Akila jolted awake breathing heavily. She had again dreamed about her Pa dying and to make matters worse when she woke up she didn't see him sitting on the rock like he always did
"Pa" she called out
"Paaa" she cried out as she stood up
She ran through forest to the ancient one's shrine. That was the only place her father could possibly be and him being there means he was going to get the water of purity for the old witch. She always hated her so much for putting her father through so much risk and like that wasn't enough she was still betrothed to her son as a way of paying back for the help she rendered them.
"Pa" she shouted as soon as she saw him
"Please don't go Pa" she threw herself into his arms, giving a tight hug
"They'll kill you this time, for real" she cried
"Akila" He pulled her away gently "it is only what has been written by the Moon that comes to pass, if my death has been written then so be it. I have no problem and only want you to be safe. and remember you must stay safe here till the moon says it's time"
"Pa" she cried out loud. Whatever the moon has written was a cursed story, it had taken away all the people whom she loved dearly.
She watched the witch cast a spell on the protection she had cast on the forest as her father walked out.
"Would you like to play with me?" Iman, the witch's son asked.
"No. Never" she replied angrily as she snuffled. Did he not see she was in a bad mood? And why did she have to be betrothed to such a thoughtless person
She stared at the witch angrily and ran back to her corner
...…
"Let me go! Let me out of here you witch. Why isn't he back yet. you killed him, you killed him you witch" She screamed as she cried
"Akila, I'm sorry" Iman said gently
"I don't need your sorry, just bring my Pa back" she cried
The witch angered by the words of Akila stepped out making Iman surprised because his mother never steps out of her shrine due her illness
"Your father should have brought the water by now. I don't find joy in him not coming back because that way I also die" the old woman stuttered
Before Akila could say a word she started reciting incantations, and In few minutes Akila was lying on the ground
"Akila!!" Iman shouted as he ran towards her "Ma what have you done" he cried
"She's not dead. I only extracted all her painful memories for a while so she doesn't hurt you and also focuses on what her Pa brought her here for"
"But Ma all her memories are full of pain, does that mean she wouldn't remember anything at all including us?"
"Yes, she'll believe whatever we say and be at peace too"
Iman looked at his mother with so much guilt. Whatever the case was, Akila is entitled to her memories, however painful they were.
"Take her to her corner" the witch said.
She grunted from the pain she felt and cussed at Pa Akila for not being successful with the water now she was going to wear out and die.