The Sway and Slide of Love

Noelle didn't know where she was. All she could see was the vast expanse of white. She didn't know what this place was or why she was here.noveldrama

Then, she heard Rosie's voice. "Mommy, I'm here. Come find me."

The cheerful voice snapped Noelle out of her confusion. Right... She needed to find Rosie. But where was she?

They had played hide-and-seek many times before. But Rosie never had much patience and would often peek out from her hiding spot to check on Noelle.

Noelle always spotted her immediately. But to play along, she would pretend not to see her, spinning around exaggeratedly while asking, "Where's my little Rosie?" Every time, Rosie would giggle with delight, and when Noelle finally found her, she would laugh and say, "Oh, Mommy, you're so silly! You couldn't even find me!"

But this time, Noelle truly couldn't find her. She kept calling Rosie's name.

She could still hear Rosie's voice. "Mommy, come find me! Hurry!"

"Where are you? Rosie, come out, okay? Don't scare me like this. I can't find you!" Noelle screamed until she was hoarse.

But this time, there was no response from Rosie.

Noelle's voice trembled even more. "Rosie! Can you hear me? Rosie!"

Still, no one answered.

All Noelle could see was the endless white snow. The whiteness suddenly reminded her of the hospital. When Rosie was sick, Noelle had spent countless hours staring at the white ceilings and walls, praying over and over.

Back then, she had sworn to herself that if Rosie recovered, she would never leave her side again. She would stay with her, no matter what.

But now, Rosie was gone.

"Rosie..." Noelle was flailing her limbs around, her eyes snapping open.

She was immediately disoriented by the dim, yellowish light in front of her. The room was heated, a stark contrast to the icy cold she had felt in her dream.

So, it was just a dream, right?

"You're awake."

A hoarse voice reached her ears.

Noelle turned her head sharply.

Hendrix was sitting by her bed, holding a glass of water. "Here. Have some water. I just "

Before he could finish, Noelle grabbed his hand and asked, "What are you doing here? Was I just dreaming? Where's Rosie? Where is she?"

"She "

Before Hendrix could answer, Noelle pushed his hand away and jumped out of bed.

"Rosie, where are you? Are you playing hide-and-seek with Mommy? Come out, okay? It's getting dark. You need to come home with me."

Noelle searched the entire room.

From the bathroom to the close et

she even opened every drawer But she still couldn't find the person she was looking for.

"Rosie, come out! Where are you? Rosie!"

"Noelle," Hendrix said from behind her.

Noelle froze, then turned around and grabbed his arm. "Rosie's gone. Do you

know where she is? Can you help me find her?"

Hendrix looked at her. After a

moment, he said, "The rescue team

is still looking for her. But it's been seven hours since the avalanche, so you need to prepare yourself"

After Hendrix finished speaking, Noelle remained silent for a few seconds.