?MoonShell?

Chapter 6 – Cracks

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Scene 1 – Shelly's Room

Her room is still.

The only sound is the soft hum of the ichor capsules stacked neatly in the corner.

Then—

CRACK.

A sharp line splits across the glass of one of the capsules.

Drip.

A single drop of inky, glowing ichor slips through the crack and lands on the floor.

The puddle starts to spread.

The air in the room shifts—something is wrong.

But no one is here to see it.

⸻

Scene 2 – The Mall (Shelly's POV)

The streets were buzzing with life as Astro and I finally arrived at the mall.

I glanced at him. He wasn't as grumpy as I thought he'd be—just... distracted.

Astro: "Still thinking about all that ichor back home."

I smiled, nudging him lightly.

Shelly: "You worry too much! We got lucky, that's all. Now—first stop, clothes!"

Astro sighed but followed me in, shaking his head with a small smile.

Astro: "Alright, alright. Let's get this over with."

He wasn't miserable. If anything... he seemed happy to just be here with me.

I started flipping through the racks of dresses, looking for something cute. But as I moved through the fabric, I felt it again—

That weird feeling.

Like something was off.

I glanced at Astro. He looked normal. Still standing there.

Should I say something?

Maybe... no. He'd just worry more.

Astro suddenly looked over, as if sensing something too.

Astro: "You okay?"

I forced a bright smile.

Shelly: "Yep! Just focused. I should hurry, huh?"

Astro didn't look convinced, but he let it go.

I quickly pulled out a blue, frilly, flower-patterned dress.

Shelly: "Ooo, what do you think of this one?!"

Astro blinked at it, clearly caught off guard.

Astro: "Uh... it's... blue."

He hesitated. Then, slightly flustered—

Astro: "...Cute."

I smirked.

Shelly: "Awww, are you blushing? You like it?"

Astro crossed his arms.

Astro: "Shut up ..and buy your dress."

I laughed, grabbing the dress and heading for the cashier. Astro followed behind.

At the register, I was surprised to see a familiar face.

Shelly: "Hey, Brightney! Didn't know you worked here!"

Brightney, the cashier, gave me a polite smile.

Brightney: "Oh hey! Umm..."

She paused.

Her smile twitched slightly as she tried to remember something.

Brightney: "...Hey, girl! See you picked out a pretty dress."

I felt a pang in my chest.

She didn't say my name.

Again.

I forced another cheerful grin as I handed over the ichor to pay.

Shelly: "Yep! Can't wait to wear it!"

Brightney nodded, still looking like she was trying to recall something. But she didn't say anything else as she handed me the bag.

Astro was quiet beside me. He noticed.

I ignored it.

We left the store, dress in hand, ready to enjoy the rest of our day.

Unaware of the ichor slowly seeping into my floor back home.