Two days later
I’m running through the woods. It was dark and the only little was from the moon. It was huge as if I could touch it. Was I running from or to someone? The surrounding trees were destroyed like someone scratched them up. There was black ooze leaking from the lines in the trees, pouring out like tears. The smell was horrid and as it fell to the grass it burned through like acid. I started to panic when I heard someone call out. They were far away and I couldn’t quite catch what they were saying, but I didn’t care. I had to get away from these trees, so I started walking towards the voice.
“Hello, are you there?”
Darkness started to spread around me as I moved through the woods. The only source of light was the little figure running through the trees followed by some giggling.
“Catch me if you can,” the little voice said with a laugh. It was a kid’s voice.
“Wait. I can barely see you.” Every now and then I would see the blur going deeper and deeper into the woods. The darkness has completely covered me and I was lost. Lost in a sea of darkness with no way out. I can feel myself losing hope with every step. I stopped moving and fell to the ground. There was nothing I could but cry.
“Why do you always run away? I told you to stay near.”
A hand outstretched to me and I grabbed it. Isaiah pulled me to my feet. “Come on, crybaby. Our family is waiting.”
A path opened up as we moved along and made it to our spot. It was beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. Everyone was here. From my parents, Isaiah’s parents, Isabella and Victoria, Zack with a biker chick on his arms, my stupid brother, and even Alaia who was carrying a baby wrapped in black cloth. We all stood around a table laughing and joking. There was no fighting or drama, just peace. I didn’t know what was going on but it was better than being in darkness.
“Mommy, mommy. Come look at the fireflies,” the familiar little voice said.
“Don’t keep our daughter waiting, Zi.” Isaiah kissed my hand before pointing to white glowing child near the edge of the cliff.
This was her. Our child. And we’re both alive. Could this be the future? I got up from the table and went to the edge of the cliff. I keep forgetting how beautiful this scene is. A long waterfall overlooking a vast of trees with the full moon giving off a radiance of light. Picture perfect.
I didn’t have a moment to look at my child before I felt a push and I was falling over the cliff. I looked up and noticed her hand reaching out. I wasn’t sure if she was trying to help or if she pushed me until I saw a shadowy figure behind her. This was it. This was the omen. My child was going to kill me.
“There can only be one,” the shadow whispered as I fell head first into the shallow creek below.
“NO!!!”
I bolted straight up in my bed. I looked around in a panic trying to get my bearings straight. I couldn’t really see through the tears pouring out of my face. I heard heavy footsteps getting closer and in a second my parents were running through my door. My mom was the first to get to me.
“Zira, sweetheart, are you ok? What’s wrong? What hurts?” She continued to move my entire body before coming back to my face.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” I kept saying through my sobs. I wasn’t sure what I was apologizing for but I felt I needed to.
My parents sat on opposite sides holding on to me. “It was just a dream Z-bug. Everything is okay,” my dad said as I looked up at him, trying to focus on his face.
Even though I was awake I still felt a pull like the dream wanted me back. I was fighting with myself and reality.
“Zira, listen to me. Follow my breathing,” my mother instructed.
I didn’t realize I was having a panic attack. I looked at my mom and followed her breathing which was actually helping me gain control. My dad kept rubbing circles on my back and I was finally feeling safe.
“Doing better?” I nodded to my mom's question. “Do you want to talk about it,” she asked cautiously.
“No, please. I’m okay. It was just a nightmare.”
My parents shared a look before getting up to leave. I knew they were worried about my psyche after everything, but they knew not to bring it up. I didn’t want to add another thing on my already filled plate.
“Mom, Dad. Thank you,” I said before they walked out the door.
“We’re always here, Z-bug. Don’t forget that,” my dad said while my mom smiled. I knew she was still mad about the whole situation but what else could be done.
“Just gotta suck it up and keep moving,” she said when we were leaving the hospital.
She didn't know how scared I was of moving forward, especially if it meant getting closer to death. As they left I laid down absentmindedly stroking the choker I was wearing. A sense of calm covered me and like magic I got a ping on my phone. A message from Isaiah.
Hey, is everything ok? I felt the need to ask you, he said.
I smiled at the thought and it grew bigger when I received a similar text from Isabella.
Hey are you okay? Isabella texted. Did I beat Isaiah?
I replied ‘Yes’.
Just to make her feel better. Then she invited me over tomorrow. I didn't reply. As much as I would love to see Isabella I still felt weird being there. Especially since that’s where everything started. Even with everything they still are the best. Isabella more than Isaiah right now but still. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.