The Word Sanctuary

Part 10

Everything seemed to have frozen in time.

The monsters had stopped eating, and some were frozen in mid-flight.

All was still.

But her father was still moving.

Of, course, he was also lying on the ground, half unconscious.

Dad? I mean, um... Lord Imbecile?

Her dad looked up. "Oh, hello there, Emmy." He was his old happy self.

His image flickered. His face contorted into a black whirlpool. Emmy would have thought that was disgusting had she not been so terrified.

His face turned back to normal. "Emmy, help!" he rasped.

Emmy wanted to help her poor father who had been possessed by hate for words. But how?

The answer came so suddenly.

She had to speak.

Words were the heart of the garden. All the words were almost gone. There was only one leaf left on The Tree Of Love.

She had to be the one. She had no choice.
Emmy closed her eyes and dug deep inside her. A thin sliver of courage, and a need to save her words and the words of everyone around her.

It was exactly what she needed.

And then she did something she hadn't done since her mother died.

She spoke.

"I love you, Dad."

Her voice rang loud and clear throughout the garden, resonating off of the walls of the dome.

And something remarkable happened.

All of the Hated Creatures disappeared and were replaced by butterflies. All of the plants began to regrow. The part that was overturned flipped back on its right side.

And the leaves on the tree began to regrow.

She looked around in amazement. She had done it! She had spoken!

"If only your mother could see you now." said a voice behind her.

Emmy whirled around, and saw her father struggling to stand.

"Dad!"

Her dad smiled wearily. "Emmy... I can't even begin to say how sorry I am. I... it wasn't me. The Hate... it took over me... You know that, right?"

This time, Emmy knew he wasn't lying.

She helped him to his feet, but he was unable to stand.

"You need help, Dad. Let's take you to the hospital."

"Yes, indeed," said another voice behind her.

It was Mira.

Emmy threw herself on Mira, ultimately thankful for her and all she had done.

When they pulled apart, Mira said, "I think I can take care of this place for a day or two. I'm weak, but I can do it. We'll need more recruits, but..." She looked to Emmy.

She smiled. "I can help in that department."

Mira grinned. "Well, off you go, then. Health comes first."

Emmy took her father's hand and looked to the tree. It was almost sunset.

"Don't worry. I'll be waiting here," said Mira, her voice cracking.

A portal appeared in front of the tree. It was time to go home.

Emmy took a breath.

Then, knowing that things would be just fine, she stepped through towards home.