The endless night numbs the spirit. As Ambrose stares out at the vast expanse above the treetops, her mind wanders. Misery and joy, compassion and brutality, hope and despair. Many emotions hide in her memories, reminding her of what was. She stares at her outstretched arms. Strong. Full. Alien. The wrongness of her body recedes slowly but consistently, eroding her struggles. Taking what she was. As if it was nothing.
More than anything, Ambrose feels tired. When her life was taken, she felt relief. Her desire could never have been realised. The never-ending struggle only brought pain. So why…why couldn’t she die in peace.
“Talin.” Sunfa stirs beside Ambrose, waking her from her reverie.
“Sunfa.” Ambrose says softly, shaking her gently.
“Not Talin.” Sunfa mumbles. Her wounds were patched up earlier, Ambrose using some cloth to clean and protect the wounds. “Talin.” She continues to cry out, her stirring slowly getting stronger. “Not Talin!” She shoots up, and screams out, her eyes wild. Ambrose quickly catches her arms before they flail around her.
“Sunfa! Focus!” Ambrose says strongly, bringing Sunfa up to face her. “Remember who you are.” She stares at Ambrose blankly. Ambrose sighs, and turns her to the side where she’d placed some dried fruits she’d found. “These are yours right. You must be hungry.”
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Sunfa’s eyes light up, and Ambrose lets go as she jumps over to the food. Her hands are a whirlwind as she digs into the fruit, their pungent smell making her nose wrinkle. Ambrose stares at her softly for a moment, before pulling her back. Sunfa cries out.
“No.” Ambrose says. “Eat slowly. Don’t waste the food.” Sunfa stills at her words, and then looks at her blankly.
“Ma?” She calls out softly, almost carefully, as she looks past Ambrose.
“I’m not your mum.” Ambrose says softly, sitting her next to her. “You remember your mother?”
“I’m sorry for hitting him Ma.” Sunfa says, her eyes slack. “I won’t do it again. Ma? Ma?” Ambrose remains silent, as Sunfa keeps calling out.
“Sunfa.” Ambrose says.
“Ma, I’ll be a good girl. I won’t hit anyone. Please. Come back.” Sunfa’s hands reach out, and grip Ambrose’s shirt. Her eyes shake as she feels the grip.
“I’m not…” Ambrose’s words trail off as she looks at Sunfa, her eyes not even focusing on her. “How long have you been here for Sunfa?” Ambrose asks, knowing the question won’t be answered.
“Too long.” Sunfa answers, and Ambrose’s eyes widen as she turns to her. Sunfa’s eyes are clear for a moment, their multi-hued shine staring directly at Ambrose. “Our sin took the sun, and the land forever lost its light. It craves freedom from this frozen night. Parasite, free this place from its endless cycle.”
“Para…site…?” Ambrose whispers, her eyes going wide. “Why are you saying the same thing?!” Sunfa’s eyes that had gained their light for a moment, grow empty again, a blank stare returning her question. “What are we?” Ambrose looks down at her hands.
“Talin. Not Talin. Talin.” Sunfa’s voice drones on in an endless cycle, as doubt fills Ambrose’s mind.
“Is this all pointless…?” The questions hangs in the air as Ambrose looks up at the moon. The wind blows across the sky, its cold voice dancing across her skin. Numbing her body and her spirit.