December, 2006
The winter sun was weak that morning, but Aria did not mind. She loved spending time in the small balcony of her apartment. She swung her legs over the railing and played with her tiny toy car, making little engine sounds to entertain herself.
That was when she heard it.
A loud truck engine stopped right in front of her building.
Curious, Aria stood up and leaned over the railing. A big moving truck was parked outside. Men were lifting boxes, furniture, bags, and placing them near the entrance. Someone new was moving in.
Her eyes lit up with excitement. New people meant new stories, new faces, maybe even a new friend.
Without thinking twice, Aria rushed inside, threw her toy car on the sofa, and ran downstairs, her slippers slapping loudly against the steps. She stopped near the entrance and watched the movers carrying things inside. Her eyes scanned everything with interest.
Then she saw her.
A little girl.
About the same age as Aria.
Her hair was tied in a small messy ponytail, and she held onto a teddy bear like it was the only safe thing in the world.
She was peeking from behind the half open door of the apartment next to Arias. Her eyes wide, careful, almost scared of the new place. She looked like she wanted to hide from the whole world.
Aria felt a small spark of excitement.
This must be the new girl.
She walked closer, her steps light so she would not scare her. When she reached the door, she bent a little and smiled warmly.
“Hi,” Aria said gently. “I am Aria. I live right next to you.”
The small girl did not speak. She only hugged her teddy bear tighter and looked at Aria as if she was trying to decide if she was safe or not.
Aria waited patiently. Then she slowly extended her hand.
“What is your name?”
The girl hesitated. She peeked over her shoulder first, checking if anyone was watching. Then she looked back at Aria and whispered so softly that Aria almost missed it.
“Siya.”
Aria’s smile grew wide.
“That is a pretty name,” she said. “Do you want to play with me after your things are unpacked?”
Siya blinked. She did not smile, but she did nod a tiny bit. It was small, but enough for Aria to feel a warm happiness in her chest.
At that moment, Siyas mother came out, carrying a heavy box. She looked tired but kind. She gave Aria a quick smile and then gently pushed Siya inside.
Aria watched the new family entering their new home. She felt excited, almost jumping with joy.
She had no idea that this quiet little girl would one day become the closest friend she ever had. Someone she would laugh with, play with, dream with. Someone who would change her life forever.
Aria looked at the door one more time and whispered to herself,
“I think we are going to be best friends.”
And in that cold December morning, a bond began forming. A bond that was warm, innocent, and full of hope. A bond that neither of them knew would one day turn into something darker, something painful, something unforgettable.
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