her love like torture

The new couple announced their betrothment publicly the very day they met. Water Girl remembered what her dear old mother told her, back when her sanity was stored in full. 

"Ah, but my flower, love at first sight is a rare occurrence, but when it happens, you feel it, from the roots of your hair to the tips of your toes. An undeniable warmth spreading like a wildfire, kindling only when you are united, dying when you are departed. When you find a love like that, my dear, you never let it go. You cherish and value it, for it never happens twice. And that, unfortunately, is a fact."

I've got it! Water Girl thought. I've found my happiness. He's real. Our love is real. This is real. she smiled shyly, genuinely.

Unfortunately for the couple, the young prince had to return home to bring back the drafted sons of the nation. Sadly departing, the two felt their fires dim. It was still there, steady and strong, but weakened by the distance. The girls began their journey back.

Fire and Water Girl were walking back home, small talking the whole way.

"But are you sure?" Fire Girl asked, an uncertainty flickering through her beautiful sapphire eyes.

"I've never been more sure of anything. Our love is as strong as the love I have for you, my dearest sister. Please, when we finally wed, do not be afraid to ask for anything. You know I'd do it all for you." Water Girl smiled back. 

Of course you would. Fire Girl thought. "Truly, sister, you are far too kind for this wicked world." she naughtily grinned.

Finally reaching their small home, Water Girl stepped inside, opening her arms wide, embracing the air. "I'll miss this place.'' she said, turning back to Fire Girl. ''Oh, Mother!''

The old lady laid, occasionally stirring in her restless sleep. Water Girl gently shook her shoulder and whispered in her ear. When she did not gain conciousness, Fire Girl slapped her across her peaceful face. 

"Wake up you old hag! You've been sleeping half the day, whilst doing absolutely nothing in the other half." Fire Girl scolded.

"Oh, please don't speak to her that way. She's grown old and tired sister. Can't you see? She raised us and fed us and cleaned up after us. Now we must repay the deed."

"It's quite alright, Water Girl. Truly, you are too kind. But she's right; I should help out a bit more. Soon enough you two'll be getting married!" the old woman laughed, her eyes wrinkling with happiness.

"Oh, but mother! The king's son! He rode into town today drafting boys for the war. It was love at first sight!" Water Girl clapped, while Fire Girl turned her cheek the opposite way, her eyes burning tears of envy.

"Oh, my child. As a mother, I couldn't be more proud of the young lady you've become. Beauty flowing from your soul, pouring out into the world. Grace so undeniable, it threatens anyone who turns away. Kindness so strong, it can save lives. You will truly be the greatest princess Azhoria has ever known." the twins' mother said, bowing her head humbly.

"Can we stop talking about this? Congratulations, sister, on your betrothment, but it's clear the prince only has one intention.'' Fire Girl snapped, her vicious words piercing the air. "The only way we can win this war is when both the lands of Azhoria and EarraBella are united. Since we live in the outskirts of EarraBella, all he needs to do is marry you to unite the kingdoms and end the war."

"That's not true. I pity you, sister. I can see it in your eyes. Yearning. For what, I do not know. But I truly hope, deep in my heart, that one day that craving be satisfied, for once it is, your eyes will be opened and your heart will be ready to love freely and selflessly. And that, my dear sister, is the true gift of life." Water Girl said calmly, hope filling her eyes with tears.

"Well, I'll be damned if you think you're anything special. You're nothing but a filthy whore!" Fire Girl screamed, venom seeping into every word. Water Girl fled the room, bursting in tears.

"Fire Girl! How dare you! That is enough. You will not be joining us on our journey to the palace, whenever the damn day may be. Go directly to bed, young lady. No supper for you." 

~~~~~

The next morning, Water Girl woke to the sound of birds chirping and a wet face. She walked out and swept the floor, as usual, careful not to awaken her sleeping mother. Usually, her mother  would get up to help prepare breakfast, but today she laid still, fast asleep. Water Girl didn't mind the quietness of the house though. It was just before dawn, before the sun rose. It was always an intimate ritual Water Girl had with her mother, watching the sunrise. Water Girl always cherished those moments since Fire Girl typically occupied the rest of the old woman's time with her never-ending tales of romance. 

Today, however, Water Girl would have to watch it alone. But that was fine. She taught herself how to seek comfort in loneliness. Soon that would be over though, and a whole new life for her would begin. The prince was coming back to Earrabella in just three days time and Water Girl couldn't wait. 

As she boiled the water and washed the oats for breakfast, she hummed quietly to herself, something she never did. Her eyes were bright, her mouth stretched in a constant smile, and honey-tunes were flying from her pretty mouth. Water Girl decided to fetch Fire Girl to witness the sunrise with her so that they could talk over the events of last night. Strangely enough, Water Girl wasn't angry; she never was. Her heart was filled with nothing but love and sympathy for her beautiful twin. She strolled back in the cottage, tip-toeing past her mother's cot, and towards Fire Girl's. Water Girl knocked once, politely and quietly, but no one answered, so she opened the door. In an empty room, Water Girl stood, confused. 

Perhaps she went to the well to fetch water.  Water Girl assured herself. You really shouldn't fret so much, it'll cause wrinkles. 

Having no other option, she went to her mother so that they could arrange engagement plans. 

"Mother, Mother. Please awaken. I would very much enjoy it if you joined me for the sunrise." she whispered. But old woman didn't stir.

Or snore.

Or breathe. 

Water Girl, finally noticing the problem, quickly screamed, "MOTHER, MOTHER, PLEASE. PLEASE, JUST WAKE UP." When still, no breath caused the woman's chest to rise and fall, Water Girl resorted to something she'd never attempted before; she slapped her mother. Again and again with no prevail, no sign of life. As the painful truth of reality sunk in, Water Girl stood on her weak knees, weeping into her soiled apron, mourning for her loss.

Her mother. Her kind, beautiful, patient mother. The woman who offered her first serving so that the twins could have seconds. The lady who worked her fingers to bone cleaning laundry for a few coins. The person who single-handedly taught the girls to feel and to love.

Gone.

The sun rose and set over the lonely house but Fire Girl still hadn't arrived home.