The Fire Within

Mother

Warmth enveloped Cirice, cushioning her as a floral scent whipped around her nose. It was bright, sunlight streaming on her closed eyelids. She gently opened them, a warm breeze sweeping over it. Tall grass around her stretched up to the bright blue sky.

"Circie, my darling. Where are you?" a sweet yet familiar voice called to her. Cirice pushed herself up, her eyes floating over the wide lush field. There, no less than ten feet from her were two women and a little boy. They sat on a blanket, flowers braided in their hair.

"There you are my sweet!" the woman called, gesturing to Cirice to join them. Cirice frowned in confusion as she pushed herself up and walked over to them. It was only until she reached the blanket that she realized who had spoken to her. She was certain it was her mother. She looked so much different than the portrait she had relied on. She was ethereal, more beautiful than words could ever describe.

"Took you long enough," the boy who sat beside the blonde woman spoke.

"Henry Crane, remember your manners," she scolded as Cirice sat down.

"You're my mother?" Cirice asked, the warm light of the day creating a fuzzy haze. She nodded, smiling.

"I am." Cirice jumped forward, wrapping her arms around her. She took in her clean, comforting scent as she gripped her for dear life, tears streaming down her face. Evelyn shook her head, pulling away.

"You must not cry, my dear Cirice. You have done it," she assured, wiping Cirice's tears with her thumbs. Cirice gave her a confused look.

"You saved the Vale. Your light was enough to protect them from the Cardinal," Evelyn explained, smiling.

"I am so proud of you," she said, running her hand over Cirice's cheek. Cirice looked over at the blonde woman and Henry who watched them with gentle smiles.

"A-Am I dead?" Cirice choked out, looking back to her mother. Evelyn laughed, Cirice marveling at the light sound and wishing she could record and listen to it on repeat for the rest of her life.

"Oh no, you are dreaming." Cirice's face fell, panic flooding back to her as she remembered where her story began. It seemed like ages ago as she fought to recall the dingy room she had fallen asleep in. Tears pricked at her eyes.

"No, it can't be all a dream. Please, I wanna stay here with you," Cirice cried, gripping her mother's arm. Evelyn quieted her, gently rubbing her hand.

"It is not your time yet, dear girl. There are still hardships ahead, but know that I am always with you and I love you and your father so much." Evelyn said as Cirice smiled.

"But now it's time to wake up," Evelyn's tone suddenly changed as the sun was pushed behind clouds and the sky darkened.

"What? No! I wanna stay here please!" Cirice cried as Evelyn shook her head and gave her a hard shove backward. What was once grass was now darkness as Cirice tumbled backward into oblivion.