A World Beneath Us

(Past) The World Around Us

"In our world there are three realms. The Realms of mundane, Realms of Light and the Realms of Dark.
The Realms of mundane are where human species come from. There are no elements, no spells, no magic. Perhaps a little boring.
Realms of Light is where you came from. It was where angels and innocents were born. All of you are known for our purity and faith.
However one thing that was stopping us from reaching our glory was the Realms of Dark. It is where ghouls, demons and devils are raised. It was a total hell."
Marilyn said with the bedtime storybook in her wrinkly hands as she looked at us, Sister Heather, Sister Pelli, Sister Dorothy and I. She tucked us into our beds, giving us a warm kiss on our foreheads.
With a bright smile and a slight chuckle, she smiled, "Alright, goodnight to all of you."
She headed to door, and before she closed the door, I caught the glimpse of her where her lips started trembling and her eyes screamed misery. Before she switched off the lights, she sighed and closed her eyes.
Click!
The room was of total darkness. My sisters closed their eyes, and I stared at the celling.
What was that?
I was pondering as my young heart burned with curiosity.
My sisters were fast asleep, the room quiet as ever.
I got out of bed, with my little angel toy and headed out of the house, looking for Marilyn.
"She looked sad, I'll comfort her, she'll feel happier, right?" I muttered.
When I passed by Mother's room, I heard her crying with Marilyn by her side.
"Run..." Marilyn said "He's coming..."
"I can't..." Mother cried "You know I can't."
Marilyn sank into her warm embrace, a maid and the queen, two of different powers, yet close together as one.
No one ever treated Marilyn with that much respect, after all she's just the maid. And that's almost the lowest ranking in our kingdom.
Father, the king detested her, so clearly that even I've noticed that.
Sometimes he'd scold at her, hit her even and he'd do that when we were fast asleep. But, I wasn't one who sleeps right away, and I was awake to such happenings.
"I can't let you go..." Marilyn cried. Hysterical almost. However, Mother was calm, as the pain made her numb, "growing up we were manipulated with labels how the Realms of Dark was the 'bad guy'. After all the Realms of Light is no different"
The clock strikes twelve, guards marched in and took another by the hand.
"NO! NO!" Marilyn screamed.
Mother already surrendered, never hesitating nor reluctant, she was ready to let go.
My heart thumbed so hard, what was happening? Was mummy okay? I wanted to run in to help mummy but my mind screams otherwise.
It was dangerous. The guards were armed with rifles.
I hid behind the tall pillar wall, watching mummy walk further and further down the hallway, her silhouette gradually vanishing.
I quickly scurried back to my room.
The next day, Mother couldn't be seen anymore. She was simply gone.
All the royal dinners, her empty chair stood, as I would reminisce how she would elegantly eat her meal, with gratitude.
People told me, mummy went for a walk and was kip napped, some told me, mummy fell ill and was put to death, some said she went to explore the world.
But I knew those weren't true.
And that, was the last time I saw mummy.
Without any say.
To keep her back.