MADOLIKA (Completed)

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

When they came back, Madolika ran to Kakra and told her all about what had happened from a spectator’s point to view. Kakra was overjoyed to hear it and hugged them both. After she came home, Isabelle heard about what had happened but she had a completely different reaction to the news. “Oh if only we had met this man a little earlier. I wouldn’t be stuck in a slave contract then and my brother wouldn’t have to join the army. How is this even good news when we’re already in the worst situation one could be in” She said and retired to her room, exhausted from a long day of working.

After Isabelle left, the realization that Isauro would be going to join the military hit them. Isauro glanced at his mother, who turned around and left, thinking perhaps, she made a mistake by letting her children sign those contracts. She was thinking it was for their best, but it turned out to be more harmful than she imagined. If only she hadn’t rushed into action. Isauro's eyes met Madolika’s. She was sad but tried not to show it with a forced smile across her face. “Are you okay?” She asked him. Suddenly there was a sound of broken glass in Madolika and Isabelle's room, then Isabelle's scream out of frustration. Isauro turned around, clearly distressed. He nodded and turned around to leave when Madolika hugged him from behind. “Hugs always make me feel better” She said as she rested her head on his shoulder, her arms wrapped around his waist. He held onto her hands for a while. “Thanks” He said and turned around to face her. “Have a good night” She said and curtseyed, then left. Isauro let out a giggle at how lovely of a person she was.

When Madolika got to their room, Isabelle was on her mattress, still awake.  Madolika sat on Isabelle's mattress, which was less comfortable than hers. “Let me rest on your mattress for today” Isabelle said. “Was your day alright?” Madolika asked. “Of course not. I’m so tired and on top of that, I met some rude spoiled boy today” Isabelle said, raising her voice. “You want me to come and help you over there?” Madolika asked Isabelle, concerned. “No, if you do, who’s going to help ma? There is one thing you could do with your magical powers though…Make that rude boy disappear for me” Isabelle said. “Oh? As in hurt him? But I can’t hurt anyone” Madolika said. “What? Are you really such a good girl or are you pretending to? What do you mean you can’t hurt anyone. What exactly do you use your powers for then?” Isabelle asked, sitting up. “Sorcery isn’t supposed to be used to hurt others but to help them” Madolika said. “You disgust me with your innocence” Isabelle said and fell back on the mattress to sleep. Madolika laid on the other mattress to rest

The next few days were a bit more quiet as no one wanted to bring up Isauro's enlistment and just like that, a week went by. Kakra had already set up a shop with the help of the gold coins Madolika had given them and had bought items to weave fabrics for making clothes. She already began selling the few clothes they brought from the town, while Isauro and Madolika were at home, weaving fabric for her. Back at home, Kakra had taught Madolika how to weave fabric. Madolika was alone with Isauro in their backyard, weaving. Occasionally, she would stop and look at Isauro, blushing over his manly appearance, while she used sorcery to keep the weaving going. When Isauro was working, he was very focused because he wanted to weave as much fabric as he could before leaving. Madolika realized how exhausted he looked yet he kept weaving, not willing to accept her help. He got exhausted to an extent where he could barely feel his hands but he kept weaving. Madolika got up and took the fabric away from him. “Please stop it and take some rest” She said to him and held his hands, which felt tough. She brought some ointment and treated his hands after which he took a break.

The next day, when Isauro came to continue his work after his hands had healed, he saw on his table, a huge stack of woven fabric. “What did you do?” He asked Madolika. “I spent all night up to use sorcery to make these. I’m not that powerful yet so it took me longer to make” she said, leaning onto the wall. “This will cause trouble. How could you make it so much?” He said. “Well, no one said that’s for today alone. This can make up for about a month of restless effort so please take some rest” She said, almost in a whisper. “Look at how exhausted you are” Isauro said and carried her on his back to her room. When he placed her on the mattress, he realized she had already fallen asleep. When he was about to rise to take his leave, she held his hand unconsciously. “I wish we could spend these days together” She said, smiling in her sleep. Isauro held onto her hands and promised to give her the best time to repay her for all that she had done for their family.