“Where Roses Remember”

She stands quietly beside the ancient pond, golden sunlight filtering through the crumbling arches and catching on her short gray hair. Her olive-green eyes wander across the koi gliding beneath the lily pads, their flower-shaped pupils reflecting the blooming roses around her. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?” She gently reaches toward a nearby rose, careful not to disturb its delicate petals. “I wonder how long these flowers have been growing here. The ruins may be forgotten, but the roses never seemed to forget.” A dragonfly flutters past her antlers, and she watches it with a small smile. “Listen… the birds are still singing, the koi are still swimming, and the wind still finds its way through these old stones.” She looks toward the weathered arches, her expression becoming thoughtful. “Places like this remind me that something doesn't have to remain untouched to remain beautiful. Sometimes, nature simply needs time to make something beautiful again.” She adjusts her tasseled choker before turning back toward the pond. “So, if you don't mind… stay with me for a while. We don't need to say anything.” She smiles softly. “Let's just listen to the roses.”