FLASHBACK
"Mom, look!" the little boy exclaimed, pointing at a girl with pale-chocolate skin peacefully sleeping between the trunks of a tree, wearing a tattered, dirty red dress.
The boy turned to his mother, seeking her approval. "Mom, should I wake her up?" he asked, innocence reflecting in his wide eyes.
His mother paused for a moment before responding, "No, wait. I'll do it." With gentle steps, she walked towards me. She tapped my shoulder ever so softly to awaken me from my slumber.
Startled, I hastily opened my eyes, scanning my surroundings for any potential threats. Fear immediately gripped me as my instincts kicked into high gear. I needed to ensure I was not in danger, did they follow me all the way here?
Sensing my apprehension, the woman quickly reassured me with a comforting and soothing voice. "Please, darling, don't freak out. It's just me and my son." The boy, trembling, hid behind his mother, clinging to her dress for safety.
Realizing the effect my sudden awakening had on the boy, I felt a pang of guilt. "Please forgive me," I blurted out, my voice filled with genuine remorse. "I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's okay," the woman replied with understanding in her eyes. "By the way, what are you doing here, and why were you sleeping on the ground?" Her curiosity overflowed, and she showered me with questions.
Her inquiries ignited a storm of memories within me. I recalled the depths of what had happened. My mother had exiled me. At the very least, I expected her to tell me the reason she was sending me away from the place I had known my entire life, but no. She told me nothing. The only thing she told me was that she didn't need me anymore and that I should leave. I had no where to go and neither did I have anyone to run to. I decided that, just this once, I'll disobey her, I'll stay even if she killed me. Where does she expect me to go? I asked myself.
Caught in the whirlwind of my thoughts, the woman noticed my distant gaze. Sensing my need for guidance, she softly called out to bring me back to the present. "Hello," she said, her voice filled with compassion.
My mind snapped back to reality, and I managed to respond, "Yes." The connection with her warmth was enough to anchor me in the here and now.
Instantly recognizing her own inadvertent intrusion, the woman apologized. "Sorry, it was rude of me to ask. Let's go home and find something to eat first. Afterward, you can tell me what happened."
Grateful for her kindness and recognizing her genuine concern, I nodded in agreement. She gently helped me up as I tried to dust out the sand particles from my body. Having ever known my mother's cruelty, I was cautious. But having no where else to go, I decided to go with her for the mean time all the while never letting my guard down.
"Follow me" she said and held the hand of her son as they led the way.
The forest was dense and wild, with an earthy aroma that filled the air as we made our way to their noble home. The trees towered above us, stretching towards the sky with gnarled branches that reached out like fingers seeking the sun. The canopy formed a natural green umbrella overhead, dappling the sunlight into mottled patterns of light and shade that danced on the forest floor.
The ground was soft underfoot, carpeted with a thick layer of fallen leaves and moss that cushioned our steps. Tangled vines snaked their way around tree trunks, creating natural ropes for us to hold onto as we traversed the challenging terrain. Small animals darted between the trees - birds chirped in the canopy above, squirrels skittered across the branches, and rabbits hopped through the underbrush, all busily going about their day.
As we made our way through the thick foliage, the forest changed around us, revealing new landscapes at every turn. Streams bubbled and babbled, their cool, clear waters weaving their way through the trees. Noises echoed in the woods - woodpeckers tapping, frogs croaking, and the occasional rustle of leaves that signaled some creature beyond our sight. Wildflowers bloomed in the meadows, their colorful petals providing a stark contrast to the brown and green of the trees, edible mushrooms all around us.
Despite the feeling of wildness and untamed beauty, there was an air of peacefulness that surrounded us, as if the forest was watching over us, welcoming us with open arms. It seemed as though every step we took drew us deeper into the heart of the forest. And, as we approached their house, it was as though we had been gifted with a rare glimpse into nature's inner sanctum, a view of the beauty and majesty of the natural world.
Their house was a humble abode, yet exuded a certain charm that invited one to feel at home. It stood nestled within nature, its walls woven with the natural materials that adorned it. Stepping inside, I was struck by the cleanliness and organization that embraced the space. Every object had its designated place, creating a sense of order, harmony and serenity.
"My name is Irene, and this is my son Enoch." She said pointing at her son who was busily searching through his toys selection.
"May I ask what your name is?" She asked me with a polite tone.
"Please you can call me Majesty" I replied.
Irene, with a gentle smile, directed her son to fill the bathtub, instructing him to fetch warm water from the kitchen. Enoch eagerly scurried off, an eager helper in his mother's quest to restore my well-being. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the house as Irene knelt beside me. I wanted to ask why she was helping someone she just met but decided to keep quiet and see how things play out.
"Well, Majesty, how would you like to take a warm bath." Without waiting for my approval, she held my hand pulled me towards the bathroom.
"First, let's get you out of that dirty dress," she spoke softly, her voice laced with compassion and reassurance. Even so Her kindness was too good to be true. I still had my guard up.
With delicate movements, Irene gently guided me to undress, assisting me in removing the tattered, dirt-stained fabric that clung to my body. Her hands caressed my shoulders, offering comfort as I revealed my vulnerability.
As the bathtub filled with warm water, inviting steam swirling above, Irene's soothing voice accompanied the comforting sound. "The water is ready, dear," she whispered, her voice carrying a melody that only the heart can truly understand. Her touch guided me towards the tub.
Taking great care, Irene supported me as I lowered myself into the blissful warmth of the water. The moment my body submerged, a sigh of relief escaped my lips, as though the water cradled my weary soul, gently washing away the stains and scars of my past. All the while, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I might be putting them in danger, I had to leave if I wanted them to stay safe, there is no telling when my mother's guards will find me. She exiled me, and as if that wasn't enough, she sent her soldiers to make sure I was dead.
With utmost tenderness, Irene took a soft cloth and began to cleanse my skin, her movements fluid and attentive. As she gently washed away the dirt and grime, I could feel a weight lifting from within, as if the cleansing waters were symbolic of the rebirth that I so desperately sought. I should enjoy this hospitality while it lasts, I doubt I'll find it anywhere else. After careful consideration, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. If she wanted me dead, she would've killed me while I was sleeping between the trunks.
With each stroke of the cloth, she ignited a glimmer of hope within me, a belief that I was deserving of care and love, something I never had from the woman I called my mother. It brought a tear to my eyes, if only my mom was a little of what Irene was, that would have been enough for me.
The water grew cooler, signaling the end of our gentle bath. With great care, Irene wrapped me in a soft towel, enfolding me in a warm embrace.