When I looked back, Leah and Mara were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a massive wisteria tree, in full bloom, stood before me. I was completely astonished and could only watch as the overhanging vines, adorned with purple pea-shaped flowers danced with the wind.

I lifted my head up and saw a wisteria flower drifting down from above. I opened my hands, waiting for it to fall into my palms. As soon as it landed, my mind was suddenly filled with flashbacks, and that one specific memory that I had buried deep within me resurfaced.

…

The memory was blurry, but I could still recall some events from the day I ran away from home.

It was no secret in our town that I was adopted. My adoptive parents had trouble conceiving, so when I was left at their doorstep, they were elated. They treated me like their own.

But when I turned seven, everything changed. My adoptive mother became pregnant with their biological child. From that moment on, I was set aside, becoming invisible in the household.

I was devastated; I had gone from being their world to being a shadow. I tried excelling in academics, sports- anything to gain their attention and love once more. But nothing worked.

One day, my baby sister was crying. Mother was asleep, and father was out for work. Not wanting to wake mother, I went to check on the baby. But as I reached for the crib, Mother woke up and went hysterical.

“What are you trying to do?!” she screamed, rushing toward the crying baby.

I was shocked by her outburst. I tried to explain, but she ignored me, cradling her baby instead. “No-, I wasn’t trying to do anything, mother. I-I was- just trying to check on her because she was crying.” I stammered, trying to hold back my tears.

She continued to ignore me.

“I- am sorry, mother.” I whispered, bowing my head as tears rolled down my cheeks.

“Just get out of here.” she snapped, irritated.

I quickly ran towards the door and left the house.

I just ran … and ran … while my tears streamed down my face.

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After a few blocks, I reached the playground in our neighborhood and sat down on a bench near the monkey bars. I hung my head, letting the tears fall as I stared blankly at my fidgeting hands.

“What’s wrong dear?” A lady asked gently.

I sniffled and ignored her. I could feel her watching me, waiting for a response.

I looked up to see her, but her face was … blurred in my memory. I could not recall her features, but the thing that really stood out to me was the beautiful dress she was wearing.

“Ohh, don’t cry, little one. Would you like to see some magic?” she asked in a soothing voice.

I nodded while sniffing and wiping my tears. I could still remember seeing her big smile when I agreed.

Time seemed to pass quickly.

The lady stood up. “It’s getting late; your parents must be looking for you. Let’s get you back home.” she said, extending her hand.

“I don’t want to go home.” I murmured, looking down.

“Can I come with you, princess?” I called her ‘princess’ because of how beautiful she appeared to me.

“How adorable.” she giggled. She then kneeled in front of me and placed her hands on my knees, she continued, “I can’t take you with me, dear. My home is extremely dangerous for children like you; there are monsters, dragons, and other frightening beings that would keep you up at night.”

I lowered my head, my sadness evident.

“But when you grow up, I’ll come back and take you with me. Is that okay?”

“Do you promise?” I asked.

“I pro-.“

Before she could finish her sentence, the memory abruptly ended, and I regained my consciousness.

I quickly realized I was submerged in water, drowning. Panicked, I tried to swim, desperately reaching out with my arms and kicking my legs to float to the surface. Just as I was about to lose my breath, a hand unexpectedly pulled me out of the water.

My vision was blurry, and my hearing was muffled. I choked and coughed, struggling to breathe. Suddenly, I felt warmth spreading through my body. Within seconds, I could breathe normally again.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw Mikhael looking concerned, holding me with one arm while using the other to heal me. His arm was visibly soaked, and behind him, Mara and Leah stood, worried and on the verge of tears.

Mikhael quickly stood up when he saw me open my eyes, rushing off in a hurry; with me cradled securely in his arms. I lost consciousness again shortly after.

…

Hours later, I woke up in my bed to find it was already nighttime. I sat up and tried to recall the events that had happened. Checking myself over, I was relieved to find that I felt better— better than I had in a long time.

I then stood up and headed to the bathroom. As I walked inside, I caught a quick glimpse of myself in the mirror. I stopped, confused, and took another look.

My eyebrows furrowed. As far as I could remember, my eyes had always been brown, but now…

“Why does my right eye look like this?” I murmured.

What had once been a simple brown eye was now a diamond-like material embedded in my iris.

To be continued.