The Hourglass

Chapter I.

I'll never forget the day my parents died. For it was all my fault.

It was 2010, my sister and I were children. We argued and fought at the back of the car seats in a van my dad was driving. I couldn't really recollect what my sister and I fought about but I knew it was something so little. My mother, Maria, was telling us off. I was quite annoyed as I kicked at the back of my father's seat, throwing a mini tantrum. He turned around and faced me, with his face being burned with anger. Just about it, his attention had taken off the road. Within a few seconds, my mother screamed. A scream I could never forget. Within a matter of seconds, I lost consciousness and it was the last time I heard from them.

I had a dream, a dream of the notorious night that I wanted to forget. I knew it had been recalled hundreds of times at the back of my head before. However this time, there was something that sparked its difference. Instead of immediately waking up as the scene of the car burst into flames, this time, there was a sonorous voice that I've recognized-- It was my grandmother, Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth: I tried to change things..I really did, but no matter what I did, it still happened.

Jasmin: I don't understand, what do you mean by this?

Elizabeth: I wanted to save them but despite all my best efforts, I could only save you and your sister...at least I thought I'd saved you.

Jasmin: Save us? What do you mean?

Elizabeth: Perhaps you could go one better than I could? Maybe you could save your parents?

Jasmin: I can't save them! They're dead! It's too late!

Elizabeth: Oh, don't be negative. It's never too late. I mean, you were dead and yet, here you are.

---

I woke up screaming, having dreamt of the day my parents died. It was a nightmare that I couldn't sleep through. My head throbbed with pain, my grandmother's words echoed in my brain "you were dead" made me shivered. The nightmare had left me to sweat profusely and trembled in fear, one I could never imagine. It took a few moments to properly composed myself enough to realize that someone was knocking on my bedroom door- it was my sister, Rachelle.

Rachelle: Are you okay?

Jasmin: I'm okay, give me a minute!

I quickly got dressed into my everyday casual and opened my bedroom door for my sister.

Rachelle: Are you sure you're okay? You look terribly um, awful.

Jasmin: Thanks, Rach. 

I've lived with my sister in Italy since the accident which killed our parents and left her disabled. I had injured my head in the crash which left me in a coma. When I eventually woke up from it, I suffered from amnesia- I could no longer remember anything which occurred prior to the accident. My grandmother Elizabeth took us in after our parents had passed away in the hospital. This was her home. Sadly, a few years ago she passed away too, leaving the house to us.

Rachelle: You know that's not what I meant. Seriously, how are you?

Jasmin: I'm fine. How are you doing?

I could tell from her expression that my sister didn't really believe me. But, she doesn't press the issue.

Jasmin: I'm quite alright..well, considering what time of year it is, anyway.

Ah, it's coming up to the anniversary of our parents' death.

Rachelle: I was going to visit their graves later today. Do you want to come with me?