EMBER

ALL THE LIES AND TRUTHS

My head feels like I have a ton of bricks instead of a brain. I sit up wincing. I don't want my head to even move an inch. God it's agonizing.

I open one eye and close my eyes again. I lie back down gently and the pain fades to a full thump at the back of my mind.

I am in my room at the mansion. I sigh. Then everything comes back and tears start flowing down my cheeks. The petal like curtains draw them selves as I shakily get out of bed upsetting my pounding head.

I am weak but I need to go. I step into my my golden sandals which were laid carefully on the floor. I grab my sword from the bedside holding on tightly to settle my now spinning head.

Making short work of the stairs, I quickly cross the yard fast entering deep into the forest and I don't stop running until I find the tree that would lead me to my destination.

Thank fully I meet no one even if it is early morning. Late birds. I step through it and my feet land on the soft grass. Only then do I let it all out.

I sink to my knees hugging my sword, no my mother's sword. Hiccups and sobs I have been holding in wreck through my body am afraid I might explode.

I hold my midriff as I stand up making my way to the lotus river. I cry and howl so loudly. No one can hear me from here.

My head hurts so badly. It's not pounding but it feels like there's a demolition derby and buildings being knocked over in my head with a really loud bad band.

So does my body but my heart hurts most.

I can't believe I am remembering that horrible moment all over again. I can't believe they made me forget my brother, sister, Aunt. My family. It all hurts so bad and I agreed to it.

All the lies inside my head. It's all been a lie. More sobs wreck my body. I lay down and curl into a ball as I sob more. I am in so much pain.

As the memories keep flashing before my eyes, I hurt more and agonize, I howl more. Remembering is so painful. But am not sure which is worse at this point, remembering or complete amnesia.

Sure it's nice to be clueless and not remember all the bad things. Almost like a new life. But there are things no matter how painful I don't want to forget.

Remembering is a pain, am not sure either whether it's a welcome or unwelcome pain.

I want to forget again but I also want to remember. Am torn. I curl more into myself crying.

I know I am alone here. I don't think anyone would bear to see me like this especially Temi. She'd be so heartbroken.

Our parents. All of them were lies.

Now I know what Maeve meant when she said everything will become clearer.

Something brushes the hair from my face.

I jump so fast unsheathing my sword in the process. Thoren stands infront of me unfazed by my sword but holding out a black handkerchief with a poker face. I blanch.

"How did you find me?"
I sniffle. My voice thick and barely audible. I lower the sword and drop it as more tears threaten to spill.

"I followed you."
He steps forward closing the distance between us and he gently wiped my tears. Well my Mom's sword now that I know. I remember.

"Why are you crying so much?"
More tears flow. It is so painful to remember.

"Hi, it's okay you don't have to tell me."
He croons as he tries to wipe more tears.

"I can show you."
I hiccup between sobs. I must be red.
I pick up the sword and move to the river bank getting my golden sandals wet.

If my memory serves me right I could do it like this because I didn't know what my light power would do to him. I used to do this countless times with Jake and Temi.