Inside The Chest

Sierra, the Queen of Bajalekat, stood with her hands calmly resting on the stone railing of the balcony in the night when everyone is dreaming. Her gaze was fixed on the full moon, casting its silvery glow beyond the shimmering stars. In the silence of the night, her thoughts wandered far, reflecting on the stories of her life. Yet, her thoughts were primarily focused on Rozer, her son. Questions swirled in her mind, worries gnawed at her heart. The longing that had been buried for so long, unbearable for the past 11 years, surged within her. However, she still held onto her husband's strict condition, forbidding her to visit the Boszeven forest, where her son resided.

"Rozer," she whispered, her eyes on the full moon.

The pain she felt had slowly become more agonizing year after year, piercing her heart with the bitterness of reality, hurting her soul. The only thing she could do was to pray for her son's safety in a place she couldn't visit. In her profound sorrow, tears flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks, glistening like moonlit gems.

She placed her hand on her chest, trying to calm the rapid beating of her heart. "What are you doing, Rozer?" Sierra said softly.

The heavy footsteps of the king were heard behind the glass door. His voice brought Sierra back from the sea of tears. Swiftly, she wiped away the tracks of her tears, attempting to show resilience in front of her husband, even though her heart was shattered.

***

The sound of musical instruments echoed from the village square in Boszeven, where the villagers were celebrating and feasting. Every year, this festival was held as part of a tradition and in commemoration of the village's establishment. Today, after centuries, the tradition was successfully completed as a young man named Rozer Striem, the son of their hero Zerenia Striem, had pulled out the sword belonging to the first king of the Bajalekat kingdom. It had been embedded in the village square for ages.

However, the one who had won this competition lay asleep and couldn't partake in the celebration. After successfully pulling out the sword, he had fainted and hadn't awakened yet. He lay on his mother Tania's lap, who was present at the scene.

Zerenia and Tania arrived at the celebration after a soldier informed them of the incident earlier in the day. It wasn't because they wanted to join the festivities but because they were concerned about Rozer, who had been unconscious since the afternoon.

In the midst of the festival's bustle, the village head ascended the podium with a firm step. Gently, he tapped an empty glass with a spoon several times, causing the clinking sound to spread throughout, prompting everyone to stop what they were doing. Filled with anticipation, they all looked towards the village head, ready for his speech.

Ting...ting...ting...

"Greetings to all the joyful people of Boszeven. Tonight is a joyous night as the tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation has come to a halt in our generation. After a young man named Rozer Striem, the son of our hero Zerenia Striem, pulled out the sword that had been embedded in the village square for centuries. On behalf of all the villagers, I express our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Zerenia and his family. The sword that has been successfully drawn will belong to Rozer. Do any of the attendees object to this decision?" the village head asked.

The villagers nodded in agreement, responding in unison, "No, there's No objections!"

The village head nodded his head after hearing everyone's response without any objections and said, "Very well... Let's raise our glasses to this achievement and our village," extending his glass forward. "Cheers!"

After the villagers cheered, "Cheers!" then they returned to their respective activities.

On the other side, as Tania gazed at Rozer, who was peacefully resting with his head on her lap, she lovingly caressed his face. In the midst of the festival's noise, a smile graced her face, radiating deep pride in her son. She held and placed Rozer's head on her chest, ensuring he could feel her heart beating rapidly with the love she had for him.

"Mom..." Rozer mumbled.

"Yes, Rozer, I'm here," Tania said.

Tania contemplated the moment that encapsulated her unforgettable feelings. This sensation, which she had never experienced before since she got married, made her realize the true meaning of being a mother filled with pride for her child. To her, this moment was an enlightenment that enriched the meaning of her life thus far.

From the front, Zerenia approached and asked with concern, "Has he not woken up yet?"

Tania shook her head Slowly, "Not yet, maybe he's still tired. It's not surprising, considering that he managed to pull out a sword that even adults couldn't, it must have drained all his energy," Tania replied.

"I can't deny that," said Zerenia.

Tania caressed Rozer's face with numerous questions swirling in her mind, and spontaneously she said, "Is it possible that Rozer is a child intentionally sent to us by God through Sierra?" Tania questioned.

Zerenia contemplated, trying to choose the right words to answer honestly while concealing something to not startle Tania. "Fate, only God knows," he said cautiously, attempting to maintain Tania's sensitivity.

"No, this is a fate given to us. If not, how could I be so happy?" Tania replied with a genuine smile.

With a sense of astonishment, Zerenia gazed at the smile adorning Tania's face. Although decades had passed, Zerenia still vividly remembers Tania's joyful smile when he expressed love to her. Now, that same smile graced the scene, bringing back sweet memories to his mind.

The love that had nearly faded in their hearts suddenly blossomed in a way they had never imagined. Like a rekindled miracle, it brought forth new and unexpected vibrations in their hearts.

This was Tania, now a mother. Zerenia felt overwhelming happiness and gratitude toward God. His joy was so intense that it turned into tears that flowed down his wrinkled cheeks, unstoppable.

Tania wiped her tears and said, "Don't cry; you're cheating. I should be the one to cry first." Her voice was choked with emotion, and tears flowed abundantly.

With tenderness, Zerenia held his wife tightly, trying to conceal her tears within his embrace. In his hope, he wished this moment could last forever.

Some villagers who had inadvertently overheard their conversation were deeply moved and touched, unable to comment, silenced by the depth of emotion emanating from that moment.