truth
did she climb the rail to feel the air,
or just to see if someone'd care?

dare
rewind the tape. don't look away.
she stepped off slow. like she'd rehearsed that day.

truth
she waited weeks for a sound, a sign.
a single word to say, "you're mine."

dare
say her name without a tear.
pretend her ghost's not whispering near.

truth
light purple bled from every thread.
a color she now fears instead.

dare
burn the shirts, inhale the smoke.
be careful, though, try not to choke.

truth
her "queen" left like morning mist.
no closure, call, or parting kiss.

dare
dial her number, let it ring.
don't say a word. don't feel a thing.

truth
she jumped because she couldn't scream.
just wanted rest from the endless dream.

dare
stand on that bridge. feel the wind bite.
then go home. live. out of spite.

truth
she broke the day the tree caught flame.
watched teldrassil burn, and whispered her name.

dare
keep her candle lit all night.
don't expect it to make things right.

truth
she loved too hard, she broke too fast.
and nothing gold was made to last.

dare
forgive her heart for being kind.
for not surviving neitolan's mind.

truth
i hear her laugh in empty space.
i still reach out. i still misplace.

dare
live the life she never could.
even if it's never good.

happy birthday, love. another year.
wish i could hold you, pull you near.
you wear my face, but not my smile.
still, you've walked with me every mile.

oh great, here comes the birthday ghost.
with lavender dreams and a tragic toast.
what's next? tea leaves? moonlight lore?
you left, remember? i clean the floor.

i know, i know... i left too soon.
but i'm still there, beneath your tune.
you carry me in every breath.
a girl-shaped scar, a softer death.

you say that like it makes things fair.
you handed me your cross to bear.
no guidebook, no "just in case,"
only your tears on a pillowcase.

but look at you - alive, still here.
cussing fate and facing fear.
you walk through pain and laugh through ash.
you made your bed from broken glass.

yeah, well, i sleep like shit most of the nights.
i dream in static, flinch at every light.
but fine. some incense, then one deep breath.
a muffin, half-burnt like me, cheated death.

that's us, my friend. a crooked flame.
but burning still. and not in vain.
so happy birthday, void, cursed and true.
a half of me... but wholly you.

oh fuck you. i should hate this rhyme.
but damn it. just this one last time.
happy birthday, aura. wish you were here.
no toast from me though, i don't drink beer.
you blew out your candle. like you said, too fast.
now i'm left with the smoke, and a shadow that lasts.