บท 5: Chapter 5

I open my eyes and see the face of an absolutely beautiful woman. She has long red hair that cascades down her back. And though her eyes are closed I know that they are green.

She is my sister Mera. It's been five years since that night. Five years since she made that promise to me. I reach over and place my hand on her cheek and enjoy the moment.

Eventually she wakes up and smiles upon seeing me. "Morning little brother." I smile in response. "Good morning Mera." I rise from my bed and sit at the edge. "Today is the day huh." She scoots over to sit beside me. "Today is the day." She says while putting her hand on my shoulder.

I look back at her with pleading eyes. "Are you sure about this? I mean you will be alone out there. What if-" she cuts me off with a hand. "We have already spoken about this, it must be done. Our people have suffered long enough. I have the power to save them, to save us all. To save you." She pulls me into a hug and I hug her tightly.

This is madness, how do they expect her to pull this off? She is one person, my sister and I don't want to lose her. "Forgive me, I just wish it didn't have to be you. I don't want to lose you."

She pulls my face up to meet hers. "Don't worry little brother. I will not fail you or our people. We are close now. Soon you will be free and hopefully cured. No, you will be cured. Then I'll take you to try all kinds of different foods."

I smile up at her and after a few moments we separate and she heads to her room to prepare for her departure. I just sit in bed and think back to all the moments we shared. Despite her busy schedule she makes time to share with me. Her weak feeble little brother. Even father has scolded her for in his words, wasting time on the boy when you should be training.

I stand and make my way to the vanity and look at my reflection. I'm so pale and skinny. Even my red hair looks a bit faded. I have not bothered to cut it so it reaches my lower back. Sunken cheeks and an overall sickly face.

I'm twelve but look like a malnourished eight year old. I have barely grown and my own reflection sickens me. The only thing that has kept me going is Mera. I feel absolutely nothing for my father. Especially since I remember what my late mother told him. What he promised her. He has failed me.

In all these years, I can count on one hand how many times father and I have spoken alone. He is always too busy. I stopped caring a long time ago about my father. And my supposed people, who can barely keep the sneer from their face can go to hell.

All I have is Mera and I am scared she will not succeed. Today is the day she leaves. If I'm being honest with myself, it's not that I'm afraid she will fail. It's that I will be all alone.

With a sigh I start my morning routine and get ready for the party. Father decided to throw a farewell/good luck party for Mera. And surprisingly I have been permitted to attend. I'm only going for Mera, this is her day.

I exit my room and make my way down to the main hall where everyone is at. I walk into the room and see all the influential people around my sister wishing her good luck. No one paid my arrival any attention. I make my way to the back of the room and find a place to sit. Out of sight out of mind.

As the party went on nobody asked where the prince was. Father didn't seem to care one way or the other. Eventually I got bored and decided to head back to my room. Once there I lay on my bed ready to take a nap. I had already said my goodbyes to Mera and I didn't want to be in that room.

An hour later my door opened but I pretended to be asleep. I hear footsteps nearing my bed. "I promise I will find a way to help you Naman. I will. Just wait a little longer for me okay. I won't take long, just wait for me. Goodbye little brother."

With that she left my room quietly. I hope she doesn't get hurt. Maybe she will find a cure for me. This is DC after all, who knows what is possible. Come back to me soon Mera. I'll be waiting.