Chasm Crossing

*I tapped my foot and stood, growing impatient. I was told to wait here, but I really don't want to. Then screams tore through the darkening sky, pillars of fire shooting for the heavens. I move my little legs as fast as I could, racing to get to my mother. She's over there! The frame shifted and I was suddenly standing among the fire, shouting to my mother who was trying to reach me. The heat was unbearable and I could hardly manage to keep my eyes open. A mighty roar shook the earth and she went up in flames.*

    "Mother!" I sat up abruptly, drenched in cold sweat. Again...why am I having this nightmare again?! In frustration, I pounded my fist against the wall. It was a small group of dragons that attacked. They burned down half the village and most of the inhabitants with it--including my mother. My older sister burst into my room, fretting over me.

    "Are you okay?! Please tell me you're okay!"

    "It was just a nightmare." I waved my beautiful sister off, not wishing to be bothered. She looks so much like our mother, but her eyes belong to our father. The straight pale blonde hair that goes to her waist, her slim figure, fair skin, and delicate features. Her eyes are a brighter honey color than our father's, but they still aren't the magnificent blue I miss--white with an icy blue sheen. The dim moonlight filtered in from my partially shuttered window, illuminating my sister in an eerie light.

    "But you were screaming! And then the loud bang…" Her eyes fell on my fist and she sighed, sitting down next to me. "Mother?" I bit my lip and she nodded, her suspicions confirmed. "Well stop wailing." With a smirk, she added in a cutesy voice, "You're a big-boy now!" She tries too hard. After losing our mother, she has put herself as a replacement to ease our loss...but she's torn up inside too and won't let it show no matter how bad it gets. I don't want her to carry all the burden alone. "Hey~" She poked my cheek and I brushed her hand away.

    "Go back to your room. I'm fine."

    She sighed, standing up and brushing out the ruffles in her nightgown. "Alright, but don't start screaming again." I gripped the blanket with white knuckles when she closed the door behind her. There's no way I can fall back asleep after that. Knowing this, I got out of bed and walked on silent feet out my door, through the house, and outside. The cool wind ruffled my unique red hair, casting the memory of intense heat into the abyss. My mother's last word was 'run'. Then she died. Frightened, I had done as she asked and fled, only to regret it later when I found out she had lost her life. Was there anything I could've done differently? Anything at all? But...I guess it no longer matters. Even if there was, there's nothing I can do about it now. Saddened, I gazed at the bright moon hanging in the sky. Seems like tomorrow or the day after we'll have a full moon. I smiled slightly, recalling the tales our mothers would say about a moon that was full. So many stories, some terrifying, others soothing. Breathing deeply, I sat down, leaning back against the side of the house under my window. Now what? My breath was visible at this time of night, but I didn't feel cold. Sleeping is no longer an option tonight, not if I'm in a warm space. It's far more calming out here, where the season is just changing from winter to spring.

    The night was silent except for the faint hoots of an owl. Still too cold for insects, but at least there's no snow left. I hate dragons. They were smirking as they effortlessly destroyed everything I'd ever known, and laughed when they killed my mother. I dug my fingers into the dirt at the memory of their cruel, heartless laughter. Those things actually enjoyed ruining our lives! Why were beasts like them given intelligence? They don't deserve it! My hatred ran deep and had no visible end. It was as if my admiration for the beautiful form of flying dragons had been ripped apart, leaving myself and my awe on separate sides of a depthless chasm. An uncrossable divide. Scattered clouds drifted on the calm breeze, slowly changing shape. This is going to be a long night.