destined to die

chapter seven

Everyone seemed very different these past few days. Last night, no one scolded us for staying at the lake for too long. While the ceremonies are going on, the village feasts together. Maypole is my favourite out of all. We'll be doing it today. I woke up excited about it. As I got out of my house, I saw a lot of hustle and bustle going on. Peaking through a bunch of people standing around, I saw Vasila's family, greeting people, talking with them, telling them about the expedition they just came back from. My eyes searched for her. But where was she? I grew a bit panicky at not seeing her anywhere. "Looking for me?", a voice came from behind me. It's fascinating how I recognised it in a millisecond although I barely ever got to hear it. Without thinking twice, I hugged it. It took her aback. "How have you been?", she asked, hugging me back.
"Good. I'm glad you're back. At least for the last few hours."
I hurt her by saying that. I knew I would. But I couldn't keep it inside of me.
"I know", she replied, "I wish it was possible for me to spend a lot more time with you. But I also know, you understand that I had to leave you. You understand it's important for all of us to fulfil our life's purpose. The one we're all born to serve."
I knew she was right. I nodded in agreement. And I also knew what that message meant.
A grand feast was prepared that day. I wonder if it was just me who saw the glum in everyone's eyes. I wonder if it was because of what was about to come.
I felt great to do the maypole. It always felt like a welcome to spring and beginnings.
After the merrymaking subsided, Vasila and I went to the flower field. She loved making flower crowns. As we were plucking the flowers, she told me about how she was planning to go along with her parents the next time. "That's stupid!", I almost screamed at her. "You're not as skilled as they are as of yet and you wouldn't be able to fight back or protect yourself if you need too. You'll be safer here in the village!"
"You'd want me to stay here all my life if it was in your hands. I want to be with them. I miss them when they're away. Besides, I know why you're angry about it. You may not be around after...". She didn't complete but I understood. We stood there, meekly staring at each other. Unable to comfort or console each other.
"Yeah...I get the missing part. I miss them too. Both of them. But still, please don't risk your life! If you go with them, I'll come back to haunt you as a spirit."
She laughed at that. But she didn't agree to not going with her parents. It was hard to change her mind once she was commited to something.
I started braiding the flowers back to make the crown.