3RD PERSON'S POV
Orange sat on the edge of her bed, the familiar weight of her electric guitar resting on her lap. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the curtains. She ran her fingers over the strings, the vibrations resonating through her fingertips. It had been a while since she played, and the sensation was both comforting and bittersweet.
Her mind drifted back to the days with D Minor—the late-night rehearsals, the laughter, the camaraderie. She missed it more than she cared to admit. But every time she thought about reaching out, the memories of Rodora would flood back, and the pain would tighten around her chest.
She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. She needed to focus, to lose herself in the music. She began to play, the notes flowing effortlessly from her fingers. The melody was haunting, filled with the emotions she couldn't put into words.
As she played, she felt a sense of release, a way to express the turmoil inside her. The music was her refuge, her escape. She closed her eyes, letting the sound envelop her, drowning out the noise of her thoughts.
A soft knock on the door pulled her from her reverie. She paused, the last note hanging in the air. "Come in," she called, her voice barely above a whisper.
The door creaked open, and Ellie peeked her head in. "Hey, Orange. Mind if I join you?"
Orange smiled, setting her guitar aside. "Of course not. Come on in."
Ellie stepped into the room, her acoustic guitar slung over her shoulder. She settled onto the bed beside Orange, her eyes sparkling with her usual bubbly enthusiasm. "I heard you playing. It sounded beautiful."
"Thanks," Orange replied, feeling a warmth spread through her at her sister's compliment. "Just trying to clear my head."
Ellie nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I've been practicing a bit on my own, but I was hoping you could teach me a few things on the electric guitar. It's so different from the acoustic."
Orange's heart swelled with affection for her younger sister. "I'd love to. Here, let me show you."
She handed Ellie the electric guitar, guiding her fingers to the proper positions on the fretboard. "The key is to get a feel for the strings. They're thinner and require a lighter touch than the acoustic."
Ellie nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration as she strummed the strings. The sound was hesitant at first, but with Orange's guidance, it began to take shape.
"That's it," Orange encouraged. "You're doing great. Just remember to relax and let the music flow through you."
Ellie smiled, her confidence growing with each note. "It's a lot of fun. I can see why you love it so much."
Orange's heart ached at her sister's words. She had loved it, more than anything. But now, the joy was tainted by the memories she couldn't escape.
They spent the afternoon together, the room filled with the sound of their guitars. Orange found herself lost in the music, the bond with her sister a soothing balm to her troubled soul.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the room, Ellie set the guitar aside and looked at Orange with a serious expression. "I know you're going through a tough time, Orange. And I want you to know that I'm here for you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it."
Orange felt a lump form in her throat, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "Thanks, Ellie. That means a lot to me."
Ellie reached out, taking Orange's hand in hers. "You're not alone, okay? We'll get through this together."
Orange nodded, a sense of hope blooming in her chest. She still had a long way to go, but with her sister by her side, she felt a little less lost.
Ellie, ever perceptive despite her bubbly nature, gave Orange a knowing smile. "I know things between you and Rodora weren't exactly...great. But I also know how much you loved being in D Minor. Maybe it's worth finding a way to make peace with the past."
Orange sighed, appreciating her sister's insight but still feeling the weight of her unresolved feelings. "It's complicated, Ellie. Rodora and I... we just never saw eye to eye."
Ellie nodded, her smile unwavering. "I get it. But you know what? Sometimes, things have a way of working out when you least expect it. Just don't give up on what you love, okay?"
Orange looked at her sister, taking in her earnest expression. "I don't know, Ellie. It's not just about Rodora. It's about everything. The band, the pressure, the expectations... it all became too much."
Ellie leaned in closer, her eyes softening with understanding. "I know it did, Orange. And I can't pretend to understand exactly what you went through, but I do know that you're incredibly talented. You have something special, and it would be a shame to let it go because of one bad experience."
Orange felt a tear slip down her cheek, quickly wiping it away. "It's more than just one bad experience, Ellie. It felt like my whole world was falling apart."
Ellie hugged her tightly, her warmth a comforting presence. "I'm here for you, no matter what. You don't have to go through this alone."
They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other's presence. When they finally pulled apart, Ellie gave Orange a hopeful smile. "So, what do you say? Want to play some more? Maybe something a bit lighter this time?"
Orange chuckled softly, appreciating her sister's attempt to lift her spirits. "Yeah, I'd like that."
They picked up their guitars again, and this time, the music that filled the room was lighter, more playful. Ellie led them into a simple, cheerful tune, her strumming confident and bright. Orange followed, adding flourishes and harmonies that made the song come alive.
As they played, the room seemed to brighten, the shadows retreating as the sun dipped below the horizon. The melody they created was a testament to their bond, a shared moment of joy in the midst of uncertainty.
Ellie glanced at Orange, her eyes twinkling. "You know, you're pretty amazing. I bet if you gave it another shot, you'd knock it out of the park with D Minor."
Orange smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in months. "Maybe you're right, Ellie. Maybe it's time to face my fears and see what happens."
Ellie beamed, her excitement infectious. "That's the spirit! And no matter what, you've got me cheering you on."
As the last notes of their song faded away, Orange felt a renewed sense of determination. She wasn't sure what the future held, but with Ellie by her side, she felt ready to face it.
The evening wore on, and the sisters continued to play, losing themselves in the music and the moment. They laughed, shared stories, and made plans for the future. Orange knew there would be challenges ahead, but for now, she was content to simply enjoy this time with Ellie.
As the night deepened, they finally set their guitars aside and settled into a comfortable silence. Ellie gave Orange one last hug before heading to her room, her words lingering in the air. "Remember, Orange, you don't have to do this alone. We're in this together."
Orange watched her sister leave, feeling a mixture of gratitude and resolve. She looked at her guitar, her fingers itching to play again. Maybe it was time to reach out, to reconnect with the music and the people she loved.
She picked up her guitar once more, the familiar weight grounding her. As she began to play, the melody was different—filled with hope and possibility. She wasn't sure what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, she felt ready to face it.
With Ellie by her side and the music in her heart, Orange knew she could find her way back to the life she loved. It wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to try. And that, she realized, was the first step toward healing.
**********