Another restless night.
I awoke, drenched in sweat. My heart beating as if to leap out of my chest. It was the same, recurring dream. One where I was back in the jungle, fleeing into the unknown. Vividly, I recalled the quiet whispers of the others.
"Shhhhh, quiet your children. We need to move before we get caught."
...
"Everyone. Come. Hurry."
...
"Wait a moment, my grandmother cannot walk any further. I need to carry her."
...
"Please, does any one have extra chuwa? I don't have enough to for the journey."
...
"Wait, I haven't seen my mother for a while. She was near the back. I'm worried she fell behind."
...
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
"Sir, our scouts spotted enemy soldiers only a couple hours behind us. We won't make it at this rate."
"So be it. Leave those who are unable behind. We've no choice."
Amongst these murmurs, me, a little boy, no older than 10, was urged by his frail mother to go on without her.
"My dear children, I have given everything I have to you all. I have nothing left for myself. No strength to crawl, nor even the energy to hold little Monzu. Hurry and leave me behind. Hurry and survive."
"Mom. Please, don't talk nonsense. Get up. Please, mom. Please..."
"My dear, Tahan. My mighty soldier. Your father must be as proud of you as I am now. Follow the general. Keep your siblings close and protect them in my stead."
"Kasia, my beautiful daughter. Become strong enough to survive in this harsh world but remain true to yourself. Sing when your heart wishes to sing and dance when your body itches to dance. Help your brother look after the others."
"Sengcha, my little crybaby. Don't be so picky. Mommy won't be here to calm you when you are upset. Grow up quickly and create a world that suits you. Only then will I be able to rest peacefully."
"Cute little Monzu. My tiny hope. You are the last of my strength. The last drop of my milk. My final wish. May all my children find their way along the river, and float along the currents of life."
We stayed with her, crying. Embracing her for what we believed to be the last time. Soon, we fell towards the end of the group, which signaled that we had to get going.
As the eldest, I picked up Monzu and wrapped him onto my back with my mother's cloth, embroidered with bright green, pink hues in an intricate pattern.
Then, I took Kasia and Sengcha's hands and urged them away, following behind the group. With one last tearful glance, I turned back and saw my mother's smile. My strong, beautiful, and loving mother who I left behind.
Another restless night.