When Keiko was small she used to love to sit and listen to her mother's stories. Mostly about a place called Malcora the place where dreams and wishes came true. Where dragons and magical beings roamed the land.
"Malcora is a beautiful place, Keiko. It would be wonderful if you could see it too. It's where I grew up. The place where the trees smell of pine and fresh wind could be felt dancing around you playfully if you stood still you could hear the ambient sound of Malcora."
Her mom would talk hours upon hours about Malcora and the crazy adventures she had gone on when she was a teenager. She remembered her mother's warm happy smile and how her soft touch would always bring warmth to her heart.
"I love you MamĂĄ." Keiko would say. "I love you too Keiko." Her mother would reply.
But at last, those were all fairy tales her mother would make up to keep her young mind entertained. If only those happy memories had lasted. There was no such thing as Malcora no such things like dragons or magical beings. Everything was torn down by utter sheer cruel reality everything mother had said was a fantasy. Her mother was delusional and that was scientifically proven when her mother became ill. Her illness slowly became worse to the point where she would stare out the window into nothingness. What broke keikos' heart into bits and pieces was when she would call out to her, but her mother wouldn't know who she was. Keiko didn't show how hurt she was she would only smile brightly and remind her mother who she was. Every day when she returned home from school she would look after her mom. She would talk to her even though sometimes she was unresponsive, bathe her, brush her hair, and feed her just like she had done when she was a child. When Keiko would go to school or do a part-time job she would have someone take care of her mom. They weren't well of but some of it was paid by the government due to the fact that her mom had a rare illness.
Keiko didn't know her dad's name her mom would never mention him. She dared not ask even though she was curious. She had somehow learned to avoid that question due to her mom looking sad every time she brought up the question of her dad. She stopped being interested along time ago from what she knew it was only her and her mom.
The day was sunny not a cloud in the sky. The wind stood eerily still. Keiko thought that if she closed her eyes and listen maybe she might hear the ambient sound of Malcora. She laughed at the silly thought. She kissed her mom goodbye gave the caretaker simple directions and left to school. Who knew that on this calm sunny day her mom would give her last breath of life.