First Dance

"But I cannot do this without you!"

"You can, I know it." Your mother's voice is barely louder than a whisper, which sounds unnatural because she's always been so loud.

Tears brim your cheeks as you shake you head. "there's no one to watch my back like baba and you used to. I'm too dumb, like you say."

"No, you are the smartest and bravest girl I've ever seen." She puts her hand on your cheek. "A heir of our family cannot end up a slave. Avenge us."

You wipe your tears and give her a determined look with a nod. "I-I will." Sucking in a breath, you asked, "but what of you? Of baba, Eitizaz...can I see you...a-again?"

She doesn't reply, instead your vision of her starts to fade. "Wait! Don't go-"

"Razia, what are you mumbling?"

You almost punch the person until you realize it's Raysha, her face inches away from yours. You jump and sit up, moving away.

"Did you hear what I said?"

"Not clearly..." She looks perplexed at your shocked face. Then gasps. "You're crying!"