The Aftermath

Chapter 1

Australia. Heaven on Earth and the origin of my spider phobia. It all started in Australia, a country renowned for its breathtaking beauty and unique wildlife. Little did I know that originating from that point, a sequence of interconnected events unfolded, each one paving the way for the next, ultimately guiding me to my present circumstances.

The day was bright and sunny, as it often is in Australia. Aunt Olivia made a delightful breakfast of pancakes topped with fresh raspberries from her own garden. I relished the taste of the pancakes and the warmth of Aunt Olivia's love. After breakfast, my mom, my sister Nina, and I headed to the beach, leaving my dad behind as he slept in after watching a late-night golf championship. The soft sand greeted our feet as we strolled along the shore.

Nina tested the water with her foot and grimaced, exclaiming,

"The water is cold!"

Despite the chill, she bravely decided to swim anyway, her laughter filling the air. It was a perfect day, with the sun, sand, ocean, and my beloved family creating an idyllic atmosphere. I wanted to capture this moment, to store it in my memory as an anchor of happiness, especially as I contemplated leaving home in Dublin to attend college. Secretly, I had applied to the University of Adelaide, but I hadn't yet informed my dad. I hoped he would understand and not be angry if I were accepted. Besides, Aunt Olivia would be thrilled to have me stay with her; she had always treated Nina and me like her own children.

"Will you come swimming with us, Mom?" I asked.

She replied with a warm smile,

"I'll soak up the sun for a bit."

Excitement filled me as I made my way toward the water, feeling its cold touch on my leg. Drops of ocean freshness flew back at Nina as we engaged in a playful water fight. Without realising it, we had ventured deeper into the water, our laughter echoing through the air. Eventually, we emerged, panting and filled with joy, and made our way back to our mother.

"You never came," I drawled, a hint of disappointment in my voice.

"I didn't want to disturb you. Besides, I would have been an easy target for your water splashes. I'm waiting for it to warm up," she explained, adjusting her glasses and inserting an earphone into her ear.

"When will dad join us?" Nina inquired.

"Soon, darling. He was in the bathroom when we left. Olivia won't let him out until he eats her pancakes," Mom replied with a smile.

"Her pancakes are truly a masterpiece," I added, appreciating Aunt Olivia's culinary skills.

As I turned to face the ocean once more, I noticed that the wind was picking up, carrying an unpleasant chill. I hoped it would pass quickly, but my hopes were shattered as the wind intensified. It was no longer just a breeze; it was a full-blown tornado. Fear gripped me, turning my body to stone. I looked at my mother and saw the same fear reflected in her eyes. She grabbed Nina's and my hands, and together, we ran back home. Along the way, we encountered my dad, squinting in the dusty wind, but he managed to catch up to us. I had always felt safe with my father, but in that moment, it was the last thing I would remember before darkness consumed me.

***

I woke up to find myself engulfed in a sea of dreams and memories once again. They provided a fleeting sense of happiness and hope, only to crumble into fragments as soon as I opened my eyes. My own mind played tricks on me, repeatedly snatching away the most cherished moments. Those I longed for were nowhere to be found, and the painful truth settled in—they would never return. Why had fate dealt such a cruel hand to me? To them? I pondered these questions, knowing that countless others who had experienced personal tragedy must have asked the same.