The morning after her birthday…
Aisha sat alone in her room, still trying to process what had happened yesterday. She wanted to tell someone, but a question kept echoing in her mind.
Will they even believe me?
As she was lost in thought, a soft breeze drifted through the window, gently lifting her hair. Her gaze shifted toward it. She stepped closer and looked outside where a breathtaking morning awaited. Gardens bloomed in vibrant colors, birds soared freely in the sky, and sunlight bathed the world in warmth.
I want to go outside… she whispered. To see everything. To feel the ground under my feet… and run.
She wasn't sure if her mother would allow it. After all, even on her birthday yesterday, she had only gone from home to the hotel she hadn't truly seen the outside world.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
Aisha turned.
A voice called out softly, Miss Aisha, may I come in?
She didn't answer.
The voice came again, It's me, Sakura.
…Come in, Aisha finally said.
The door creaked open, and Sakura stepped inside. She saw Aisha standing by the window.
Miss Aisha, breakfast is ready downstairs, she said with a gentle smile. Everyone else is already there. I came to call you.
When Sakura looked closer at her face, she paused. Miss Aisha… did something happen?
Aisha shook her head. "It's nothing.
But your face… it seems different today, Sakura said softly.
Aisha stayed quiet.
It's alright, Miss Aisha," Sakura continued. "Don't worry. If you need anything, I'll bring it for you.
She turned to open the door again.
But just as she did, Aisha called out, Sakura.
She turned back. Yes?
Can you… help me go outside? Aisha asked. To see the city.
Sakura blinked in surprise, then smiled. Of course, Miss Aisha. But before we go, I should ask Madam Yumi Haruka for permission.
Aisha hesitated. But… if Mother lets me…
She loves you, Miss Aisha, Sakura said warmly. But whether she allows it… that depends on her mood.
The grand dining table was filled with a wide variety of breakfast dishes—fresh fruits, warm breads, rice porridge, grilled fish, and more. Several house staff moved quietly around the table, placing dishes and standing respectfully by, ready to assist.
Aisha sat at the table, her eyes drifting between the plates but her hands still.
Soon, her older sister entered the room.
"Good morning, everyone," she greeted cheerfully.
Their mother, already seated, gave her a warm smile. "Good morning. Your father had an early meeting today. He left the house around 5 a.m."
Aisha's older sister nodded as she took her seat. "Mom, I'll be late coming back from college today."
"Where are you going after class?" her mother asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We're heading toward Lakha for training," her sister replied.
Her mother nodded with a hint of concern. "Alright. But don't be too late, okay?"
As the conversation continued, her mother's gaze shifted toward Aisha. She noticed her youngest daughter hadn't touched her food. Her expression softened.
"Honey, what's wrong? Why aren't you eating?"
Aisha flinched slightly at the words. For a moment, her mind pulled her back—to her past life. The same question. The same tone. Back then, too… she hadn't eaten, and her mother had asked with worry in her voice.
Snapping back to the present, Aisha looked down at her plate.
Her mother leaned a little closer. "Is something bothering you, dear? You can tell me."
Aisha slowly shook her head. "No, Mummy. I'm fine."
She picked up her spoon and began to eat, though her movements were slow, hesitant.
After a few minutes, breakfast came to an end. Her eldest sister left for college, and her middle sister soon followed, heading off to high school. Now, only Aisha and her mother remained at the table. Behind them, Sakura and Yuna stood quietly, while the rest of the staff moved efficiently—clearing the leftover dishes and wiping the table clean.
The room returned to its usual calm, but inside Aisha's heart, something had already begun to stir.
Then Aisha slowly turned toward her mother and softly said, "Mummy…"
Her mother looked at her with a gentle smile. "I know, honey. You want to say something, right? I'm your mother—I can feel it. Tell me, what's on your mind?"
Aisha hesitated for a moment, then said, "Mummy… I want to go outside."
Her mother's smile grew softer. "Oh, honey… but today I'm really busy. I can't take you out myself, I hope you understand."
Aisha looked down for a second before asking, "Then… can I go with Sakura and Yuna?"
Her mother paused, studying her daughter's face, then nodded slowly. "Okay, honey. But let me talk to them first. Just for a few minutes, alright? You can wait for me in the TV room."
"Okay, mummy," Aisha replied quietly and walked away.
As Aisha left, her mother stayed behind with Sakura, Yuna, and the other staff, who continued their work quietly.
Aisha sat quietly in the large TV room, nestled in a soft, luxurious sofa. Her legs swung slightly as she waited, the excitement of going outside making her heart race. She didn't know what her mother was discussing with Sakura and Yuna—she only knew one thing: she wanted to go out, to see the world beyond the walls.
A few minutes passed before the door opened. Her mother walked in, followed by Sakura and Yuna. Aisha quickly stood up and walked over to her.
Her mother knelt slightly, gently brushing Aisha's hair back. "Alright, honey. Today, you can go out with them. But don't go too far, okay? I already gave them instructions. Be a good girl, and remember not to touch anything unfamiliar."
Aisha's face lit up. "Thank you, Mummy! I love you! I won't go far or touch anything, I promise."
Her mother smiled warmly. "I know you love me, sweetheart. And your mother loves you very, very much too."
"Honey, before you go outside, go and change your dress, okay?" her mother said gently.
"Okay, Mummy," Aisha replied with a small smile.
She then turned to Sakura. "Help her change into something nice."
"Yes, Madam," Sakura nodded.
Sakura, Yuna, and Aisha headed upstairs to her room. After a short while, the three of them appeared outside the house. A sleek car was waiting by the driveway.
The driver opened the door, and the girls got in. As the car pulled away, Aisha leaned toward the window, her eyes wide with wonder.
Today… she would finally see the outside world.