Whispers of the Forgotten

In a grand palace adorned with opulent decor, a king and a queen reveled in the joy of their beautiful 9-month-old daughter. The air was filled with laughter and the tinkling of baby giggles, creating an atmosphere of pure happiness.

However, their blissful moment was abruptly interrupted when a group of soldiers, clad in armor, burst into the royal chamber. Their stern expressions and urgent demeanor signaled the gravity of the news they bore.

King and Queen, clutching the Princess tightly, exchanged worried glances, their parental instincts kicking into high gear. Determined to protect their beloved daughter, they made a swift decision to escape the palace and seek refuge in the dense forest beyond its walls.

As they ventured deeper into the ancient woodland, the royal couple's hearts raced with a mix of fear and determination. The distant sounds of marching soldiers and battle cries served as a constant reminder of the imminent danger that pursued them relentlessly.

Trapped between the chaos of the battlefield and the safety of their daughter, the king and the queen fought with unwavering valor, shielding the young princess from harm. But fate dealt a cruel blow as their enemies closed in, overwhelming the royal couple's defenses.

In their final moments, they held the little princess close, their tear-filled eyes brimming with love and sorrow. With a trembling voice, she whispered, "Father, Mother, your love will forever guide me. I shall honor your legacy and protect our kingdom."

The ancient forest bore witness to this tragic scene, as the young princess's heartfelt words resonated through the trees. In that moment, a legacy of courage and devotion was passed on, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.

My dream fell apart, and I burst into tears, seeking comfort from Aunt Zoey. She hurried over to me.

"What happened, Kelly? Did you have that dream again?" she asked.

I nodded. "I don't understand why it keeps coming back. Is there some kind of mystery behind it? Can we get it interpreted soon?" I pleaded.

"Don't worry, dear. Once your Uncle returns from Paris, we'll move there and find someone to help you," she promised.

"When is Uncle Hawk coming back?" I asked.

"He'll be back in about 4-5 weeks. Now, it's time for you to sleep. You have school tomorrow," she reminded me.

I groaned. "I don't want to go to school. I don't want to see their faces again," I muttered.

"Whose faces?" Aunt Zoey asked gently.

"Nobody's," I lied.

"No arguments, my little princess. You have to go to school," she said, tucking me in and kissing my forehead. As she left the room, I overheard her whisper, "Poor Kelly. Your life is far from simple." I knew she was right.

"Wake up! Wake up! You're late, Kelly!" Aunt Zoey exclaimed, shaking me awake. I groggily checked the clock and realized that I had overslept.

"Your school bus has already left," Aunt Zoey informed me. I felt a bit relieved that I wouldn't have to go to school, but my happiness was short-lived. "I'll drop you off," Aunt Zoey added.

"Please, Aunt, I don't want to go," I pleaded.

"Why not? Did something happen at school?" Aunt Zoey asked, showing concern.

"Nah...I was just messing around. I...I actually want to go to school," I lied.

"You had me worried there for a moment," Aunt Zoey said with a smile.

I quickly got ready for the day, with Aunt Zoey urging me to hurry, and left my room too. As I got dressed, I took off my pendant. It had a unique design, with a half star that was meant to be shared with someone special. It reminded me of my past, and a tear fell from my eye. "I hope you're happy wherever you are," I whispered with a bittersweet smile.  

Even if I was late, I couldn't pause the thing, I was used to do everyday. I opened the sliding window of my room, the sun had rose like a giant glowing ball, casting a warm and welcoming light over everything, the firm standing sky without pillar but with unique clouds and was painted with a stunning array of colors, from deep purples and blues to vibrant oranges and pinks. The air was cool and refreshing, with a hint of moisture that adds to the dewy feel of the grass and flowers. The birds were singing joyfully, creating a beautiful melody that fills the air. As I took a deep breath, I felt the peace and tranquility of the moment, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple beauty of the world around me. I would only think about the Signs of Allah in them. I was so lost in the pure beauty and refreshments of nature that I didn't even noticed Aunt calling me in such a way, enough for me to realise that I have to get down. 

Now, all I have to do was to get down, eat breakfast and go to school but there was something off in me. I really couldn't figure what actually it was but all I could sense was something that will make me feel different but for what reason, I couldn't specifically answer it. It is probably, something that is going to happen up next. With those strange feelings wandering through my each nerve, I almost stepped out of my room, but remembered something, my hydrangea plant. I stepped towards the window, position where my hydrangea was placed, and said, "With the beauty of yours that pleases me every morning, in the winters and in the summers; I, Kelly, will never forget to share my every feeling with thee." I chuckled on my weirdness, and moved out of the room. 

The marble floor was my favourite. It's slippery texture feels like as if I'm on a slide. 

——————

*When Kelly was five year old*

"Can I play on the stairs, Auntie? Please?" I asked my Aunt Zoey, hoping for a "yes" this time.

"No, dear. You can play in the lawn, but not on the stairs," she replied.

"But Auntie, I want to play on the stairs," I pleaded.

"Kelly, my dear. What if you fall?" Aunt Zoey asked.

"I'll get a boo-boo," I replied.

"Yes, and if you get a boo-boo, it will hurt you. So, you should not play on the stairs, okay?" Aunt Zoey said.

"But Auntie, there are monsters in the lawn," I lied.

"What?! Where?!" Aunt Zoey asked, pretending to be scared.

"Come on, let me show you," I said, taking her hand and leading her to the lawn.

"Where are they?" Aunt Zoey asked, looking around.

"They're, uh, gone. Auntie, please, I want to play on the stairs," I said, pouting and pretending to cry.

Aunt Zoey chuckled and let me play on the stairs, but warned me to be careful. I jumped up and down in excitement, thanking her profusely. As I ran towards the stairs, I heard Aunt Zoey say, "Kelly, be careful and don't get a-"

But before she could finish her sentence, I tripped and fell down the stairs. I started crying, worried that Aunt Zoey would be angry with me. But she came running over and didn't say a word, knowing that I was hurt. Fortunately, I wasn't hurt too badly, but Aunt Zoey said something that I didn't understand. "While she pass through an impenetrable forest," she said.

——————

As I made my way downstairs, I heard Aunt Zoey talking to someone. My suspicions were immediately aroused, but they quickly dissipated when I heard the other person speak. "Well, I'll see you soon," Miss Eliza said. I recognized her voice instantly - she was Aunt Zoey's friend and our neighbor from down the road.

I quickly ran downstairs and urged Aunt Zoey to hurry. In my haste, I forgot to grab my lunch and money. I couldn't even realise when this haste entered me. Aunt Zoey drove me to school in her car and dropped me off at the entrance. "I'll be late today. Don't wait up for me tonight, just go to sleep," Aunt Zoey informed me. I nodded my head in agreement and replied, "Okay, my sweet Aunt." I felt grateful for Aunt Zoey's help, but also a little worried about being alone at home. But shook off all of the thought as the same ineffable feeling run through me.

As I entered the school, my initial excitement turned to despair. I was late and everyone had already gone to their classes. I walked to my classroom with my head down, feeling embarrassed and anxious. When I arrived at the door, I took a deep breath and asked my teacher, "Excuse me, may I join the class?" I hoped that she would be understanding and not scold me for being late. Thankfully, Ma'am Crigler replied, "Oh, Kelly, come in." I stepped in and went to my seat, but Ma'am Crigler asked me, "Why are you late?"

I replied, "Ma'am, the bus driver left me."

Hana added to the conversation, "Ma'am, she was late. We were waiting for her for about 20 minutes."

"Kelly, you should be punctual. You're the topper of the class!" Ma'am Crigler advised me sternly. She ordered me to take my seat, and I obediently nodded in agreement. However, Hana, Jasmine, and Fe-Del giggled at my expense, which made me feel even worse. 

Ma'am Crigler was busy collecting and reviewing our assignments, but I remembered that mine were still resting at home. When it was my turn, I had to confess to Ma'am Crigler, "Ma'am, I left my assignments at home." She was clearly angry, but she managed to control her emotions. 

Next, it was time for the reading competition. My opponent was Fe-Del. While reading, a sudden thought hit my mind about my own past and my concentration was interrupted. I couldn't make my name in the competition and ended up losing.