As Esther’s words sank in, Lyra felt a wave of disbelief wash over her. She struggled to maintain her composure, to remain standing, her mind racing to process this unexpected revelation. “Wait, you dated Vincenzo?” she echoed, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
Her eyes widened in realization, her mind piecing everything together with a sudden clarity that left her feeling slightly off-balance. “I remember you telling me about a guy you dated a while back…” Lyra trailed off, her words faltering as she grappled with the implications of Esther’s confession. “I promise, I had no idea it was him.” Lyra’s heart ached as she considered Esther’s pain, her thoughts drifting to the times she had witnessed her friend’s struggles. “I remember how much he has hurt you,” she admitted softly, her voice carrying the weight of their shared history. “I can’t believe he did that to both of us now.”
As Esther’s voice wavered with emotion, Lyra felt a surge of empathy swell within her. Despite her own pain, she found herself offering a comforting smile, a silent reassurance that they were in this together. “It’s okay, Esther,” Lyra whispered softly, her voice barely above a murmur. “You don’t need to apologize for feeling what you feel. We’ve both been through so much with him…”
Her voice trailed off, the weight of their shared experiences hanging heavily in the air. But then, a flicker of determination sparked in Lyra’s eyes as she met Esther’s gaze once again. “You’re right,” she agreed, her tone soft and gentle. “He isn’t worth our tears or our time. We deserve better than someone who can’t appreciate the kindness and beauty in front of him.”
With a reassuring squeeze of Esther’s hands, Lyra offered a small but genuine smile. “Thank you, Esther,” she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. “For being here, for understanding… I’m so glad you walked into my life.” Her mind went back to that sweet childhood memory of their first meeting, a memory she was very fond of. As the memory played in her mind, the small smile that had graced her lips before, gradually blossomed into a radiant expression of warmth and fondness.
That happiness Lyra felt through being reminded of her connection with Esther, it did not last long. This because the next revelation was just as shocking, if not more so. “Poisoned?” Lyra’s voice echoed softly in the quiet space, the word carrying a weight that seemed to hang in the air. The gravity of the situation settled upon her shoulders like a heavy burden, and she struggled to find words to express the shock and disbelief swirling within her.
“That’s… unimaginable,” Lyra finally managed to articulate, her voice barely above a whisper. Her mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions - anger, fear, and a profound sense of injustice. She couldn’t fathom how someone could commit such a despicable act against another human being, let alone her dear friend Esther.
As she spoke, Lyra’s gaze softened, shifting from shock to concern as she turned to look at Esther. The pain etched into her friend’s features tugged at Lyra’s heartstrings, stirring a deep sense of empathy within her. She conjured a small, delicate flower in her palm, imbued with a comforting aura. It was a white lily, a flower that symbolised protection, as Lyra above all else wanted Esther to be safe. Yet, at the same time it was a symbol of healing and hope. “Here,” Lyra whispered gently, offering the flower to Esther, “Hold onto this. It’s like a guardian, watching over you.” While to some this might have seemed like a silly meaningless gesture, Lyra believed in the power of nature. In the fact a single flower could keep her friend safe from any future harm.
“I can’t believe someone would do something so… cruel,” Lyra continued, her voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and indignation. She shook her head slowly, as if trying to shake off the weight of the revelation. Despite the turmoil raging within her, Lyra remained steadfast in her commitment to stand by Esther’s side through it all and not show her own emotions too much.
After expressing her disbelief and offering her support, Lyra’s concern for Esther’s well-being grew even more pronounced. With a gentle yet probing tone, she posed the question that lingered on her mind. “Esther, how are you feeling physically? Has everything… passed?” Lyra’s voice was soft, her eyes filled with genuine concern as she awaited Esther’s response. She knew that recovering from such an ordeal could take time, and she wanted to ensure that her friend was free from any lingering effects of the poison. Some could be deceitful, seemingly having passing, yet, returning stronger after time passed.
“And do you know what type of poison it was?” Lyra asked gently, her tone tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern. “I just… I want to make sure you’re okay and that you’ve received the right treatment.” Her words conveyed both a desire to offer assistance and a subtle reassurance that she was there for Esther every step of the way. Growing up surrounded by the enchanting secrets of the natural world, Lyra had developed a keen understanding of plants, their properties, and their potential dangers. She knew nearly everything there was to know about natural poisons and their antidotes, if there was any moment that knowledge might come in useful, it was at this moment.