A Silent Scar

Chapter 3

Six years ago, a young Silen was accompanying Leona to the Rainforest Market at the prince's request to buy his favorite candy. The street market bustled with buyers in search of groceries, while numerous sellers worked tirelessly at their stalls to attract customers with the best products and prices.

When they reached a candy stall, Leona made his selection from the familiar seller. After purchasing a small bag of baobab candies, Leona and Silen continued through the market until they found a tranquil spot under a shady tree. There, Leona generously offered Silen a handful of candies from his bag.

"Enjoy them. They're delicious," remarked the fourteen-year-old prince with a kind tone in his voice.

Silen, the young mute female bodyguard, graciously accepted the candies. With a delicate white hand, she selected one and savored the explosion of crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors that danced on her taste buds. Impressed by the delightful taste, Silen signed to Leona, expressing her approval of the candies.

In response, Leona flashed her an incredulous smile."You can have some more. I bought a bag full of these candies," he generously offered his young mute female bodyguard more candies.

Relaxing under the shady tree, Leona and Silen relished the sweetness of the candies. As they savored each piece, the sky above transitioned into a beautiful array of hues, signaling the approaching sunset. Silen's thoughts drifted to Kifaji's advice, emphasizing the importance of returning to the palace before nightfall. If Leona resisted, she was instructed to ensure his safety until he relented. Kifaji made it clear that he would reprimand Leona for tardiness.

Silen gently gestured to catch Leona's attention, using sign language to remind him of the fading light and the necessity to head back to the palace. However, Leona had other plans in mind. He expressed a desire to make a quick stop at a nearby stall before returning.

Left with no alternative, Silen dutifully accompanied the prince to an accessories stall. Leona meticulously examined each item displayed, his eyes eventually fixating on a vibrant bracelet adorned with red, blue, and green beads. Pointing to the bracelet, he indicated his interest to the seller.

After he purchased the thick beaded bracelet, Leona graciously handed it to Silen. Silen found herself pleasantly surprised when the prince presented her with such a colorful and ornate piece. Curious about the gesture, she signed to inquire about the reason behind the gift.

"It's a token of my appreciation. Consider it a reward for your unwavering dedication to ensuring my safety," Leona elaborated with a warm smile.

Examining the bracelet in her palm, Silen decided to wear it on her left wrist as suggested by Leona. The prince complimented her choice, noting how it complemented her right wrist beautifully.

Expressing her gratitude through signing, Silen was met with a warm chuckle from Leona as he responded in kind. "You deserve it," he communicated through gestures.

In a sudden awakening, Silen found herself recalling a happy memory of her friendship with Leona, her hand instinctively grasping the thick beaded bracelet. Reflecting on the night before, she neatly organized her belongings for the first day of school, then proceeded to unwind before drifting off to sleep in a singlet and baggy pants.

Silen's ebony eyes fell upon the tri-color thick beaded bracelet in her hand, the intricate patterns and vibrant hues a stark contrast to the somber mood that had settled over her. A sense of melancholy hit her as she recalled the memory of Leona, her dear friend, giving her this bracelet as an appreciation gift. The weight of the bracelet in her palm was a tangible reminder of the bond they had shared, a bond that had been severed far too soon.