Once Upon A Dream

chapter 3

I woke up to the smell of fried chicken drifting in from the kitchen. My stomach growled loudly as I sat up and swung my legs over the side of the bed. I was in a cozy room with cream-colored walls and a patchwork quilt on the bed. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over everything.

"Maya?" I called out, my voice still husky from sleep.

"I'm in here, Jamal!" she replied from the kitchen.

I got out of bed and padded into the kitchen, my bare feet making soft slapping sounds on the floor. Maya was standing at the stove, a spatula in hand, and a sassy apron wrapped around her waist. Zara was sitting at the kitchen table, a warm smile on her face.

"Good morning, Jamal!" Zara said, her eyes twinkling. "I see you're just in time for breakfast."

My eyes widened as Maya turned around, a platter of golden-brown fried chicken in her hands. My stomach growled even louder in anticipation.

"Dig in, bro !" Maya said, setting the platter down in front of me.

I didn't need any further encouragement. I dug in, the crispy exterior and juicy interior of the chicken exploding in my mouth in a flavor sensation. I closed my eyes in bliss, savoring the taste.

"Mmm...this is so good!" I exclaimed, my eyes still closed.

Maya and Zara laughed, and I opened my eyes to see them smiling at me.

"Glad you like it, Jamal," Maya said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Zara nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, child. You need your strength for what's ahead."

I looked at her curiously, but she just smiled and patted my hand.

"Finish your breakfast, Jamal. We'll talk later."

I nodded and continued eating my breakfast.

...................................................................
Maya's POV:

I curiously watched Jamal eating his breakfast and I couldn't believe my brother was actually here and I had a lot of questions about how my grandma came to be here and what happened to mum and why Jamal and I were brought here together. I glanced at Grandma Zara, who was watching us with a warm smile. She seemed to sense my curiosity and nodded slightly, as if to say "all in good time".

I turned back to Jamal, who was devouring his breakfast with gusto. I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. "Slow down, Jamal! You're going to choke!" I teased.

Jamal looked up, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Can't help it, Maya! This is the best fried chicken I've ever had!"

Grandma Zara chuckled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, dear. Maya, why don't you tell Jamal a little bit about our family's history?"

I hesitated, unsure where to start. But Grandma Zara's encouraging nod gave me the courage to begin. "Well, Jamal, you know how we've always felt like there's something missing in our lives?"

Jamal nodded, his expression curious.

"I think I know what that something is," I said, taking a deep breath. "It's our family's secrets, Jamal. Secrets that have been hidden for years."

Jamal's eyes widened, his interest piqued. "What kind of secrets?"

I glanced at Grandma Zara, who nodded for me to continue. "Secrets about our ancestors, our powers, and our destiny."

Jamal's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Powers? What do you mean?"

I smiled, a thrill of anticipation running through me. "Let's just say, Jamal, that we're not just ordinary siblings. We have a special connection, one that goes beyond just being brother and sister."