Columbina

The forest was unusually quiet tonight.

Moonlight slipped between the ancient trees, painting the narrow path in pale silver. Somewhere far away, an owl called once before everything fell silent again.

Inside the small wooden cottage hidden deep within the forest, a fire quietly crackled in the stone fireplace.

Sandrone sat on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a white blanket. Her basket of mushrooms was long forgotten. She had tried to leave before. More than once. Every attempt had ended the same way — Columbina finding her, carrying her back, and calmly reminding her that the forest was dangerous.

And yet, despite everything, Sandrone had stayed.

She heard the soft sound of bare feet approaching from behind.

"You're awake."

Columbina's voice was gentle, almost melodic.

The pale woman stepped into the moonlight. Her long white dress brushed against the wooden floor, and the familiar bandage covered her closed eyes. There was a faint smile on her lips.

She stopped beside Sandrone and reached out, gently placing her hand against her cheek.

"You shouldn't look so frightened, darling."

Her fingers slowly traced Sandrone's jaw.

"I would never let anything happen to you."

There was something strangely comforting about the words.

And something deeply unsettling about them.

Columbina tilted her head, her smile becoming slightly wider.

"After all..."

"I promised I would never let you go."

Her other hand slipped around Sandrone's waist, keeping her close.

"So tell me, little bird..."

"Were you thinking about running away again?"