Interstice: The Curious, The Cautious, The Hollow

THE HEAVENS
"She wandered about the Heavens all day, born with light, innocence and hope."
She woke up to the rays of the Sun warming her skin, she stirred her wings and flutter opened her eyes. She looked like the very manifestation of purity and innocence. Though her face was soft and angelic—full of youth yet her eyes—milky and luminous—held a calm wisdom, as though they had watched centuries pass in a single glance.

She looked around the serenity of the Heavens which embraced her like a shelter. She put on a smile, not because anyone expected it, just because she wanted to—always striving to appear as flawless as she felt she should—and rose to start a new day. She sang with angels and fairies, her laughter and smiling brightening up wherever she went. She was loved wherever she went, as if she were the Heaven's favorite; everyone around seemed to cherish her. Her loveable personality made it hard for others to avoid her magical charms. She spent whole day performing her usual tasks and strolling through the Gardens in the Heavens.

As she made her way through the Heavens, she heard some fairies talking about the outside world. Curiosity piqued, and she hid behind a tree to listen. She had always been fascinated by the outside world, for Angels were not allowed to leave Heaven; their innocence contrasted sharply with the cruelty beyond, and all she could do was watch Fairies come and go between Heavens to the Outside. As she leaned closer to hear them better, someone suddenly pulled her back. To her surprise, it was the Senior Angel who had caught her red-handed.
Eden froze, her wings fluttering slightly as she turned to face the Senior Angel, whose expressions were calm, yet sharp. Like he had seen countless missteps and judged them all without a word. "You shouldn't be listening," he said softly, thought his voice carried authority. "The outside world... it's not for you yet."
Eden swallowed, her heart racing. "I... I was just curious," she murmured, lowering her gaze. Her milky eyes usually so calm and luminous now simmered with a flicker of guilt and wonder.

He studied her for a long time, as if weighing the strength of her curiosity against the innocence she was supposed to preserve. Then with a sigh, he stepped aside, letting her go—but not without a warning. "Curiosity can be dangerous," he said. "Remember that the next time you wander too far."

Eden nodded silently, her mind already buzzing with questions. The fairies' words had planted a seed she couldn't ignore. She felt a strange attraction to the outside world, like it was calling to her in  whispers—and the warning only made her curiosity burn brighter. She walked away silently, her wings catching the sunlight, she couldn't help but glance at the edge of Heaven, imagining what lay beyond.