The sun had begun its slow descent, casting golden streaks across the broken rooftops of Ashra's small town. The sky glowed in layers of warm amber and pale violet. Birds soared gently overhead, the breeze stirring a quiet rustle through the debris left behind from the recent chaos.
Ashra stepped out of the house, adjusting his shirt and jacket with a tired sigh.
"Wait!" Saira's voice called out suddenly from behind.
Ashra turned, slightly startled. She stood by the door, arms folded with an expectant look.
"What is it?" he asked.
"You're heading outside, right? Then what am I supposed to do in here?" she said. "Let me come along. At least I'll get to see your town properly."
"You seriously want to come?"
"Why not? Am I not allowed?" she teased.
"No, no, of course you are," Ashra said with a faint smile, nodding.
Ashra and Saira strolled through the dusty streets of the recovering town. Though the destruction from the attack still lingered, the townspeople had already begun repairing their homes and shops. Wooden planks, broken signboards, and ash-covered stones surrounded them, but beneath it all was a resilient spirit — the kind only survivors knew.
Saira looked around with wide eyes, taking in everything.
"Actually... I wanted to ask you something," Ashra said, voice low.
"Go on."
"Was that… was that you, that day, in that house when I…" he stopped, hesitant. "Ah, forget it."
"What were you trying to say?" she pressed gently.
"No, it's nothing. Really. Just ignore it."
"You're so strange sometimes," Saira said, chuckling softly.
Ashra let out a small laugh too.
She continued, "Your town... it's actually quite beautiful. Even after everything. There's a strange peace in the air."
She paused, her gaze falling to the remnants of a destroyed stall.
"But I feel terrible for these people. They did so much damage. They lost so much. And worst of all, they killed innocent people. May their souls find peace."
Ashra's face hardened slightly. "You don't have to worry about them too much. I know this town has lost a lot. But what can we even do now?"
As they turned a corner, they noticed something strange — people were beginning to stop whatever they were doing. Heads turned. Whispers spread.
"Isn't that... the girl?" someone murmured.
"That's the girl who fought off those guys!"
"Yeah! She's the one who saved everyone!"
The quiet murmurs quickly turned into cheers. Within seconds, townsfolk surrounded them — not Ashra, but Saira. Children smiled up at her. An elderly woman placed a hand on her shoulder with gratitude.
Ashra smiled slightly and stepped back. "Looks like your admirers are calling. I'll be on my way."
"Hey! Where are you going? Don't just leave me here!" Saira called.
"Have fun," Ashra whispered under his breath with a teasing grin, walking away.
The sky was painted in deeper orange now as Ashra climbed the narrow steps of the town's tallest bell tower. The structure creaked under his feet, old but proud. He stepped onto the ledge and sat down, legs dangling over the edge. From here, the whole town stretched before him like a painting — cracked, bruised, but still standing.
He whispered to himself, "Sometimes I wish this world was just... peaceful. Imagine a life where no one had to suffer… where no one lacked anything."
"So this is where you've been hiding," Saira's voice echoed behind him.
Ashra looked over his shoulder. "Oh, it's just you."
"Talking to yourself again?"
"Yeah… Just thinking out loud. How did you know I was up here?" he asked.
"Just had a feeling," she said casually, walking to join him.
"So... how was your time with the people?" he asked, nodding toward the town below.
"They were happy someone stood up for them. And yes... they did praise me a bit," she said shyly.
"You really are cool, you know."
"Huh? Why do you think so?"
"Because despite being a girl, you don't rely on anyone else to fight for you. That's rare. You're strong. People look up to that."
Saira's expression softened. "It's not about being a girl or a boy. Anyone can be strong if they work hard for it."
Ashra's voice dropped. "That's easy to say. But doing it… not so much."
She sat down beside him. The cool wind brushed their faces as the sky shifted to a deeper shade of twilight.
"That's why I'm saying — you have to try. Being weak isn't wrong. But staying weak just because you think you can't change… That's where people go wrong."
Ashra looked at her. For a moment, her words stayed with him longer than they should have.
"Thanks," he said quietly. "Today really does feel like a good day."
"You like this place, huh?" she asked, looking at the horizon.
"Yeah. I come here when I feel lost. From here, you can see the whole town... the kids playing, shopkeepers shouting, people rebuilding…"
Saira's smile faded slightly. He doesn't even realize how distant he is from them now, she thought.
Ashra turned toward her, sensing her gaze. "I'm okay now. You don't have to worry."
"You don't seem like someone who dies easily."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean... you're hard to read. Like your thoughts are always hidden."
Ashra raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What does that mean?"
"Nothing!" she said, standing up quickly. "Let's go!"
He stood up beside her.
As they walked back through the main street, the last of the sun's light dipped behind the hills. Lamps flickered to life, casting golden pools of light along the cobblestone path.
"So how long are you planning to stay in this town?" Ashra asked casually.
Saira shrugged. "Until the new sheriff arrives, maybe."
"Wait, what does that mean?"
"I mean… I don't have anywhere else to go."
"But where will you stay? This town has limited space."
"I'm already staying somewhere," she said with a sly smile.
"Huh?"
"I'm living in your house."
Ashra stopped in his tracks. "WHAT?!"
"Any problem?" she teased.
"It's not that… I've just never lived with a girl before."
"I understand," she said softly. "But you don't have to worry. I won't trouble you."
Ashra sighed. "Still..."
"It's settled."
He chuckled in defeat.
Before entering, he turned back. "There are still some things I wanted to ask."
"Ask away."
"What's in that bag you brought earlier?"
"Oh! Some town's people gave it to me. They said you'd like it — it's food."
Ashra blinked. "I completely forgot to offer you anything. I'm sorry. I've been selfish."
"It's alright. You've done more than enough," she said.
As he opened the door, she followed him in.
"By the way," she asked, "do you live here alone?"
"Kind of," Ashra said. "My parents aren't home right now. They're on a mission — they said in a letter they'd be back in a few weeks."
Saira's smile faltered. "Oh... what do they do?"
"They're Seekers. They travel the world to explore lost places and study strange phenomena. They keep journals too. I like reading them."
"It must be tough, living alone."
"Not really. I got used to it. What about your parents, Saira?"
"They're… not around anymore."
"Oh… I'm sorry for asking."
"No need. It's not your fault."
Ashra scratched his head, embarrassed. "I think I kinda like yo—" he paused, blushing. "I-I meant the food! The food's good. Just forget I said anything."
Saira laugh "Well, Do you want to eat sandwich, there are some more. They are tasty."
"Ok I will pass." Ashra wearing off his jacket.
"Why are you wearing that stuff earlier, do you always wear it like that. Are you afraid of them?"
Nope! who said you?
Just guessing.
Ashra sighs "Don't say that again, it's my personal matter."
"Yeah, as long as I'm here, I won't let anything harm you. No matter what happens." Saira says
(Ashra takes a bite of the sandwich.)
"Oh? Thanks for your kindness. Mmm… this is really good."
(She pauses, then looks at him more seriously.)
"Hey… can I ask you something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Would you consider joining my group?"
"Huh? Why would I? You already know I'm not into that kind of stuff."
"Yeah, I know… but I still want you to. I've got a few friends — they're good people. Really good. The kind you can trust. I think you'd like them… and I know they'd like you too, if you worked with us."
(Ashra looks away, thinking for a moment.)
"I'll think about it."
"That means yes." Saira smiling.
"No, it doesn't! I said I'll think about it." Ashra frowns.
"Uh-huh. Sounds like a yes to me." Saira grinning.
"Ugh! What's wrong with you?"
(Later, as she stood in the small kitchen, Saira rolled up his sleeves.)
"Alright, tonight I'm making dinner."
"You don't have to go through the trouble," Ashra said.
"Nah, I insist. My cooking's not bad, you know."
"Well If you insist, If you need a hand, I'm here," he said, crossing his arms.
"Thanks," she smiled. "Just wait — you'll love it. After all… I'm kind of the best cook around."