The Gray Dancer

14. CITY LIGHTS

THE BIRDS CHIRPED IN PERFECT HARMONY IN THEIR DAWN CHORUS. The fleet perfected each sound, starting with symphonies, harmonizing to the melody, and tweeting in a heartful pitch just outside Hanna's window. They sang as the sun began to rise, ready to replace the moonlight with its fury and as Hanna continued working into the early morning.

Repose floated in her tiny apartment, the stillness of the atmosphere revolving around her. Hanna's eyes laid fixed on her laptop as she typed soundlessly. The clicking of the keys blended seamlessly with nature's tune. Hanna hummed a soft tune as she completed her work, engrossed in the tiny screen. A few days had passed since her sickness. By now, she had recovered. Hanna could complete her work without her body telling her she couldn't.

The peaceful quiet evaporated with the echo of a rigid tapping that echoed from the front of her apartment. It took a couple seconds before her doorbell rang, the melody humming in her apartment. Hanna groaned in a hushed whisper as the ring spiraled between the four walls. She brushed her hair with her fingers before closing her laptop shut, managing a tight-lipped smile.

She made her way to her door, her fingers clasping around the haggard doorknob, opening the door.

"Is there anything you need?" Hanna recited like a worn-out tape recorder.

Her eyes focused on the slender figure standing against her doorway with arms crossed over their chest. A woman's figure stood there, dark in the absence of light. The woman clicked their heels, almost as if she was waiting for Hanna to say something. She whisked back her hair before allowing herself to be illuminated in the shine of Hanna's apartment.

"Hanna Lee. Can't even recognize her little sister."

Hanna's eyes widened at the unique voice. She hadn't heard that voice in a while, the sweet chirpy tone of her sister.

She froze, "Ara?"

Ara's face crossed with a small smile. The resemblance between the two was uncanny. They shared the same straight raven hair. Except Ara's settled just above her shoulders while Hanna's extended to her waist.

The difference between the two could be seen almost at once. Ara carried herself with more poise, more status. Her clothes were brand-named; she wouldn't dare wear anything less. She was perfect in everyone's eyes with her pristine personality.

Hanna pointed to the door, "Get out."

"But I just arrived, Hanna." Ara's honey-like voice broke into the apartment as she entered Hanna's humble abode, "Do you always kick out your guests? Did nobody ever teach you any manners?"

Hanna's nose twitched. She took in a light breath, exhaling at the same time. Another reminder of her failures. Hanna whisked away from the growing lump in her stomach before closing the door. She shuffled around, walking to the girl sitting comfortably on the tiny couch.

"Ara, what do you want?" Hanna asked in a hushed whisper.

Ara threw her legs over the couch, laying on the second-class material. She cocked her head to an angle, letting her lips curve into the shrillest smirk. She rolled her eyes, tucking her hair behind her ears

Ara's brows creased, "I can't visit my older sister?"

Hanna chuckled. She threw her head to the side in utter disbelief. Hanna's eyes widened, then narrowed, staring at the younger girl for a split second. Her eyebrows raised, glancing at Ara.

"Visit me?" She scoffed, "You didn't visit me in the last few years."

Ara sent Hanna a bitter smile. She sat upright on the couch, clicking her tongue and clasping her hands together.