I stood by the window watching the sky burn.
The Roen Tower.
It was the literal pinnacle of human ambition, in both architecture and engineering. The building fused a minimalist glass façade with Gaudí-inspired Catalan Modernism, accented by Gothic edges in unexpected places. The Tower was the molten core of cultural melting pot breaking out and reaching for the sky, a beast that outgrew the cage of human imagination.
Some called it beautiful. Some called it an abomination. But the Tower didn't care.
Built and expanded over the centuries, it embodied both the noble charm of something ancient and the precision of corporate machinery.
And I was alone, watching the beautiful sky bleed to death and terror of the night creep up over the city.
The city below looked like a sea of petrol with scattered fire sparkles that were too insignificant to ignite. It all looked futile and fragile, yet I felt the beauty.
In every single vehicle in the traffic sat people of perseverance returning home after a hard day of labor. In every house with light on lived a family that laughed and cried together. In every curtained room slept a child born out of human flesh and love.
No life was insignificant. No story was unworthy of telling. No memory deserved to be forgotten.
And I was alone, floating high above everyone who had someone to cuddle up with.
I didn't turn on the lights in my office. I allowed myself to wallow in loneliness and self-pity. I missed human touch that I was too shy to ask for. I missed a hug that I will push away in embarrassment.
Why am I here?
The chosen one?
I never asked to be. I never wanted to be.
I pressed my forehead against the window. For a moment I hoped that it would crack and I would fall to death.
I'm sure they would find someone else to stand here the very next day.
Would the new heir feel the same way I did?
Or would the new figurehead stand here and look down at the city, their face glowing with pride and satisfaction?
I heard the door click open from behind.
I did not turn to look. It could only be Luc.
My assistant. Her cryptic words. Her enigmatic face. The silver hair - the gray eyes that could reflect darkness of the night.
"Miss Roen."
I was startled by the voice that I did not expect.
I turned to find Abe standing two steps away from me, one hand in his pocket and another hand scratching the back of his head. He had fine blond hair and baby-blue eyes. A cheeky smile of a child and spongy marble cheeks. A man who never grew up. Did he refuse to grow up, or did he fail?
I couldn't tell.
"It's a beautiful view, isn't it?"
He spoke nonchalantly. I wanted to ask him why he was here, but I didn't mind his company. I just needed someone. Maybe.
"It is."
"The boss told me to go check on you."
"The boss?"
"Er, I mean - Ma'am, yeah. I meant the Ma'am. You know who I'm talking about. That scary lady."
"You mean Luc."
"Yes, yes."
I see.
I was relieved that I wasn't his boss, for a change. At the same time, I was disappointed that Luc didn't come here herself and sent someone else instead.
What was she doing that was so important that she had to leave me alone…?
"But I would have come anyway even if she didn't ask me to," Abe smiled.
"…What for?"
"I was worried about you."
I then remembered how he kindly led the frightened girl out of the elevator.
"Thank you…"
"No biggie."
We stood in silence for a few minutes. Side by side. Looking at the sea of glistening lights below. It didn't look so petrol-like anymore.
"The boss was right. You are indeed different."
"Did-, does she talk about me?"
"Oh, yeah. She does."
My heart started to beat harder. Normally it would have mortified me to learn that people were talking behind my back. But imagining Luc talking about me - that quiet woman of few words - was flattering.
"What… did she say?"
"Heh~, you know, earlier she was saying- ouch!"
I got jump scared as Abe suddenly yelped, only to find Luc pulling him by the ear.
"Don't say unnecessary things, you fool."
That made me giggle.
"Please excuse my stupid junior, Miss Roen."
Luc bowed in apology while still holding onto Abe's ear.
"Boss! Boss! Let go, please! Ouch, it hurts!"
Luc then gave him a glare for a good three seconds and finally let go.
"Go to your room and repent."
"Thank you, bo-, I mean Ma'am."
Luc waved him off and Abe hurriedly left the room, inadvertently slamming the door shut in his rush.
"I think he's funny, Luc."
I was feeling much better now.
"It's only funny until he gets funny ideas."
"You do seem to treat him like a child."
"He deserves to be disciplined like a child."
The moonlight on Luc's face - her pale glow was soothingly radiant.
"Do you feel better now, Miss Roen?"
"Much better."
"I'm glad to hear. Please sleep early tonight. We have another event tomorrow."
"Now I don't feel better anymore."
"It is something you might enjoy. Another PR event, but I have a feeling it would be a good change of pace for you."
"What is it?"
"A visit to Children's Daycare Center for the employees. Everyone will be excited to see you."
"I feel burdened."
"Don't you like children?"
"I do… but… I'm scared."
Luc stood still and looked into my eyes intently, trying to read my mind to make out why I was scared, the she spoke,
"If you have a good dream tonight, maybe you will bring the good dreams to them tomorrow."
"As if it's up to me, hah."
"You will, Miss. I will have it arranged."
Luc doesn't normally make a joke, but when she does, it makes me laugh.
"Thank you."
"Good night, Miss Roen."
With that, she quietly slid out of the office.
I didn't feel so alone anymore.