The Last Survivor Of East

Clench Your Fist Kayden .

Kayden’s eyes fluttered shut, and he was pulled into the depths of sleep. In his dreams, he found himself back in Kethril, the air filled with laughter and the scent of blooming flowers. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow over the vibrant town.

He stood in the town square, watching children play and merchants call out their wares. His mother, with her warm smile, approached him, carrying a basket of freshly baked bread. “Kayden, come help me with these,” she said, her voice filled with gentle affection.

Kayden’s heart swelled with joy as he took the basket from her. “Of course, Mother.”

As they walked together, he saw his father working in the blacksmith's forge, the rhythmic clanging of metal a comforting sound. His father looked up, wiping sweat from his brow, and grinned at him. “There’s my boy. Come here, Kayden.”

Kayden ran to his father, feeling the strength and warmth in his embrace. “I’m going to be strong like you, Father.”

His father chuckled, ruffling his hair. “I have no doubt, my son.”

The scene shifted, and Kayden found himself in a meadow just outside the town. His best friend, Raiyan, was there, holding the wooden swords they used for practice. “Come on, Kayden! Let’s see if you can finally beat me!”

Kayden laughed, the sound light and carefree. “You’re on, Raiyan!”

They sparred, their movements fluid and full of energy. Raiyan’s laughter echoed through the meadow as they playfully teased each other. “You’re getting better, Kayden, but you still have a long way to go!”

Kayden paused, looking around at the vibrant green meadow, the bright blue sky, and the faces of his loved ones. It all felt so real, so vivid, that his heart ached with happiness and sorrow.

The scene shifted again, and he was back at the dinner table with his family. His mother placed a steaming pot of stew on the table, and they all sat down together. His father said grace, and they began to eat, the room filled with warmth and love.

His mother’s eyes sparkled with pride as she looked at him. “Kayden, you’ve grown so much. We’re so proud of you.”

Kayden’s throat tightened with emotion. “I love you all so much.”

As the dream continued, Kayden felt a deep sense of peace and contentment. Suddenly, he found himself in the village square again, surrounded by familiar faces. The butcher, the baker, and the tailor all greeted him warmly. Mrs. Hargrove, the elderly woman who always had sweets for the children, patted his shoulder. “Kayden, dear, you’ve become so strong.”

He smiled, the warmth of their presence filling his heart. But slowly, the edges of the dream began to blur, the laughter and joy fading into an echo. The vibrant colors dulled, and the faces of his loved ones and neighbors started to fade.

“No.....,” Kayden whispered, reaching out to grasp the fleeting images. “Please, don’t go.”
As he reached out, the villagers surrounded him, their forms shimmering like ghosts.

His mother stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears. “Kayden, it’s time to let us go.”

His father nodded, his face solemn but gentle. “You have to move forward, son. We’ll always be with you in spirit.”

Raiyan placed a hand on his shoulder. “We believe in you, Kayden. You have the strength to carry on.”The whole town seemed to echo their sentiments, their voices blending into a harmonious chorus. “You can let us go.”