I stood with Alina carefully and gently tucked within my arms.

My mind was now racing with the things she had screamed, I knew better than to think she was just sleepwalking with a nightmare. Everything up until now is lining up...

Death.

It is the only thing that can change a person so much. My chest felt heavy, and my mind spun with the thought that she was dying.

A young girl stood silently in the midst of roses, while magically illuminated by the moon. It would have been an ethereal scene if not for the girl's face being twisted with dread.

Even so the girl continued to gaze at the moon with complex emotions. Tears welled up within her eyes, shining like diamonds as they fell from her pale cheeks.

"I don't have much time left." The whisper left her lips, strangled by the overwhelming emotions.

It was said like a statement, but the fear held within the words made it sound as if the girl was begging.

Begging for what?

More time...

A dream...

Air...

An oasis...

A scene flashed through my mind.

An oasis? Air? I wondered why I had thought of these things, however, I now knew the meaning behind her words.

She did not have much time left to live.

I sadly looked down at Alina. No matter how she acted, I did not wish death upon her. Especially now that we have grown closer.

I turned to bring Alina to her room, but once I turned I was faced with father. He looked at Alina with sadness within his eyes, however once he looked at me his eyes held guilt.

I did feel upset that this was kept from me, and I have no intention of going to bed until I've heard everything. However, I knew it would not have been kept secret if Alina had not wanted it. But, I will no longer stand idly in the dark about all this.

I swept my gaze over the garden to see if any others were spying. The garden was completely empty with only the three of us accompanied by the chirping of the crickets.

I walked passed father without a word, I had to get Alina out of the chilly night air. It was also best to not continue with this outside where prying eyes could see.

I made way to Alina's room silently, I knew it would be difficult for Alina if news of this spread. Once I arrived in her room, I laid her gently down. I did not wish to leave her side after what I just figured out, but I knew I could not have the conversation with father here.

It seemed that father had the same thoughts as he only stood in the doorway, ready to leave once I was ready to talk. However, I just stood in place. I did not want to confirm all that I had finally figured out.

Maybe I would wake up from this bad dream, to a happy Alina... a changed Alina. I did not want to admit that the sister I was just starting to grow fond of was going to leave this world far earlier than I had imagined.

Hell, I'd never would have imagined that I would be here now. I wouldn't of imagined that Alina would change to begin with.

I wanted to be able to do something.

I didn't even know what that something was.

Could I save her?

Was she just going to die without letting us know?

To have her one day, but only to be gone the next?

The anger and betrayal I felt from this only now coming to the surface. Why would she not confide her condition to us... me?

Have I ever given her reason to confide in me? Before I continue feeling wronged I thought of our relationship.

There was always a tension between us, put there by no one else but me. I continue to act bitter and petty because I was blinded her past action, I was't taking now into account.

I was snapped out of my thoughts once a hand was firmly placed on my shoulder. I stood face to face with my father, I couldn't help but feel wronged with how he hid everything from me. Even before this, and now hiding that she was dying was worse.

I knew it was not my right to feel angry, however it didn't change the fact. Maybe I am hypocritical, wanting my sister to confide in me while I push her away.

I almost let out a laugh.

I walked out the room with father behind me, I did not wait for him once I heard the door softly click shut. The air within these halls felt heavy, I felt suffocated. I didn't wish to stay a minute longer.

I made my way to the garden room for fresh air, I couldn't stand the mansion I used to think was spacious. It only felt cramped, uselessly decorated with overly expensive decor to uphold our "noble pride."

Once I arrived in the place where I should have questioned her tears further, regret filled me. I wished I had known sooner.

What could I have done?

Nothing.

I was useless to her predicament, I wasn't a doctor or a blessed priest. I couldn't wash her sickness away.

I knew father would have her treated by a blessed priest or a doctor. For her to be dying, meant that nothing could be done.

Even now I could still envision her standing here, crying. Only to turn around and smile as if nothing was wrong.

I couldn't stand the thought of her bearing a future of death with no one to rely on. Her thin figure always seemed so week, as if she could shatter with a single touch. However, no matter how weak she looked she was resilient, she stood tall despite the weight on her shoulders.

I heard the door to the garden room close, I didn't have to turn around to know who it was. I didn't say a word, partially because I didn't know what to say and partially because I had too much. It was probably the same for father.

A tense silence filled the garden.

So many unspoken words, yet we both knew the meaning. I was to determined to finally have this moment of figuring out what was hidden from me, yet now I did not want to be here... to confirm what I wish to be a lie.

A misunderstanding.

"She doesn't have much time left." The silence was finally broken with the melancholy words.