When Shadows Rise | I

Ch. 19 | Answers

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Talia remembered the day she was asked to say the blessing at dinner for the first time. She must have been ten at the time, but she was brimming with nervousness. Her mother assured her with that gentle smile of hers. Anytime her mother gave her that smile, Talia could always feel her confidence grow stronger than ever.

She lit the two Shabbat candles and circled mid-air above them using her palms. Then, she used her palms to cover her eyes as she chanted:

"Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir shel Shabbat."

When she was done, she opened one eye to look at her parents for their approval. The grins on their faces told her what they thought of her recital.

Now here she was, reciting the exact same words before the bimah while on her knees.

"Amen," she finished. She had not been to the synagogue since her mother's death, but today felt right to attend. Now more than ever, she needed her prayers answered.

"Please," she whispered, "I need to know. Give me a clue. Anything. Anything that will help me unlock my mother's secrets."

She was not the only one inside, as a few others were also kneeling and praying. She viewed the astounding stained glass portrait of the Star of David on the wall across from her, which reflected the sunlight slanting through the windows to illuminate the room. Normally, this would brighten her spirits- like flowers blossoming during the springtime. But right now, her petals were closed— in fact, they were wilting.

She was not sure if they would ever open again.

***

When Talia entered the safe house, the only feelings she could describe were dullness and gloominess. It wasn't just because the room itself was as perfect as it was cold. It wasn't just because all the furniture came in monochromatic colors, making everything else look functional. But it was also because when she thought about why she was here in the first place, she could feel her spirits dampen further. She dreaded thinking about it, but what if the situation with The Foot would take longer than expected? Would she have to fear them for the rest of her days? What was going to happen to her future?

Talia leaned her back against the door when she closed it. Just where did it all go wrong?

Her father was still at work, something about making up his hours for when he was recovering, which meant Talia was going to be on her own for a while. She went to 'her' room, unsure of what to do next. She flopped onto the bed and laid there for a couple of minutes. While in that position, she looked at the walls and furniture, wondering how much better the bedroom would look if she painted the walls blush or taupe.

She stared at the window, which had a curtain rod above it to suspend silk black curtains. Black was an elegant color, but she was not sure if it would look good with her wall color choice; the curtains would have to be taken care of, too. She also felt like adding a plant to the windowsill; she always had the firm belief that plants could bring life and color to any place.

If there was one thing she liked, however, it was the furniture with its simple designs. Whoever picked it out (she assumed it must've been Mr. Hamato), had good taste.