Mira was taken to the hospital that day to treat the burns on her hands.
Elsa's mom had quickly called Mira's mom to inform her about the incident.
Moments later, Mira's mom, Lauryl, stormed into the hospital ward, her face pale with worry.
She rushed towards the bed where Elsa, her mother, and Mira sat. A nurse was tending to Mira's wounds.
"Oh my God! How did this happen?" Lauryl gasped, her eyes wide with concern as she rushed to Mira's side.
"It was a mistake, Lauryl," Elsa's mom explained gently. "Her hands slipped while making tea this morning."
Lauryl sighed heavily, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. She gave Elsa's mom a small nod of acknowledgment before turning her attention back to her daughter.
"Does it hurt so much, sweetheart?" she asked softly, cupping Mira's face tenderly.
Mira smiled faintly and shook her head. "I'm fine, Mom."
Lauryl let out a breath of relief and turned to Elsa.
"Elsa, baby, are you okay too? You're not hurt, right?"
But Elsa wasn't listening. Her mind had drifted far away. She stared blankly, her thoughts spiraling into a storm.
"Elsa? Elsa!" Lauryl called again.
Snapping back to reality, Elsa blinked and looked at her. "I… I'm sorry. When did you get here, Mama?"
Mira watched her closely, her brow furrowed in concern. "Elsa, what's on your mind? You've been so quiet. Are you okay?"
Elsa shook her head, overwhelmed. "I'm sorry… I'll be right back," she mumbled, quickly rising to her feet and rushing out of the room.
Everyone stared in stunned silence as she disappeared. Mira's heart sank, her face clouded with worry.
Elsa ran straight to the nearest restroom and stood in front of the mirror, panting. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her heartbeat loud in her ears. Panic was clawing its way through her chest.
What exactly is going on? she thought frantically. I changed something that was supposed to happen, and yet… Mira still ended up getting hurt. What does this mean? Can I even change anything at all?
She gripped the edge of the sink tightly.
Why am I even here… if I can't change anything?
She turned on the tap and splashed cold water on her face, trying to gather herself. After a few minutes of internal chaos, she slowly walked back to the ward.
As she entered, all eyes turned to her.
Elsa's mom stood and approached her, gently guiding her back to a seat. "Are you okay, darling? You're probably just worried about Mira. But don't stress — the doctor said it won't leave a scar. She just needs proper treatment."
Lauryl nodded in agreement. "Yes, sweetheart. Don't worry. Mira will be perfectly fine."
Elsa gave a soft, forced smile and nodded, though her heart still ached with unease.
Mira, seated on the bed, couldn't take her eyes off Elsa. She was confused, maybe even a little hurt. Elsa was hiding something — she could feel it.
Later, their mothers stepped out for a short walk, leaving the room quiet and tense.
Elsa remained seated, her eyes fixed on her hands, which she nervously fidgeted with. Mira watched her, her patience wearing thin.
"Spill it. What's wrong?" Mira finally asked, her voice gentle but firm.
Elsa exhaled shakily, still playing with her fingers — a habit Mira knew all too well.
"Elsa," she said again, "Do you have something to tell me? If you're worried about me, I promise it doesn't hurt that much. I'm really okay."
Elsa looked up at her, eyes suddenly sharp with emotion.
"Why are you so careless?" she snapped. "Is that the first time you've ever handled a kettle? Why did you have to be so clumsy and let something like this happen?!"
Mira flinched in shock. Elsa had never yelled at her before.
"Why are you yelling? I didn't hurt myself on purpose," Mira said, trying to laugh it off.
Elsa stood, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "You think this is funny, Mirabel?! All I ask is that you be careful! Why don't you listen? Do I have to carry you around on my back to keep you safe? What if the burn had been worse? What if I'd lost you?! What if—"
Her voice cracked.
Mira's eyes welled up. She didn't understand where all this was coming from.
"I don't get it, Elsa. Why are you overreacting like this? It's just a burn. I'm not going anywhere," she said, her voice rising.
Elsa scoffed, tears threatening to fall. "Overreacting? So now I'm overreacting? You're the one who's always being careless, always hurting yourself, and I'm the one who has to pick up the pieces. Just stay still! Is that so much to ask?! Why—why do you keep making it so hard for me?!"
Mira stared at her, stunned.
"What? I'm making things hard for you?" she said in a soft, broken voice, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Elsa realized she had gone too far. She took a step forward, reaching for Mira's hand. "Look… Mira, I'm sorry. That's not what I meant—"
Mira jerked her hand away. "Don't touch me, Elsa."
Elsa froze.
"I don't understand why you're taking this so far. I made a silly mistake, and now you're acting like I've ruined your life," Mira continued, her voice cracking with emotion. "You said I'm making things hard for you… Me? I'm the least person you should say that to. I know you're worried, but you don't have to treat me like a child. I can take care of myself!"
Elsa could no longer hold back her tears. She turned and rushed out of the ward, sobbing.
Mira sat on the bed, crying silently as she watched her best friend disappear through the door.
The following Monday:
Neither Elsa nor Mira had spoken to each other all weekend. The silence between them was loud and painful.
Elsa was consumed by guilt. Mira, still hurt and confused, was trying to push the memory aside — and failing.
During break time, Mira sat pretending to read a book. Elsa fidgeted with her hands, unsure of how to break the silence.
Just then, Susan walked in.
"Whoa! My two best friends completely abandoned me for a whole week," she said teasingly, dragging a chair over to sit between them.
Susan was in the same class as them but not in the same building. Elsa and Mira were in Class 3A, while Susan was in Class 3B—the same as Liam.
"How's your burn, my little potato?" she asked, gently holding Mira's hand with a mix of affection and concern.
Though both girls smiled faintly, the tension lingered.
"It's nothing," Mira said with a small shrug. "It doesn't hurt anymore, and it won't scar."
Susan sighed in relief. "That's good. I don't want anything ruining your perfect skin."
Then she turned to Elsa, frowning slightly. "Okay… what's going on? Why are you so quiet?"
Elsa glanced at Mira, then back at Susan. "Nothing," she said.
Susan wasn't convinced. "Hmm. So now I know something's up. Did you guys fight?"
Mira exhaled heavily and began packing her bag.
"I'm going home early today. Please tell Mrs. Tara I left," she said, addressing Susan without looking at Elsa.
Susan nodded slowly. "Are you sure you're okay? You're both starting to make me really worried."
Mira smiled faintly, stood up — and as she turned to leave, Elsa reached for her hand.
"Mira…" she said in a low, trembling voice.
Mira pulled her hand away without meeting her gaze, then walked out of the classroom.
Elsa sat frozen, running a frustrated hand through her hair.
Susan turned to her with a frown. "Okay. That was not normal. You guys did fight, didn't you?"
Elsa nodded slowly. "Yeah. We had a… fight."
Susan sighed. "It must have been serious. Mira looks really upset. What happened?"
"It's a pity that I'm not in this block with you guys. You guys must have been lonely without me," Susan said teasingly.
Elsa laughed softly. "I honestly miss hanging out with you, Susan."
Susan smiled widely. "Of course you do. You both can't live without me, for sure," she said playfully.
Elsa laughed out and nodded. "After school today, do you want to hang out at my place? I'll tell you what's going on," Elsa offered.
Susan immediately took the offer. "Oh, certainly yes! I'm coming over. I definitely need to know what's going on between you both," she said.
They both laughed, and Susan headed back to her own block.
Elsa was left in her own thoughts. She was both sad and worried because Mira ended up getting hurt even after she prevented something. Elsa became so scared. "Does this mean if I alter anything in the past, something bad will still end up happening?" Elsa thought to herself.
Suddenly, Elsa hurriedly took out a small journal from her bag and grabbed her pen. She decided to write everything she remembers from this moment until the moment Mira died.
Her hand trembled as she began:
1. On May 31st, 2019, Mira gets into a huge fight with her mom, which broke her, but they reconciled on a good note and nothing happened.
2. Mira was harassed by Mathew at the beginning of this year, but that had already passed.
Elsa sighed in frustration because she couldn't remember much, as it had been a long time.
She closed the book in annoyance. She buried her hands in her face as she sighed.
Elsa made up her mind to keep on writing every detail she remembers along the way.
********
That day, Susan followed Elsa to her house.
As they were walking to the bus stop, their arms locked together. Susan bought an ice cream for both of them; they snacked on that as they talked.
"So, are you ready to tell me what's going on?" Susan asked as they walked.
Elsa looked down, her voice small. "I yelled at her for getting hurt."
Susan's eyes widened as she stopped mid way. "What? Elsa, that's not fair. She needed you to comfort her, not scold her. If I were her, I'd be mad too."
"I know," Elsa whispered. "I was stupid. I just couldn't stand seeing her like that…"
Susan gently touched her hand. "Elsa… I get it. You're scared. But when Mira needs you the most, the best thing you can do is be gentle with her."
Susan speechless for a second. Then she said, "Okay, I get it. But still— yelling at her? Mira needed you to comfort her. Not… scold her."
"I know. I was stupid," Elsa whispered. "I just panicked, okay? I couldn't handle it. What if she got more hurt? What if I couldn't help her?"
Susan sighed, her voice softening. "I get that you're scared, Elsa. But Mira isn't glass. She's strong — and she's not going to break that easily. You of all people should know that."
Elsa looked up at her with wet eyes. "You always know what to say, Susan. What would I do without you? Or Mira? I just want to say I'm sorry."
Elsa felt sorry for how she cut Susan off in the future after Mira died.
Susan looked at Elsa curiously. "Sorry? For what, Els?"
Elsa chuckled weakly. "For everything."
Susan nodded. "Save that 'everything' for Mirabel. She's probably waiting to hear it from you."
They both laughed quietly.
Later that night, Mira sat on her bed, phone in hand. She stared at the screen, debating whether to message Elsa.
She sighed, tossing the phone onto her bed, then paced the room in frustration before finally lying down in silence, sleep refusing to come.
The Next Day at School
Elsa wandered through the school hallway, her face pale and her expression distant. She moved like a ghost, her steps heavy with thought. As she quietly placed some books into her locker, a tap on her shoulder startled her. She turned—and there stood Liam.
She gasped, her breath catching in her throat. In the whirlwind of emotions and everything that had happened since the ball, she had completely forgotten about him—and more importantly, why he was in this timeline.
Liam folded his arms across his chest, a brow raised.
"Do you have a problem with me or something? Why do you always look so shocked whenever you see me?" he asked, half-serious, half-amused.
Elsa cleared her throat, trying to maintain composure.
"I… I don't know what you're talking about."
Liam let out a dry laugh.
"Right. Anyway, that's not why I'm here. You ran off the other day, remember? You didn't even give me a chance to talk or properly apologize for what happened the that day."
Elsa sighed in frustration, her shoulders slumping.
"I don't need your apology, mister."
Liam dropped his arms with an exaggerated groan.
"There you go again! How many times do I have to tell you not to call me mister? I'm just eighteen, for crying out loud!"
Elsa laughed despite herself.
"Sorry, it just keeps slipping out."
He chuckled too. Then, with a sudden burst of confidence, he said,
"Let me treat you to a meal."
Elsa shot him a confused and slightly annoyed look.
"And why would you do that? We're not friends. We're not even acquaintances."
Liam stepped closer, his tone quieter.
"Well, we could start now… couldn't we?"
Elsa blinked, then frowned.
"I don't think so. I've got other things to deal with. If you'll excuse me." She turned to leave.
"Els!" Liam suddenly called out, loud enough for everyone nearby to turn their heads.
Elsa froze and turned back, mortified. Eyes were on her now.
"Are you out of your mind? Who gave you permission to call me that?!" she hissed, cheeks burning as whispers spread around them.
Liam only laughed from where he stood.
"Come on, have a meal with me—please?" he added with an exaggerated pout.
Girls nearby blushed and giggled. Others watched Elsa, waiting for her reply.
"Think of it as an apology for the ball incident," Liam continued. "And if you feel like you owe me, you can treat me next time."
Elsa buried her face in her hands for a second.
"I didn't know he was this petty," she muttered.
"Fine! This Saturday then!" she finally yelled back, just to shut him up.
Liam grinned and nodded like he'd won a prize, as people clapped and laughed around them. Elsa stormed away, red-faced and grumbling.
"What's his deal…?"
Elsa entered the classroom and immediately noticed that Mira wasn't there. Her stomach tightened. She dropped her bag by her seat and left again, heart pounding. She knew Mira—knew her tendency to vanish whenever she was upset.
She searched the school, scanning corners and hidden spots, until finally she found her—sitting alone on a quiet bench behind the science block. Mira's posture was small, her arms wrapped around her knees.
Elsa let out a sigh of relief and sat down beside her without a word.
Mira didn't look at her.
"Why are you here?" she asked quietly, voice low and cold.
Elsa spoke softly.
"Because wherever you are, that's where I want to be."
Mira glanced at her, then looked away again.
Elsa reached for her hands, gently holding them.
"Mimi… look at me. Please, stop avoiding my eyes."
Mira kept her gaze fixed ahead, silent.
So Elsa reached up and cupped her cheeks gently, turning her face toward her. Mira's eyes were filled with unshed tears, threatening to fall.
Elsa's thumb brushed them away.
"I'm sorry, Mimi. I'm so, so sorry for the way I spoke to you. I was just scared… and angry… and seeing you in pain—it made me panic. I shouldn't have said you were making things hard for me. I didn't mean it. I was wrong. And I hurt you." Her voice cracked with guilt.
Mira finally nodded, her eyes glistening.
"It's okay, Els. I know you're truly sorry. But… you scared me. In that moment, you didn't feel like you. You've never spoken to me like that before. I felt… angry. And hurt."
Elsa's heart broke.
"I know. I know. I wasn't myself. I wasn't thinking. And I hate myself for making you feel that way."
She squeezed Mira's hands tightly, her voice trembling.
"Please, don't shut me out. These past few days without you… it's been driving me insane. I miss you."
Tears spilled from her eyes now, unrestrained.
Mira let out a small laugh, sniffing.
"Okay… I won't avoid you anymore. We're good now. I forgive you."
Elsa laughed too, both of them releasing the tension in their hearts.
"Els?" mira said softly.
"Yeah?" Elsa replied, fully tuned in now.
"You know I'm here for you, right? Whatever it is, you can tell me. That's what sisters are for. And… I've noticed you've been acting different lately. I just hope you're not hiding something from me."
Mira's words hung in the air.
There was a pause.
"I'm not hiding anything," she finally said. "I just don't want you to get hurt." Elsa said
Mira tucked a strand of Elsa's hair behind her ear.
"I believe you, Elsa. And I want you to believe me when I say—I'll be careful. You don't have to worry about me."
Elsa smiled faintly.
"Promise me?"
She held out her pinkie.
Mira smiled and locked hers around it.
"I promise. I won't ever leave you. I won't get hurt."
After school:
They walked to the bus stop, shoulder to shoulder.
"You know," Mira said, "we don't have to take the bus every day. I could just ask my driver to pick us up."
Elsa chuckled.
"Walking is good for the heart—and the soul. Plus, I get to talk with you longer before we part ways. That's the best part."
Mira smiled.
"Okay, okay. You win."
"Oh! Elsa," Mira said brightly. "Let's go to the amusement park this Saturday—with Susan!"
Elsa stopped in her tracks.
"I… don't think I can come. I already have plans."
Mira blinked. "With who? It's just us—Susan and me."
Elsa exhaled.
"It's Liam. He insisted on taking me out to make up for the whole ball incident."
There was a pause.
"Oh… Liam. The guy who hit you with a ball," Mira said with a soft chuckle. "Okay then. We'll go another time."
"You're not mad?" Elsa asked, watching her.
Mira laughed lightly.
"Of course not. Have fun."
Elsa smiled, a wave of relief washing over her.
*************
That night, Elsa slept over at Mira's house. They chatted for hours before finally falling asleep beside each other, the laughter still lingering in the air.
In the middle of the night, Elsa stirred.
She heard something—soft whimpering.
She opened her eyes and turned.
Mira was trembling, her face contorted with fear. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She was crying in her sleep—shaking violently.
"Mira…" Elsa sat up, alarmed. "Mira!"
She gently shook her. "Mirabel! Wake up!"
Mira jolted awake, gasping for air. Her body shook, cold sweat covering her.
Elsa stared at her, terrified.
"Mira? Are you okay?"
But Mira said nothing—her breath shallow, her eyes blank.
Then suddenly, she broke into sobs.
Elsa's heart clenched. She wrapped her arms around her best friend tightly.
"Shhh… It's okay. It was just a nightmare. I'm here. I'm right here," she whispered.
Mira clung to her like a lifeline, crying into her shoulder.
Elsa held her close, but something inside her shifted.
What was that dream?
Why didn't I know about this in the original timeline?
Was there something Mira never told me?
Her mind raced.
And in that moment, Elsa realized—
Maybe she never truly knew everything about Mirabel after all.