The Silent Sentinel

Riddle, Riddle

There is a saying that, "A friend in need is a friend indeed."

In the heart of Emerald City, Halloween was an annual tradition. Despite tales of witches kidnapping children and other superstitions, the city's residents never ceased the celebration. They donned masks and costumes to escape their everyday identities during the occasion.

October 2022 was no exception, the entry to the month brought an extra layer of both excitement and mystery to the city's atmosphere.

A young passionate girl stood out among all in this city; where everyone seemed to have a penchant for peering into others' lives.

She had an unassuming yet captivating appearance. Her curly hair framed her face in loose waves, cascading gently to her shoulders. Her hazel eyes held a quiet, thoughtful depth, reflecting both her inner strength and the longing in her heart. She possessed an understated beauty, which, when paired with her genuine smile, was suppose to draw people in but rather it drew them away.

Mary's life was distinct from others, primarily because she lacked friends, despite the routine and predictability of urban living.

Sixteen years prior, Mary and her single mother had settled in the city, where rumors painted her mother as a witch, casting unfounded accusations about her father's identity.

"Mary's mother must have conceived her from sleeping with many men," gossip echoed through the streets of Emerald City.

This left Mary in a profoundly lonely state. She felt isolated, with no friends to confide in, except for her mother, who, too, sought refuge in solitude.

Her mother, burdened by the weight of societal judgment, often shut herself indoors, unable to bear the stigmatization she encountered whenever she went outside.

"I hate my past!" Mary's mother would cry out in her room. A curse was placed upon her when she was just one week pregnant by the wife of the man who had impregnated her. The tragedy deepened when the man passed away. Living with them, Mary's mother had no choice but to hastily pack her belongings and flee the city for another.

Mary's life grew darker with each passing day. Her workplace, a quaint coffee shop, provided little respite from the loneliness that engulfed her. Her colleagues showed no genuine interest in her as a person, leaving her to navigate the chilly atmosphere of indifference alone.

She yearned for a world where she could be free from the cruel whispers and pointed fingers. She dreamed of a time when her mother would step out of the darkness and join her in the light, where the burden of stigmatization could be cast aside.

She wanted a dream come true, that would fill her home with much happiness like it happened in novels.

Despite the challenges she faced, there was an air of resilience about her that shone through in her every expression.

There was one peculiar aspect of Mary's life that set her apart from others-the presence of a constant companion that filled the empty spaces in her heart.

A companion whom Julia introduced to her when she was five years old.

Mary explored the streets and alleys of Emerald City, always accompanied by her silent and loyal friend, who would appear at her feet. While this might not have been particularly unusual in itself, what set this companion apart was its unwavering loyalty.

No matter how fast she walked or how far she went, it was always right there, mirroring her every move.

Mary often marveled at the consistency of Lily, as she named her.
In a universe where everything seemed to be constantly changing and evolving, Lily was always there for her, providing her with a sense of security and comfort.