Standing before me is a child, innocent and pure, curiously scanning my appearance with their piercing gaze that seemed as if they were scrutinizing each nook and cranny of my body and soul.The child was the former me that I've lost throughout the years, they were me and I was them. But isn't it impossible to time-travel? Didn't my childhood burn along with the fire on that day? And... this is impossible logically.
All these questions, yet nothing came out of my pathetic voice. I was stunned, frozen in shock. The child only smiled, seeing my distressed expression being all pitiful on this dusty concrete floor.
Out of everything that I could've asked, one rose up from the never ending mountain of things I could've said. It was highlighted in the brightest and most noticeable way you could ever imagine.
At first, all that slipped out was a feeble squeak. But I gained the courage to let it out. I held my breath and went to it, whether it's now or never.
" ... How's mom doing? "
I exhaled an enormous satisfying breath that I've had all my life, all my worries flowing out of my lungs. I gritted my teeth, fisted my hand, anticipating a reply from this child before me, hoping that the words that tumble out their mouth won't catch me off guard.
The child simply giggled, then stared at me with such confidence in those twinkling eyes of theirs.
" Don't worry, she'll be fine. That's what she said, and I trust my mommy! " That bright and joyous smile, it could brighten up the darkest of hearts, and the lowest of hell.
All I can do is just smile, I just hope it wasn't the usual depressing and masked smile I always put on everyday. I would never wish to taint such a cheerful and naïve child.
My body moved on it's own, again I was reminded that I was only a spectator in this reality. I strutted my way ahead, and reached my hand out to pat the child's head.
So suddenly, my body was overwhelmed by an unknown force that easily overpowered me completely. It was too sudden that I had no time to brace for impact, and then I was dragged backwards.The unknown force directed my limp body where it should go, like a puppet master and his marionette. It led me on it's own will. I had no voice in this, I had no right to object nor reject.
The force weakens into simply the rushing of air, but everything around me twirled and spun. Manipulating the buildings that sprout around me, shifting and transforming magically that I was frozen in awe.
I know where I was headed, I knew what was to come at this point.
" ... I hope they'll all be ok "My eyes flutter shut, a warm and loving smile blooms on my face. Droplets of tears trickled off the edges of my eyes and floated off, frozen in mid-air.
Take care my dearest, I'll be back soon.
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Author's notes:
And this would mark the end of the short story. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. Again, I'm still inexperienced with publishing stories so structured and helpful suggestions as well as feedbacks to improve will be appreciated.
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