The Hidden Dragon

Isabel

"Will that be all, dear?" I shook my head 'yes'. The woman seemed to remember something before she told me to stay. "Its your birthday coming up, right?" I nodded at her again, a smile making its way to my face. "Here, this is from the staff." Merida said, excitement clear in her voice.

In a plastic bag were two pieces of strawberry cake. "Thank you." I spoke, my voice raspy and barely making its way out as a whisper. My mouth watered as I thought about enjoying them with a cold tea. Merida shot me a look. "Now you know you shouldn't be talking. You're still healing. Be careful on your way home, okay?" I pursed my lips. She sighed. "Your voice is definitely stronger. Don't put too much strain on it." I nodded once again, blowing a kiss her way on my way out. "Take care! See you next week!" She waved.

Merida and my father were friends before his passing two years ago. Ever since then, I've made it a point to see her as much as i could. Shes a sweet woman, always making sure our family was okay. Mom took it pretty hard, but with Meridas help, we were able to get back on our feet. Daniel, my brother, finally found the courage to go back to college. He's halfway across the country in Washington State. Looking at the pictures he sends, its clear that he's happier.

Mom found a better paying job closer to the house. After dad passed, she was a shell of a woman. Didn't eat, didn't sleep much. I helped her all i could during my summer break. By the time I went back to school, we developed a routine for her. Her sister, our aunt Tiana, comes by frequently to keep her company when they're both not working. It's nice seeing mom smiling again, even if i can tell it's strained.

Me? I'm not too sure, honestly. I guess I'm more reserved, I don't laugh much anymore. My therapist said its common with depression, I just need to take it one day at a time. 'Its okay to grieve' he tells me. 'No one person has a timeline to grieve, instead, they grow around it, and learn to embrace it'. So that's what I'm doing, i think. If i feel like i want to cry, I cry. If i want to stay inside and watch tv, i open the curtains to let fresh air come in. So far I think I'm doing a pretty good job at it.

As I walked past the various shops, I looked at my reflection. A strong upper body with muscular legs. I held my head high, proud of how my body looked. I looked feminine, with my hair swaying behind me, bouncing with each step I took. I looked around me, taking notice of all of the families around me. Some walked into shops, others sat down to eat or were getting up to leave, a couple walked past me, giving a small smile as they  did. I gave one back to them, each of us going  our separate ways. 

I'm a senior this year. It's so hard to believe it, but soon I'll need to start thinking about what I'm going to do after high school. Maybe I'll join the Royal Guard, or do college  first. The military might be tricky if I join straight away, but maybe...

With a newfound determination, I quickened my pace, trying to get home as soon as I could.  As soon as I have an idea, I need to write it down. Of course, I could put it in my phone, but then I'll forget about it. 

Julie. My mothers voice  rang in my head. Yes ma? Are you okay?  Her voice echoed through my head as she chuckled. Yes dear. However, you have some people that would like to speak with you. They are here at the house.

Uh oh, they're here for me, what could I have possibly done...

Alright, I'm around the corner. I'll be there soon. With that, I booked it to the house. Our house isn't big or extravagant, but that's how mom likes it. She told me once I move out, she's planning on making some renovations in the garden and to the roof. I wish she was willing to make them now while I'm still here, that way I could help out. Oh well, its her choice.

As I walked up to the door, I heard a woman and a man talking. Then I heard my mothers voice. "She had a terrible accident four months ago. Her body healed up nicely but she took some damage to her throat. It's taking a while to heal." "Accident? What do you mean?" Before my mother could say anything more, I unlocked the door. "Julie! These are the people I was telling you about." When I looked over to who my mother was referring to, the first thing I saw was a gold pennant.

It couldn't be...