Second Chance

Leaning against a large tree, Kira's grey eyes were unfocused, staring intently at a single red rose that stood proudly and healthily among the other neglected vegetation.

She recalled how her sister, Illyria, had loved roses. Going as far as planting a whole garden of them in their backyard. Tears stung her eyes, but she resolutely held them back.

"Change is, and will forever be, adamantly inevitable."

A voice distracted Kira from her thoughts, as she turned her head to find a little girl of about seven years, with red hair, and aqua blue eyes, staring intently at her.

Kira's heart panicked as the girl continued to stare at her like she knew her past, present, and future altogether.

Not paying much attention to what the girl had said, Kira gave her an uninterested look, though her soul trembled from the presence the girl was exuding.

"Your rage directed towards good will forever be your downfall. You have therefore been chosen tonight." The girl gave a smile that made Kira's heart skip a few beats.

"Tonight, you will be given a second chance Heather."

Kira froze upon hearing the name the girl had called her. She hadn't been called that since...

"Turn around." The little girl's voice rang out blisteringly, causing Kira to instinctively turn just in time to see a gun pointed at her.

*Bang!*

A gunshot echoed out, as Kira felt the bullet pierce her flesh, and ultimately, her heart.

As her vision was fading, she saw Sofia, one of her 'people' standing over her, smirking triumphantly.

"Your empire is now mine dearest Kira."

The woman spoke, squatting down to meet Kira's closing eyes.

"It's now my turn to be a self-centered and cold-blooded b*tch." She laughed maniacally as she watched Kira take her last breath.

Kira's eyes finally closed, the last sight to meet her eyes being the red-haired little girl.

•

"No! Wait, stop! She's breathing!" The young lady named Lyra called out frantically.

The paramedics gave each other knowing looks, before proceeding to close the body bag.

"I said NO!" Lyra run over, pushing one of the paramedics in the process as she knelt on the floor and unzipped the bag.

"LYRA! What do you think you're doing?! She's already dead!" One of her bosses, Mrs. Cora Reyes yelled angrily, but Lyra paid no attention to her.

"See, I told you she was breathing!" Lyra's relieved voice rang out, her face shining with joy. She couldn't explain the surprise and delight she'd felt once she caught a glimpse of Hazel's chest move, just before the paramedics were about to take her. Her friend was alive, and that's all that mattered.

"The young Miss is right..." One of the paramedics said after checking Hazel's pulse. His eyes were wide in both alarm and disbelief.

"No! That's impossible!" Cora denied, walking over to the scene as the paramedics slowly freed Hazel from the black body bag.

Just then the center of attention groggily opened her eyes, and the entire room went silent.

The paramedics and Cora all had shocked looks on their faces, while Lyra looked like she'd just received her dream Christmas present.

Kira's gaze was blurry and unfocused, as she found herself losing consciousness.

"Oh Lord, She fainted! Please help me take her to the room upstairs." Lyra urged pleadingly, gazing at one of the paramedics

•