wait for me [illumi zoldyck]

51. Rise Above

Many Years Ago

Rene

"Mama, I'll be fine. I'm just going to go fetch some water," I call out, running off towards the forest, not waiting to hear any response from her.

My family lives in a small secluded cottage, which sits 10 kilometers away from the nearest town. Our home is surrounded completely by greenery and nature, far from the townsfolk.

Papa left a few months back, to fight in the war. So, mama and I have had to take care of ourselves until he gets back. Which means doing all the heavy lifting and manly jobs, like chopping firewood. I don't mind it though, because it gives me a reason to go exploring on my own. Something I've never had the liberty of doing in the past.

I'm only seventeen, but mama and papa believe that it's still too precarious for me to go into the big town all by myself. Most of the townsfolk know about my strange abilities to see ghosts and think I'm some sort of witch. They don't treat me well, calling me cruel names. On some occasions, I've even been physically attacked. That's why mama and papa decided to live far away, secluded from everyone.

Sometimes, I feel like they might secretly hate me for it. If it weren't for me, they would be able to live normal lives with the townsfolk and make friends. However, neither of them have ever lamented about the life they could be living if it weren't for me. If they do feel resentful, they don't show it.

I carefully step over a decaying tree trunk, trying my best not to get my dress dirty in the process. The dress itself is nothing special, patched up with whatever leftover materials mama could find when she went into town. But I try to keep it as clean as possible because it's the only dress I own.

My bare feet pad across the mossy flooring of the forest, stepping over sharp twigs and pebbles. They don't hurt me though. I've never really had any shoes to wear, so my feet have become accustomed to this sort of thing.

Finally, after following the sound of rushing water, I come across a small stream that filters through a myriad of rocks and pebbles. I follow it until I am met with a small body of water. A pond. My eyes light up at the sight of it, having never come across it before. The bucket in my hand drops to my the floor, as I lean over the water the water, peering into it.

The water in the pond is crystal clear, ringed with large rocks and an array of colorful flowers that I've never seen before. I dip my toes inside, shuddering at the icy temperature. I relish the feeling, enjoying the exhilaration it brings to my dull life. For a second, I consider going for a swim but quickly remember that mama is awaiting my return and will worry if I take too long.

Reaching down beside me, I pick up the large bucket that I previously had dropped and lean down to scoop up some water. I heave it upwards and place the heavy bucket back onto the ground beside me. It was hard transporting these heavy buckets of water by myself, at first, after papa left, but it isn't as difficult anymore. I've gotten used to it.

My eyes stray to the countless flowers that encompass the pond. I've never seen such beautiful flowers in my life. They all lay in a small clearing just beside the stream, in a glade of colors. The beaming sunlight graces the thriving greenery in a golden glow.

Strolling past the pond, I seat myself in the middle of the clearing, gently passing my hands over the petals. They feel soft and velvety on my fingertips. I look closer, noticing that they almost seem to shine with a irridescnet hue. I've never seen anything like it before. A small smile graces my lips.

Mama would love these flowers but would get angry with me if she learned that I spent my time fooling around instead of coming straight home. So, instead of picking them, I leave them as they are and admire their beauty.