Chapter 1
“Now don’t let anyone tell you different; you are beautiful and unique, and special to be made for more beyond these worlds. You hear me?”
Father held my face as I managed to nod, his bright red eyes softening as he nodded back. He got up from where we were sitting and began to straighten his robes and large traveling bag that he had slung on top of his back. Mother entered my small room and wrapped her arm around Father’s waist. Seeing them together reminded me of myself, and reminded me of how I’m going to lose them. Their dark red hair and eyes, gray-toned skin and slender figures were all me and I loved that because it made me feel whole, knowing there were others like me.
I started to feel tears stream down my face and Mother’s eyes flashed. She broke down and fell to her knees, wrapping me in her arms. I could feel her warmth and the weight from my father joining our embrace.
“Don’t be afraid, Mensah. We will always be with you.”
Her words made me feel safe, but I could feel her. With my head against her chest, her heart was fast and became faster. I wanted to ask why she was afraid because she told me not to be afraid, but Mother pulled away with Father as guards in the distance of my open room called out to them urgently. I reached out to them as they began to leave and never knew it was going to be the last time I saw that part of myself; saw my family. I would soon find out that that part of myself was never really me once the shades to my room closed and everything became dark; hands grabbing my arms and mouth and taking me away from home.
Comments (0)
See all