A Number, Not a Name

All the Sunlight of Our Past

Logs crackled in the fireplace. Soft music flowed from a small music box. Milena sat silently on a gray floral rug in front of the hearth. Tears flowed down her cheeks. The events of the last few hours had turned her world upside down. The revelations of her father's past regarding the KLF and its activities had already cracked the idealized image she held of her dad. Doubt had crept up in her mind about whether he truly was the gentle loving man she adored. However, any reservations she had she pushed aside. Elias had convinced her the death of a few political rivals was necessary as their corruption and oppression had run too deep. Besides meaningful change and justice in the world often came hand in hand with violence.

Liana had permanently shattered that view of her father. Her sister's words which detailed the pain and abuse their father inflicted on her echoed in her mind. He had taken from Liana the love of her life. Blamed her for her mother's death. Instead of listening to her sister, she yelled at her. Exploded in a fit of rage. Vehemently denied her story. She was hurt and angry because she knew Liana was right. Their father was a monster. She knew that now. Accepting who her father really was would take some time as well as looking at her history in a different light. The broken yet beautiful family Milena thought she, her father, and younger sister had made together was only the former. Broken beyond repair.

The stories of her childhood were much easier on the heart. She vividly recalled sitting at her Grandmother Catharina's feet while she cradled Liana in her arms. Dark elves and valiant knights filled her Grandma Ina's tales but were an allegory of Blagueur-Ohanyan history she had previously seen as her true heritage.

.....

Twenty-three years earlier:

"Grandma, please can I have another story?" Milena pleaded, making puppy eyes. "I'm not ti..tir..." Milena brought her hand to her mouth and yawned. "Tired yet."

Catharina skeptically squinted her eyes, "Hmmm...are you sure?" she teased.

"I am. Pleassseeee." Milena cuddled up closer to her grandmother who was rocking back and forth in a rocking chair.

Catharina glanced down at Liana who was fast asleep in her arms and back at her oldest granddaughter. "Alright. One more."

"Yay!" Milena squealed.

"Once upon a time in a faraway land there lived a dashing king and a beautiful queen. The two of them were very happy and had a handsome son. Dark times would soon overtake the kingdom as the dark elves attacked the realm from all around." Catharina motioned with her arm all around the room. "The king and his knights bravely fought to defend the land but were vanquished by the dark elves."

Milena's eyes widened in wonder and a little fear. She clutched her blanket but leaned in closer to her grandmother to hear every word.

"The beautiful queen and her son left the kingdom and set off to far-off lands in search of a place to call home. They soon arrived at an enchanted magical land and settled there. The beautiful queen soon found love again with a man of the land. They married and he brought the young prince up as his own. In time the young prince fell in love with a fair maiden and they were married in a joyful celebration. The prince and his bride had two daughters and joy, peace, and happiness were restored throughout their family and the enchanted land. And they all lived happily ever after."

"Another one Grandma," Milena begged.

"Oh, no young lady. It's time for you to get to bed. But I'll tell you another one tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. I love you Grandma" Milena stood and threw her arms around her Grandmother.

"I love you too Sugar Muffin."