The Enigmatic God of Cassandra

Chapter 1

       "All mortals are crafted by Hamish. All mortals are created to glorify Hamish. The sovereign everyone feels yet no one sees is the righteous ruler of every atom, for he designed it to worship him," stated Salest, his voice carrying an air of reverence.

      "Why are we to worship him if we can't see him?" Terra questioned, her eyes searching the horizon as if expecting Hamish to materialize before her.

      "I want to see him!" Steven squeaked, his young voice filled with innocence and curiosity.

      "Me too!" The class joined in unison; their young minds eager for a glimpse of the enigmatic deity.

      Every Saturday, Cass heard this familiar chant from the children. Watching their curious minds turn, it made her heart ache with the knowledge of the absent God. Would Hamish ever reveal himself again to her and recognize her efforts?

      As the children continued to express their collective longing to witness the enigmatic Hamish, Cassandra could not help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions within her. She knew all too well the stories and myths surrounding the elusive deity, but she also carried a secret burden—one that compelled her to avoid dwelling on such matters.

      Attempting to mask her emotions with a warm smile, Cassandra gently interjected, "Alright, my little scholars, it's time for a well-deserved break and a little something to eat. I have prepared some delicious snacks for you all. Let's take a short break, and then we can continue with our lessons."

      The children's faces lit up at the mention of snacks, and their excited chatter filled the air as they followed Cassandra to the refreshment area. While serving the children and exchanging playful banter with them, she pushed down the feelings of pity and guilt that threatened to resurface. She had long since become skilled at hiding her emotions, putting on a brave front for her young pupils.

      As the children enjoyed their treats, Cassandra glanced outside the window, where the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the landscape. It reminded her of the countless evenings she had spent praying to Hamish in her youth, seeking guidance and understanding. But as the years passed, and Hamish remained absent, her faith wavered, replaced by an unsettling realization that the stories of the deity's benevolence were mere tales.

      Once the break was over, Cassandra redirected the children's attention to their studies, diving into various subjects to keep their young minds engaged. She taught them about the wonders of the natural world, the beauty of art and literature, and the importance of compassion and kindness.

      As the class progressed, one of the older children, a perceptive girl named Lila, noticed Cassandra's momentary lapse of composure during a discussion on morality. The concern in Lila's eyes did not go unnoticed, but she said nothing, sensing that the teacher needed her space.

      Later that day, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the children left for their homes, Cassandra found herself alone in the empty classroom. The weight of her emotions finally became too much to bear. She sank into her chair, tears welling in her eyes, as she confronted the feelings she had suppressed for so long.

      She mourned the loss of her faith, feeling the emptiness of a once fervent belief. She questioned why Hamish, if he truly existed, remained hidden from the world he crafted. Doubt gnawed at her, but she also knew that she had a responsibility to the children—to guide them with knowledge and kindness, even with the absence of divine reassurance in her own life.

      Cassandra wiped her tears and took a deep breath, finding solace in the idea that she could still be a force for good in the lives of her students. While she could not offer them certainty about the existence of Hamish, she could instill in them the values of empathy, critical thinking, and open-mindedness.