that Nora is even able to hear her whilst being 'occupied' by Alexis.

Nora: But don’t worry, I’m honored. That you are here with me. That you heard everything. My story. This moment. It's been a while since I had a proper heart to heart session with a true friend.

She places a trembling hand over her chest, like cradling Alexis’ soul from within.

Nora: You know, when something big happens to you, people stop really seeing you.

When I lost my son, they looked at me and my dearest like we were just an old couple with no heir.
And when he passed… all they had left for me was pity.
Not friendship. Not sincerity. Just… pity.
It’s frustrating, truly.
Because I’m still Nora, not just some widowed, heirless old lady waiting to be felt sorry for.

So I get it, Alexis. I really do.
They don’t see you either.
They only see the wheelchair.
The accident.
The what could've beens.

And they forget there’s still a girl underneath all that.
Still figuring things out.
Still aching to be understood.
Still wanting to feel… normal.

She pauses, her voice gentler now.

Nora: But the truth is, sweetheart... You’ve already done something extraordinary. You’re still here.
You wake up each day and face the world… even when it doesn’t feel like it has a place for you.
And that — that kind of quiet bravery? That’s the strongest thing I know.

She reaches over, her hand brushing Alexis' gently. 

Alexis — within Nora — trembles. Her soul aches, fragile and raw. Then, a tear slips from Nora’s eye, and Alexis doesn’t know if it’s hers or Nora’s. Maybe both.

Nora: Looks like my time is up, dear…

She turns her gaze back to the porch, and this time, Alexis goes wide-eyed as she sees them too. A man with kind eyes, holding a wild fox in his arms. A young soldier holding a bouquet of flowers, wearing his mother’s smile. Nora turns back one final time — not with sorrow, but with peace.

She takes one last look at Alexis.

Nora: It’s time for me to go now, sweetheart. You truly are a wonderful girl. Just keep going, even when it’s hard. And when you reach the light… I’ll be there. Waiting. Goodbye, Alexis dear.

And with quiet joy, Nora stood up from her seat planted a kiss on Alexis' head. She then walked to the other end of the porch, smiling as she reached out and was taken into the arms of the ones she loved.

Alexis, barely processing what is happening, blurts out.

Alexis: Wait, N-Nora, are you really-

But before she could finish, her voice distorted and her vision collapsed into blackness until it was greeted by light again.

Alexis: -gone?

Her soul returned to her body. The sentence was complete, but Nora was already gone.