The Birth of a Wishing Heart

9. Dark Streaks

Adiscordia's eyes peeled open to see the familiar canvas over her head. Did she get carried home? She blinked a few times waiting for her mind to catch up with the rest of her. Her heavy limbs and head ached, with her sore throat being the center of attention. She chose to relish being able to take a breath of fresh air. Her mother must have lit candles to combat the smell from 'garbage day'. Being safe at home after having a period of rest, made this feel much more like a nuisance she could tolerate

How long had she been asleep? Adiscordia pushed herself up into a sitting position but hardly made it when she felt a force throw itself on her and knock the air from her chest.

"Sissy!" Grizelda held her like a rag doll. "She's awake! Addy-" There was a pause before her sister began to shake. Her bright blue eyes turned into watery pools. "I was scared!"

She closed her eyes tight at the impact and bit her lip to muffle a groan. She couldn't imagine telling her sister to leave, not after what she had put her through. She rubbed her back, feeling her tears through the cloth of her dress. "It's okay, Gri. I'm starting to feel better."

Her sister's curly top bounced back as she pushed herself back with trembling arms and a heavy sniffle. Only the gods would have known how scared she was while searching for their mother, and to go through it alone- There was nothing worse than being the helpless one. She was supposed to comfort and help care for her. She should have been the one who rescued her! She struggled not to reach and scratch the itch that was forming on her scalp. Instead, she kissed her sister's forehead and wiped her tears. "I'm here, It's okay. I'm here." She placed her hand on her sister's scalp. The rough tight curls emerged from in between her fingers and made her feel right at home. "It's okay." She whispered

Adiscordia was so busy comforting her sister that she hardly noticed when her mother knelt beside them. "How are you feeling?"

She took a moment to think of an answer. Her brows furrowed. How was she ever supposed to protect and comfort her sister if she couldn't tell a single lie? She felt tired and weak. Her scalp and arms were begging her to scratch them to release some sort of, something! She just wanted to do something, anything. The situation they were in made her head ache. That wasn't even counting the deep painful emptiness in her-

Adiscordia blinked a few times. It didn't hurt so much. "I..."

The emptiness that usually plagued her belly was gone. She was unable to focus on anything but the foreign relief. "Mamma, It doesn't hurt." She rubbed her belly. At the touch, she found it harder to believe. "It doesn't hurt!"

Her mother smiled wide. "Yes, Maud did tell me you ate some fruit."

"You had fruit?" Grizelda exclaimed.

"I saved you some!" Adiscordia grinned as the memories poured in. She pulled the pouch from her skirt and handed it to her sister who snatched it from her and hastily undid the strings.

Her eyes widened as if she had encountered some rare treasure. An ear-to-ear grin formed on her sister's face before she almost threw herself on her again in a tight hold.

A strangely calm voice interrupted the joyful moment. "Adiscordia, while your sister enjoys her treat I need to speak with you alone."

The joy of seeing Grizelda was short-lived, especially when she now clung to her. She didn't want to let go. Was she in trouble? Her scalp felt itchy again with a resounding yes. It was then quickly pressed her hands to her head. Her eyes widened as she looked around. Where was her bonnet? Grizelda must've seen the streak in her hair. She combed it and pulled the black striped to her face. Her mother knew. They weren't supposed to know. Her eyes burned at that moment. Did her sister realize she had failed her? Grizelda didn't seem upset, but who knew how long ago she had noticed. Adiscordia just wanted a wishing heart, and such a simple thing ruined it? It wasn't fair! The curse would be coming for her. That, that shadow would-