Enso: The Beginning

Act 2

Krit's POV

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Piercing screams resound in my head and blood began to ooze from my limbs. The gag on my mouth blocked my cries of pain and agony. The same people who fed me milk and bread every morning, who taught me how to read, write, speak, and walk, who welcomed me in their arms whenever I ran towards them, who cherished me for as long as I could remember. They spitted on me and nonchalantly tossed me in the dark, leaving me to rot and be eaten by roaming wild beasts.

Three spiteful years since the night I was brought to this forest.

Summer days would lead me to follow the path of a river sneaking through the jungle. My ancestors in hell would keep me warm on winter nights. Desperation would make me wish I was a leaf that decays every fall. A tinge of hope would bloom from the tiny flowers outside my cave when the spring breeze returns.

And it repeats, like a broken record.

After more than a thousand days of wandering, I am yet to see the end of this forest. Even the wild, ferocious beasts they rambled about on and on, isn't it about time for them to devour me?

But at some point, it hit me.

They weren't talking about canines with sharp teeth and bright yellow eyes, or big black bears with long claws capable of tearing you apart. The beasts they spoke off could be just around you, so close. Maybe they're even inside you, stealing your sleep, sucking the life out of you, and patiently waiting for you to approach the gates of death.

Just like her.

Her voice. Her hands. Her gaze.

Everything about her breaks me.

"Cut!"

A loud voice pulled me back to reality. My spectators have their hands together, giving me applause as Professor Mon approached me.

"That was good, Krit."

A pat on my shoulder signalled the end of my practice. I made my way down the stage and buried myself in one of the soft couches. The dryness of my throat didn't bother me until liquid passed through it. I take a minute to digest the busy sight in front of me, people with either papers or props in their hands bustling around like ants harvesting food for the winter.

Today was the first day of our theater rehearsal. After officially accepting my role and meeting my fellow actors and actresses, we spent the rest of January with script reading sessions and acting workshops. During that period, I realized how effective the casting system of this play was. Each person was tasked to present an analysis of their characters and it was clear that we could all relate in one way or another to our roles. For instance, the female protagonist is played by a third year student named Mia. True to her character "Lucia", she's bright, jolly, and always full of curiosity to the point of recklessness. Por, the president of the student theatre club, was rightfully casted to be "Derek", the village head. A natural leader, he has a demeanor that makes people want to obey him.

And then there's me.

I was right to be terrified about this story. After reading the full script, it only became clearer. Dox and I were very much alike. They said people will truly begin to understand each other when they experience the same pain. Even with different experiences, you may feel the same degree of despair, grief, sorrow. Every time Dox hissed in pain while getting dragged by his fellow villagers, I was reminded of every hit and slap I received from my father. Judging from the reception, having this familiarity with Dox is definitely beneficial to the play and to me as his actor. But I'd be lying if I said I'm completely fine with reliving the dark moments of my life.