..."The Clock Starts Ticking"...

...~•~...

The Abendroth household brimmed with the glow of warmth and celebration on April 7, 2020. Balloons of pastel pink and white bobbed gently in the evening breeze, strung across the living room walls adorned with photos of a beaming Lyneora through the years. The soft hum of a birthday tune filled the air as family and friends gathered around a modest cake adorned with sixteen flickering candles.

Lyneora Abendroth stood at the center of it all, a vision of youthful vibrance. Her dark hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, framing a face that radiated joy despite the faint paleness that tinged her usually rosy cheeks. Her hazelnut eyes sparkled as she playfully dodged her younger sister Dae’s attempts to smear frosting on her nose.

“Hold still, Lynnie!” Dae squealed, clutching a dollop of icing precariously on her small fingers. At just seven years old, Dae was a whirlwind of energy, her giggles infectious as they echoed through the room.

Lyneora laughed, dodging nimbly and catching Dae mid-lunge.

“Alright, alright, truce!” she declared, holding up her hands in mock surrender. She placed a kiss on her sister’s forehead, leaving Dae grinning victoriously.

"Time for presents!" Dae exclaimed, darting off to retrieve something hidden under the couch. She returned moments later, clutching a piece of paper that had clearly been labored over with love.

“This is for you!” she said, thrusting it into Lyneora’s hands.

Unfolding the paper, Lyneora was met with a drawing of two stick figures holding hands, surrounded by colorful hearts and flowers. Above them, in clumsy but heartfelt letters, was written: "I love you, Lynnie. Happy Birthday!"

“Dae, this is beautiful,” Lyneora murmured, her voice thick with emotion. She knelt to hug her sister tightly, feeling the child’s small arms wrap around her neck. “I’ll treasure it forever.”

The room erupted in laughter and applause as their mother, Elara, called out, “Alright, everyone! Time for the birthday girl to make her wish!”

Lyneora stepped toward the cake, the warm glow of the candles reflecting in her eyes. Closing them, she clasped her hands together, whispering a wish only she could hear.

"Let this year be filled with happiness for everyone I love."

She opened her eyes and leaned forward to blow out the candles. Just as the flames extinguished, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. The room seemed to tilt, the cheerful faces around her blurring into indistinct shapes.

“Lynnie?” Dae’s small voice pierced through the haze. “Are you okay? You look pale.”

Lyneora tried to smile, but it felt like her strength was draining away with each passing second.

“Just tired, that’s all... let me rest a little.” Her words were faint, almost inaudible, as her legs gave way beneath her. Gasps erupted around her as she crumpled to the floor.

“Lyneora!” Elara’s voice was sharp with panic as she rushed to her daughter’s side.

Dae clung to her father, tears streaming down her cheeks.

The fluorescent lights of the hospital seemed unbearably bright against the sterile white walls. Lyneora lay in a bed, an oxygen mask covering her face. Monitors beeped rhythmically, a sound both comforting and ominous. Elara sat at her bedside, clutching her daughter’s hand, while Dae huddled close to their father in the corner of the room, her wide eyes fixed on Lyneora.

A doctor entered, his expression grave but professional. He glanced at the family before focusing on Lyneora, who had stirred awake, her gaze searching for answers in his somber face.

“Miss Abendroth,” he began, his tone carefully measured, “we’ve completed the tests, and I’m afraid we’ve identified the cause of your collapse.”

Elara tightened her grip on Lyneora’s hand, her knuckles white. “What is it, Doctor? Please, just tell us.”

The doctor hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Lyneora has been diagnosed with a rare and progressive respiratory condition. It’s a degenerative illness that will severely impact her lung function over time.”

A heavy silence fell over the room, broken only by the soft whimpering of Dae. Elara’s voice trembled as she asked, “How long does she have?”

The doctor sighed, the weight of his words evident. “With proper care, she might have a few years... but it’s unpredictable. The disease progresses differently for everyone.”

Lyneora’s eyes welled with tears, but she blinked them away, forcing herself to remain calm for the sake of her family. “What does this mean for me? Can I still live normally?”

The doctor’s gaze softened. “You’ll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle—less physical exertion, more regular check-ups—but you can still live meaningfully. It’s important to focus on quality of life.”

Dae suddenly broke free from her father’s arms and ran to Lyneora, climbing onto the bed and burying her face in her sister’s shoulder. “You’re not going anywhere, Lynnie! You promised to watch me grow up!”

Lyneora wrapped her arms around Dae, her voice soothing despite the ache in her chest. “Shh, it’s okay, Dae. I’m not going anywhere just yet. I’ll be here for as long as I can.” She kissed the top of her sister’s head, holding her close as if to shield her from the harsh reality.

Elara wiped her eyes and turned to the doctor. “What can we do to make her comfortable? Anything, just tell us.”

“We’ll work together to create a care plan,” the doctor replied gently. “But for now, let her rest and recover from tonight’s episode.”

Later that night, as the family sat in the hospital room, Lyneora gazed out the window at the stars. Her mind swirled with thoughts of her diagnosis, her future, and the promises she had made to Dae. She felt a quiet resolve settling in her heart.

"If my time is limited, I’ll make every second count. I’ll live in a way that leaves something behind—something that matters."

Turning back to her family, she smiled faintly, her determination unshaken. “Let’s go home soon. There’s still so much I want to do.”

Her words were met with hopeful nods, but deep inside, Lyneora knew the clock had started ticking. Every moment from now on was a gift, and she intended to treasure each one.

...________~•~________...

...🎶 AerixielDaiminse 🎶...

|  Chapter 1: "A Resolve to Live Until the End"

...🎶...

The house was quieter than usual. The lively energy that once defined the Abendroth home seemed muted, the shadows in the corners stretching just a little longer. Days had passed since Lyneora’s 16th birthday—days filled with hushed conversations behind closed doors, muffled sobs, and a heaviness that lingered like an unwelcome guest.

Lyneora sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at the notebook in her lap. The blank page seemed to mock her. She had tried to write something—anything—but every attempt felt hollow, like her words couldn’t capture the chaos within her.

Her diagnosis replayed in her mind like a haunting melody she couldn’t shake.

A few years.... The phrase echoed, cold and final, each repetition slicing a little deeper. She had cried the first night—tears of fear, anger, and helplessness. But now, she was empty, her emotions numbed by the sheer weight of it all.

Her gaze drifted to the window, where the late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the garden. Dae’s laughter used to fill that space as she chased butterflies or played with her dolls. Now, the garden was quiet, a stark reminder of how much had changed in just a few days.

The door creaked open, and Dae peeked in, clutching a stuffed rabbit to her chest. “Lynnie, can I come in?”

Lyneora managed a small smile. “Of course, Dae. You don’t need to ask.”

Dae shuffled in and climbed onto the bed, her small frame pressing against her sister’s side. “Mom says you need rest. Are you feeling better?”

“I’m okay,” Lyneora lied, wrapping an arm around Dae. She didn’t have the heart to tell her sister the truth—not in its entirety.

“You’re not sick, are you? Like, really sick?” Dae’s voice was small, her eyes searching Lyneora’s face for reassurance.

“I’m just... tired,” Lyneora replied, stroking Dae’s hair. “But I’ll be fine.”

Dae frowned, not entirely convinced. “You promised to watch me grow up. Remember? You said you’d teach me how to ride a bike, help me with my math homework, and be at my graduation.”

A lump formed in Lyneora’s throat, but she forced herself to smile. “I haven’t forgotten, Dae. I’ll do everything I can to keep my promises.”

Dae hugged her tightly, her small arms clinging to Lyneora as if she could keep her safe through sheer willpower. “I don’t want you to go anywhere, Lynnie.”

Lyneora held her sister close, her chest tightening with a mix of love and sorrow. “I don’t want to go anywhere either, Dae. I’ll always be with you, no matter what happens.”

That night, after Dae had fallen asleep curled up beside her, Lyneora stared at the ceiling, the weight of her thoughts pressing down like a physical force. Her mother’s soft murmurs drifted up from downstairs, where she and her father were likely discussing her condition again.

She didn’t want them to worry—not like this. She didn’t want her illness to define her life or their memories of her. She needed to find a way to turn this tragedy into something meaningful, something that would last beyond her limited days.

Sliding out of bed carefully so as not to wake Dae, Lyneora grabbed her notebook and sat by the window. The moonlight spilled across the page as she began to write, her pen moving with a newfound purpose.

"If I can't live long, I'll live meaningfully. I'll leave something behind—something that matters. My life may be short, but it won’t be empty."

She paused, the pen trembling in her hand. What could she leave behind? A legacy was a grand concept, too vast and intangible for someone like her. But as she thought about it, her mind drifted to the one thing she had always dreamed of—the one thing that embodied love, hope, and the future.

A child.

The idea took root in her heart, tentative but persistent. She had always imagined herself as a mother someday, raising a child who would carry her love forward. Now, that dream felt more urgent, more significant.

Her parents might think it was reckless. Society might judge her. But Lyneora knew in her soul that this was what she wanted—a way to leave her mark on the world, to ensure that her love would live on even after she was gone.

The sound of footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. Her mother, Elara, stood in the doorway, her face lined with worry. “Lyneora, it’s late. You should be resting.”

“I couldn’t sleep,” Lyneora admitted, closing the notebook.

Elara came to sit beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I know this is hard, sweetheart. But we’ll get through it together. You’re not alone.”

Lyneora looked into her mother’s eyes, the weight of her decision heavy in her chest. “Mom... what if I don’t have much time? What if I want to do something meaningful before it’s too late?”

Elara’s expression softened, her own tears threatening to spill. “Then you should follow your heart, Lyneora. Whatever you choose, we’ll support you. But promise me one thing—don’t let this illness take away your hope.”

Lyneora nodded, her resolve strengthening. “I won’t. I’ll live every moment like it matters. I promise.”

The next morning, Lyneora woke early, the house still quiet in the soft light of dawn. She carefully tucked Dae back under the covers before heading downstairs. As she stood in the kitchen, making tea, she caught a glimpse of herself in the window’s reflection.

She looked the same—normal, healthy, alive. But she knew better. Her time was slipping away, like sand through an hourglass. Yet, for the first time since her diagnosis, she felt a sense of purpose.

She had a plan now. A dream to chase, no matter how impossible it seemed.

As the tea steeped, she whispered to herself, a vow etched in her heart:

"I will love. I will leave something behind. I will live."

...🎶...

...⚜️ AerixielDaiminse ⚜️...

| Chapter 2 : "Enthralled by Your Music"

...🎶...

The school courtyard was unusually quiet for a Thursday afternoon. Most of the students had either gone home or were busy with club activities, leaving the campus wrapped in a serene stillness. Lyneora wandered the grounds, her thoughts a tangled mess as she clutched her notebook.

She had been restless all day. The weight of her secret, her newly discovered resolve, and the uncertainty of her future pressed down on her like an invisible hand. Writing in her notebook had become a small solace, a way to spill her emotions onto paper. But today, even that had failed her.

Rounding a corner near the back of the school, Lyneora paused. A soft, haunting melody drifted through the air, carried by the breeze. It was delicate yet powerful, like a cry from a soul yearning to be heard. She followed the sound, her curiosity piqued.

Behind the old gymnasium, she found the source: a boy sitting cross-legged on the ground, his head bowed over an acoustic guitar. His fingers moved naturally, coaxing emotions from the strings as if they were alive. The melody was melancholic, resonating with a beauty that made Lyneora's chest tighten.

She recognized him immediately- Shinden Roy Incognito II, her quiet classmate who rarely spoke more than a few words in class. He was the kind of student who blended into the background, unnoticed and unbothered. But here, in this secluded spot, he was transformed.

For a moment, Lyneora hesitated. She felt like an intruder, witnessing something deeply personal. But the music was magnetic, drawing her closer until she couldn't resist.

"That's beautiful," she said softly.

Shinden Roy's fingers faltered, and the melody abruptly stopped. His head snapped up, his wide eyes meeting hers. He looked like a deer caught in headlights.

Lyneora smiled, stepping closer. "I didn't know you could play like that. Why hide it?"

Shinden Roy shifted uncomfortably, his fingers still resting on the guitar strings. "It's... just a hobby," he said, his tone defensive. "Nothing special."

"Nothing special?" Lyneora repeated, raising an eyebrow. "That was incredible. You've got talent."

Shinden Roy glanced away, his grip on the guitar tightening. "Don't tell anyone, okay?"

Lyneora tilted her head, intrigued by his guarded demeanor. "Why not? If I could play like that, I'd want everyone to know."

"It's not about that," Shinden Roy muttered, his voice barely audible. "I just... I don't want people to make a big deal out of it."

Lyneora crouched down to his level, her hazelnut eyes studying him intently. "You know, you're a bit of a mystery, Shin. You don't talk much, and now I find out you're secretly a musical genius? What other secrets are you hiding?"

Shinden Roy's lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but he quickly masked it with a shrug. "Nothing. This is just something I do for me. That's all."

"Well," Lyneora said, sitting cross-legged across from him, "I think it's amazing. You don't need to hide it from me."

Shinden Roy hesitated, his gaze flickering between her and the guitar. "You really think it's good?"

"Good? It's incredible," she replied earnestly. "The way you played... it felt like you were telling a story without words. It's something I've never heard before."

For a moment, Shinden Roy seemed to wrestle with his thoughts. Then he sighed, setting the guitar down beside him. "It's not something I talk about. My family wouldn't understand, and I don't want to deal with the questions."

Lyneora nodded, her expression softening. "I get that. Sometimes it's easier to keep the things we love to ourselves, so no one can ruin them."

Shinden Roy looked at her, surprised by her understanding. "Yeah," he said quietly. "Something like that."

They sat in silence for a while, the tension between them easing. Lyneora couldn't help but feel drawn to Shinden Roy, not just because of his music but because of the quiet vulnerability he carried. It reminded her of herself, the way she had to mask her fears and dreams from the world.

"You know," she said after a while, "I've been thinking about starting something... a project. Something meaningful. And I think music could be a big part of it."

Shinden Roy raised an eyebrow. "What kind of project?"

"A band," she said, the idea forming more clearly in her mind as she spoke. "Something different. Anonymous, maybe- just about the music, not who we are."

Shinden Roy frowned. "A band? You play?"

"I dabble," Lyneora admitted with a grin. "Mostly piano. But I think music has a way of connecting people, of saying things words can't. Don't you think?"

Shinden Roy didn't answer immediately. He picked up his guitar again, plucking a few strings absently. "Maybe," he said finally. "But why a band? Why now?"

Lyneora hesitated, her fingers brushing against the edge of her notebook. She couldn't tell him everything-not yet. Instead, she shrugged. "Why not? Life's too short to wait for the perfect time."

Shinden Roy studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he smirked, just barely. "You're persistent, aren't you?"

"Very," Lyneora said, her grin widening. "So? Are you in?"

Shinden Roy sighed, shaking his head. "You don't even have a band yet."

"Details," Lyneora said breezily. "We'll figure it out. But it won't work without you, Shin. Your music... it's something special. Don't let it stay hidden."

Shinden Roy looked down at his guitar, his fingers brushing the strings as if considering her words. Finally, he nodded, just once. "Fine. But only if we stay anonymous. No one can know it's me."

"Deal," Lyneora said, extending her hand.

Shinden Roy hesitated, then shook it, his grip firm but warm.

As they sat together, the sun dipping low on the horizon, Lyneora felt a spark of hope she hadn't felt in days. For the first time since her diagnosis, the weight on her chest felt just a little lighter.

This was just the beginning.

...🎶...

...⚜️ AerixielDaiminse ⚜️...