Dream Warriors

Chapter Eight: A Familiar Face

Kara found herself standing in an old, familiar park—one she hadn't visited since she was a child. The air was crisp and cool, the sounds of laughter and playing children filling her ears. She looked around, disoriented yet oddly comforted by the surroundings.

"Mom!" she called out, her voice echoing through the trees. "Where are you?"

The laughter faded, replaced by an eerie silence. As she turned, she spotted a figure sitting on a bench, the silhouette obscured by shadows. Her heart raced as she moved closer, the familiar shape tugging at her memory.

"Mom?" Kara whispered, hope fluttering in her chest.

The figure turned, and for a moment, Kara was paralyzed. The woman looked like her mother, but her features were shadowed and indistinct. "Kara," the woman said softly, a hint of warmth in her voice. "You've come to find me."

"Why did you leave?" Kara asked, her voice trembling with emotion. "Why didn't you want me?"

The woman's expression shifted, a mixture of sadness and love washing over her face. "I never wanted to leave you, sweetie. There were things I couldn't change... things that kept us apart."

Kara felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I've been searching for you. I wanted to know why."

"I'm sorry, Kara," her mother said, her voice breaking. "I didn't have a choice. You need to understand that."

Kara took a step closer, desperate for answers. "What do you mean? I need to know the truth."

But before her mother could respond, the park around them began to fade. The colors drained away, leaving behind a gray void. Kara's heart sank as she reached out, trying to grab hold of her mother's hand.

"Mom! Don't go!" she cried out, but the dream began to slip away.

"Remember," her mother's voice echoed, faint and distant. "You are stronger than you know."