Work Text:
Early one July morning, Kelsey had returned from her hour at the park across the street. She nearly had a heart attack when she saw someone waiting for her inside her apartment. Sitting in the chair beside her balcony door was Alanna, the White Spirit of Life! As with all the other individuals Kelsey had brought into her world, Alanna's outfit had changed into something more suitable for Kelsey's.
The tall, willowy woman's flawless porcelain skin, enormous, soulful azure eyes, and snow-white hair hadn't changed. But her silky hair was styled in a high braided ponytail. Instead of wearing her elaborate Jūnihitoe made from exquisite silks of purest white, palest pink, and loveliest lavender, she dressed far more casually. She wore a t-shirt that matched her Jūnihitoe, light pink capri pants, and platform sandals.
Kelsey also noticed a butterfly choker around her neck, matching her other butterfly-themed accessories. The most noticeable thing, however, was her lack of human-sized pink butterfly wings. "Greeting Spirit of Storytelling. I'm so sorry for coming over unannounced. However, I've sensed that you've needed my help for a while. So shall we talk?" Alanna asked kindly.
Finally, Kelsey found her voice. "How did you even get here without the portal potion? I didn't even use it!"
The beautiful spirit woman laughed. "Spirits can do countless things that humans cannot. Such as traveling to different worlds without assistance. So again, shall we talk?"
"Um, sure, just let me put my backpack away. She quickly put her backpack away and cleaned off the couch so she'd have a place to sit. Alanna had made herself a cup of tea. For Kelsey, she'd conjured up some orange juice knowing the young woman didn't drink tea.
"So, let me start by saying that I've been hearing the pain from your broken heart. Even in my world, I still feel my children's pain. Yours has been cutting into me like a sharp knife. We've had a strong bond since I officially gave you the title " Spirit of Storytelling."
"Wow, I didn't realize that! So you know I've been crying a lot lately? You know why I'm so angry and unhappy?" questioned the youthful-looking woman.
"Yes, I can sense a great lack of respect and common courtesy breaks you. I may need help to understand your world of technology. However, as the Mother of Humanity, I've done my best to teach my children good manners."
"So you agree its very rude and inconsiderate that none of my friends ever return my messages? That they never check in? That they can't take a few minutes out of their day to ask if I'm okay?"
"Yes, I agree that its disrespectful. For example, if they aren't promptly keeping their promises, you shouldn't have to wait for something. A week or two, maybe, but not years. So yes, I can see why you feel greatly disrespected, especially since no one in your life has given you a sincere apology. Nor have they listened to you when you've tried to address the relationship issues," the white-haired noblewoman replied.
"If you lived in my world? Anto would be feasting on all the negativity within it. There is so much hate, indifference, and cruelty in this world. More and more people forget what it means to be human. Or treat others with respect, compassion, and kindness. We're supposed to live in love and leave a legacy of love behind us when our time in this world is done."
"Yes, I asked the device on your table questions about humanity's activities in this world. I'm greatly ashamed of what humans have become. However, let's address your personal feelings, shall we?"
Kelsey sighed, "Every day, I feel unloved and ignored. That I'm taken for granted, I constantly think I could vanish forever and nobody would notice or care. I'm tired of my mental health team making suggestions I've already explained aren't going to work. I've been in multiple groups before. I'm still ignored and shunned. I also want to avoid going over the same material as before.
I'm not looking for a lecture on what's wrong in my head. What I'm seeking so desperately is friendship. I want a real friend. Someone who is there for me when I need to vent or cry. Someone who will treat me respectfully and not ignore me when I'm in great pain. Someone I can talk to about the things I like so I wouldn't have to write fanfics about them—just a true friend. Sadly after thirty-five years, I don't see that happening. Again, if it hasn't happened by now? I doubt it ever will. I've waited long enough, and my prayers haven't been answered.
I've worked my ass off in therapy, and yet, I'm still alone, and no one cares about that. I know some people will say they care and praise me online. But its not the same as having someone in the room."
"I wish I could help you, my child. However, I cannot make someone your friend or force people to respect you. But I'll be here to comfort you as a friend should. If you need me in the future? Just call my name. For now? You need to take a shower and eat a proper breakfast. I checked your calendar, and you've therapy today. So I imagine you'd like to finish getting ready for it."
"Yes, I need to do a few things because even if it's at ten-thirty and its only 7:10? Time goes by way too fast. So thanks for just being here for me, Alanna. I hope you return for another visit soon."
"My pleasure, Storyteller. I love you, my child," as she hugged and kissed the young woman's forehead. She then turned into a butterfly and flew away. Kelsey smiled as she felt a bit better. But again, she had to get ready for therapy. So it was off for a proper shower followed by breakfast. She only hoped today would be a good day!