Beyond A Queen's Whisper

Chapter Three

Ama wakes before her alarm this time, as if these precious few minutes were gifted for making the right decision.

The early morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue across her room, making everything seem more alive, more vibrant. She can feel the electricity in the air, as if it were magic, dancing not only across her body but throughout her entire apartment. The faint hum of this unseen force fills the room, a gentle vibration that resonates in her bones, igniting a spark of energy within her.

Sitting up, Ama feels more alive than she has in her entire life—twenty-four years of dread dusted off her shoulders in what felt like seconds. She knows the smile stretched across her face will be worn for the next few hours, as if it were a perfectly fitted dress, tailored just for this moment.

Jumping out of bed, her feet barely touch the cool floor as she rushes to grab her keys. The worn wooden floorboards creak under her hurried steps, but she pays no mind. Her movements are fluid, driven by an unshakable resolve. As she flings open the door, the morning air greets her with a crispness that sends a thrill through her. The world outside seems more vivid—colors sharper, sounds clearer, as if everything has been brought into focus just for her. The distant chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, even the hum of distant traffic—all of it feels like the universe is conspiring to propel her forward.

She rushes to her car, the old sedan groaning as she yanks open the door and throws herself into the driver's seat. The leather is cold against her skin, but she barely notices as she fumbles to start the engine. The roar of the engine feels like a battle cry, and without a second thought, Ama peels out of the driveway. Paying no attention to the state's driving laws, she makes it to the grocery store in under fifteen minutes, her heart pounding in sync with the rhythmic thrum of the tires against the asphalt. The streets blur past her in a dizzying rush, her focus narrowed to a single point—Dave.

Her tires screech as she throws the car into park, uncaring about being in the fire lane, the loud noise echoing through the otherwise quiet parking lot. She doesn't care about the startled glances from a few early shoppers, nor the disapproving frown of an older woman passing by. Ama's only thought is getting inside, finding Dave, and finally breaking free of the chains that have held her down for far too long.

"Where is he?" she yells at her coworkers, her voice cutting through the usual morning chatter like a knife. Her breath comes in sharp, quick bursts, the adrenaline coursing through her veins making her hands tremble slightly. "WHERE is Dave?"

Ama gives no time for response, her feet already carrying her through the store in long, determined strides. Her eyes dart around, scanning every aisle, every corner, searching for the man who has come to symbolize everything she despises about her life. Her voice rings out again, loud and defiant, "Oooh Daaaave!"

The fluorescent lights above flicker slightly as if in response to her call, casting a harsh, cold light on the rows of shelves lined with mundane groceries. The store feels strangely surreal, like a stage set up just for this moment, the aisles narrowing as if to funnel her toward the inevitable confrontation.

When Dave finally sees her, his eyes widen at the scene in front of him. His usual air of authority falters, and unexpectedly, his heart drops into his stomach. There stands Ama, fully dressed in her worn-out polka dot pajamas, her hair a wild, tangled mess from a restless night's sleep, and yet, there's an undeniable fire in her eyes, a determination that he's never seen before. She's screaming his name with a wide grin on her face, a grin that sends a chill down his spine.

"What on earth are you doing? What has gotten into you this time?" His voice, usually steady and commanding, now rises with a hint of panic. The sound reverberates through the aisles, causing a few customers to glance over curiously. "Have you lost your mind coming in here like this? Your shift starts in twenty minutes!"