Strayed

O N E

Fires a funny thing, you can be warmed by it or burned by its furious flames. So easily to spread and cause so much destruction, burning anything it can grasp. But also be your only safety in the harsh, bitter cold.

"Hey, what are you thinking in that mysterious mind of yours Nova" a familiar voice broke my thoughts. I stopped staring at the fire and glanced over at my dear loving friend, Romeo. He wiped the sweat off his forehead sitting down next to me. I studied him for a bit. His dark brown hair landing on his forehead, his ocean blue eyes, and his noticeable jawline complimenting his cheekbones. But I stopped when he noticed. I smiled to myself and looked at the fire again.

"Fire. I'm thinking about fire, Romeo" I spoke calmly. I could feel his strong gaze on me. He always does this to get me to look at him. I had my chin in my palms resting my elbows on my thighs just staring into the fire as the sparks danced away with the wind.

"Oh no, every time you stare at the fire it reminds you of your past Nova. You don't have to hide it you know... I know you better than you know yourself" he chuckled while setting down his bow against the oak log.

Romeo was correct. I met him when I was only 11. We've been together since I first became my inner monster. "I miss it honestly when I was simply carefree. Where I wasn't forced to grow up and take responsibility. And it happened so fast...too fast" my voice turned to a faint whisper as I spoke.

• • •

"NOVA! WAIT UP" my older brother Keith yelled to me. I was running as fast I could, my small legs carrying me as best they could. My giggles soon filled the air and my brother's laughter joined as well.

"You have t-to...keep..u-up w-with me..then!" I yelled back to him as I panted. We were playing chase only here the loser had to carry the game back to our cottage. So far I've never lost a single game of chase. We had our game for the day but every day we race to a big tree to see who wins, and well you know what happens to the loser! I was far ahead from Keith and could see the tree standing tall and mighty in the distance.
A smirk spread on my face and pushed myself forward to reach it. The tree came closer and closer till it was only a few feet away then I stopped steadily on the soil. I took in deep breaths to slow down my heart and closed my eyes, I listened to the soothing songs of the birds, the chilly breeze. A wide smile fell on my lips and smiled like an idiot as I relaxed under a touch of mother nature. Rough footsteps broke my state of mind and the heavy breaths of Keith faded my smile. "You ruined my relaxation, Keith," I glared at him with a pouty face,"but you know you carry the game bag so here". I pushed aside the leaves and branches hiding the bag and picked it up, struggling for I had little strength, then handed it over to Keith.

"I let you win just so you know," he smiled at me taking the bag and started to walk off ,"now come on we have to head back to the village before dawn". I stood for second offended by his comment but shook my head running after him and walking beside him.

"Keith, had you always let me win so I wouldn't have to carry the heavy game bag?" I felt unworthy or not strong enough to do not even the simplest of tasks. I furrowed my eyebrows in curiosity.

"Well, you're still just a pup but recently you have actually run pretty fast but believe me with all my heart I know you'll become a beautiful, strong, and kind women one day. Just takes time" he gave a humble smile and messed my hair up. I giggled and didn't even bother fixing my hair. We continued walking back to our village to show our mother today's game.

As we reached our village the smell of smoke filled our noses. Immediately Keith started to run towards it his eyes widening in shock. My heart started to beat rapidly as panic overwhelmed me. I looked up at the sky and saw in the distance a dark cloud of smoke, but exactly where my home was. My eyes widened in terror. I took off running behind Keith for I thought of the worst to have happened that caused such a fire in my village. I caught up to Keith with his eyebrows furrowed."Keith! W-what's happening! Why is there a fire in our village!" my voice cracked as I overthought the situation.