19

The next is a reception area with high back chesterfield sofas and a massive golden chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The moment I open the following room, it hits me. Her scent. It’s like summer breeze and marshmallow. Vanilla, lemon, and brightness. It’s crazy how I remember Alicia’s smell eleven years later, and how I can smell it here, even though she’s been gone for a long time. Sweat trickles down my back and my hands shake as I release the doorknob and stroll inside. The room is clean, but all the furniture is covered with white sheets. Like a coffin. I never got the chance to say goodbye to her at her funeral. I never got to say goodbye at all. My legs barely carry me as I run my fingers over the angel statues on her console. I open the first drawer, the sound echoing in the silence. Her elegant jewellery and makeup are tucked neatly in there. I go to her wardrobe and it’s full of her clothes. The fashion is eleven years outdated, but it’s posh and refined, like everything a