Charms

Chapter 1: Am I Next?

Sabrina laid on her soft, brown sofa thinking to herself. It's her 15th birthday, and instead of celebrating like most people living in ordinary places do, she was extremely worried. She was worried because of the simple fact that she wasn't living in a typical location, she was living in Charmania. Earthlings think Charmania is a fantasy world or just a fairy tale, but little do they know that it truly exists.

On Earth, it is guaranteed that one day you will perish; your life will definitely end at some point. The day you die can be predicted but never certain. In Charmania, on the other hand, you will either die at age 16 or have eternal life. It all depends on if you find all of the Charms of Life before you turn 16. So far, Sabrina has the Confidence, Strength, Courage, Compassion, Leadership, Determination....
basically all of the charms that correspond to vital aspects of life. The only one she's missing is the Love charm. She has some charms that enable her to love her friends and family, but this charm refers to romantic love.

Everyone in the land knows that the Love charm is the hardest to find. Your assigned competitor doesn't make it any easier. All citizens of Charmania are granted a competitor when they're born. This Charmanian will compete with you to get each and every one of the charms. If your competitor gets the charm before you do, you must go to the rulers of the land, the Ultrakeepers, and exchange the charm you failed to receive with a charm of their choice. Then, you must find a way to earn this charm back, but your competitor will not compete with you for it. Instead, the Ultrakeepers will hide the charms in a place that is difficult (impossible for some) to find. Sabrina's assigned competitor is Ally, and she despises her with a passion. She cannot let her find her Love charm first; she wouldn't
stand a chance of living if she does.

Her birthday was just a reminder that she has only one more year left. She's afraid that she won't make it. Lauren, Sabrina's mother, spots Sabrina with a fearful look on her face and sits beside her.

"What are you so bummed out about? It's your birthday!" Lauren exclaimed, even though she knew very well what's causing Sabrina's negative mood. Sabrina merely remained quiet.

"Will it cheer you up if you go over to Ivory's house?" Lauren suggested.

"Maybe. She always seems to cheer me up," Sabrina replied.

Lauren agreed to let Sabrina go to Ivory's house. Ivory is Sabrina's neighbor and best friend since she was born. She's a year older than her, but they have the same birthday. That means she's turning 16 today. Sabrina had forgotten how many charms Ivory has because it has been a while since she spent time with her. However, Sabrina was certain that Ivory will have eternal life because she has the easiest competitor to beat in the whole land, Lily.

Sabrina quickly changed into different clothes and went to Ivory's house next door. When she knocked on the door, Ivory's mom, Rebecca, opened it with tears drenched on her face.

"What's wrong Rebecca?" Sabrina asked, worriedly.

"Ivory has passed away," Rebecca said in between tears.

Shock filled Sabrina from head to toe.

"What! What charm was she missing?"

"The Love charm," Rebecca
replied, bawling unstoppably.

Sabrina reached over her shoulders to give her an empathetic hug. As tears rolled down her own face, Sabrina couldn't help but ask herself, Am I next?